Newborns - Health and Well-being
Mental Health
Mental wellness is as important to overall well-being as physical health, social and emotional connectedness, and intellectual accomplishment. Many moms experience symptoms of depression after giving birth, commonly called postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression can begin just after birth and may last up to fourteen months or longer after giving birth. Some symptoms of postpartum depression include anxiety, worry, sleeping problems, difficulty caring for your child, changes in your eating habits and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Many women do not talk about how they are feeling because they may be embarrassed, ashamed or might think these symptoms are a normal part of mothering.
If you suspect that you may have a mental health concern, there are a number of Manitoban resources in place to help. It is a good idea to contact a health care provider immediately. With the right supports, most women recover fully from postpartum depression.
- Mental Health General Information
- Managing the Stress of Family Responsibilities - For Women
- Busy lives and the Women Who Lead Them – Many women will grow and change through a variety of significant roles, including wife, mother and employee. Each role places different demands on a woman's time, and is often associated with changes in physical activity levels.
Postpartum Supports
The postpartum period is the time after birth when the mother's body, including hormone levels and uterus size, return to pre-pregnancy conditions. Generally, the postpartum period extends for about six to eight weeks.
- Helpful Websites and Publications
- In Crisis?
- Myths of Motherhood
- Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba (PPDAM) – Postpartum Depression (PPD) is recognized as the most common complication of childbirth, affecting an estimated 15% of families. PPD can happen any time within the first year after birth. There are many different types of mental health issues a mother can experience, aside from PPD. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can lead to a full recovery.
- Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum Depression - Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Inc.
- Postpartum Depression - Canadian Mental Health Association
- Regional Mental Health Crisis Lines
- Suicide Prevention – Find out the signs that tell you someone may be at risk for suicide and what you can do to prevent it.