Perinatal Wellbeing - The Podcast about Prenatal, Pregnancy & Postpartum Health Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:04:48 -0500 http://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca en-ca © 2026 Perinatal Wellbeing - The Podcast about Prenatal, Pregnancy & Postpartum Health yes Support this Podcast 2e9cba1f-6aba-507c-bfe0-f4c21a9ee7a2 Christine Cunningham episodic false Let's talk about Prenatal, Pregnancy and Postpartum health! This podcast is all about authentic conversations centred on Perinatal health and wellbeing; from mood and anxiety disorders, to breastfeeding challenges, to grief and loss in the Perinatal period and literally everything in between! This is the place to have real and honest conversations about these experiences so we can break down barriers to accessing treatment and crush stigma! I open these conversations up by sharing my knowledge as a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, interviewing others with lived experience and talking with colleagues who also work in the Perinatal field supporting clients and sharing their wisdom. You will walk away with more knowledge and understanding of the Perinatal period and ideas for coping with the many challenges that can come up in this period. You are not alone and there is a community of support waiting for you! For more information about Perinatal Wellbeing visit our website www.perinatalwellbeing.ca. If you want to submit a question to be answered on a future podcast please email me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca. ]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Perinatal, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Prenatal, PMAD, Mental Health, Sexual Health, Physical Health, Birth Trauma, Grief, Pregnancy Loss, Fertility Challenges Christine Cunningham https://storage.buzzsprout.com/cffvqv24rwgi18ea2m6mzaupw6h4?.jpg Perinatal Wellbeing - The Podcast about Prenatal, Pregnancy & Postpartum Health http://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca Christine Cunningham Mothering Without a Mother Mothering Without a Mother Send a text

Content Warning:
Cancer, death, losing a parent, mention of miscarriage, perinatal loss

Description:
On today’s episode of the PWO Podcast, Kate Love joins me to share her story of navigating the loss of a parent and becoming a parent herself. 

Highlights: 

1:28 - Kate introduces herself

5:24 - Kate shares her story of her mom’s cancer diagnosis as she became pregnant

10:42 - Grieving and how Kate carries her mom with her and her mom’s passing

16:09 - Death phobia, grief in the Perinatal Period.

28:57 - The timeline of grief, “grief isn’t fixable.”

36:42 - Legacy and grief rituals

42:43 - Being aware of our own mortality and parenting little ones

49:16 - Kate’s advice to people grieving and people supporting those who are grieving

50:37 - Kate’s favourite memory of her mom, Mimi

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
You can find Kate on Instagram @katelovestherapy 

Be Ceremonial App - https://www.beceremonial.com/ 

Book: Crying at H Mart by Michelle Zauner 

Book: When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön

Book: When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown

Book: Grief is Love: Living with Loss by Marissa Renee Lee

Andrea Warnick https://andreawarnick.com/ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International atwww.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist onwww.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning:
Cancer, death, losing a parent, mention of miscarriage, perinatal loss

Description:
On today’s episode of the PWO Podcast, Kate Love joins me to share her story of navigating the loss of a parent and becoming a parent herself. 

Highlights: 

1:28 - Kate introduces herself

5:24 - Kate shares her story of her mom’s cancer diagnosis as she became pregnant

10:42 - Grieving and how Kate carries her mom with her and her mom’s passing

16:09 - Death phobia, grief in the Perinatal Period.

28:57 - The timeline of grief, “grief isn’t fixable.”

36:42 - Legacy and grief rituals

42:43 - Being aware of our own mortality and parenting little ones

49:16 - Kate’s advice to people grieving and people supporting those who are grieving

50:37 - Kate’s favourite memory of her mom, Mimi

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
You can find Kate on Instagram @katelovestherapy 

Be Ceremonial App - https://www.beceremonial.com/ 

Book: Crying at H Mart by Michelle Zauner 

Book: When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön

Book: When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown

Book: Grief is Love: Living with Loss by Marissa Renee Lee

Andrea Warnick https://andreawarnick.com/ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International atwww.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist onwww.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-14208324 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500 3193 3 4 full false Stress Around Holidays with Anneke Stress Around Holidays with Anneke Send a text

On today's episode, I am joined once again by Anneke to discuss the stress that the holidays can bring. 
 We chat about the pressures of "the perfect celebrations," the weight of capitalism on gift-giving, and the unique mental load parents carry during the season.

 
Highlights: 
2:03 - Anneke's experience with celebrating holidays 
6:47 - Capitalism and the impact on gift giving as parents
11:52 - Traditions and social norms and how isolating they can be
28:31 - Mental load of parenting and managing holidays

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode, don't hesitate to contact me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca, and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

On today's episode, I am joined once again by Anneke to discuss the stress that the holidays can bring. 
 We chat about the pressures of "the perfect celebrations," the weight of capitalism on gift-giving, and the unique mental load parents carry during the season.

 
Highlights: 
2:03 - Anneke's experience with celebrating holidays 
6:47 - Capitalism and the impact on gift giving as parents
11:52 - Traditions and social norms and how isolating they can be
28:31 - Mental load of parenting and managing holidays

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode, don't hesitate to contact me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca, and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-14008713 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500 3100 holidays, stress, perinatal, burnout, gift-giving, traditions, seasonal, mentalload, 3 3 full false Parenting with a Visual Disability with Elaine Parenting with a Visual Disability with Elaine Send a text

Content Warning: 
suicidal ideation, CAS involvement

Episode description:
On today’s episode I am talking with Elaine about the often unspoken challenges of parenting with a disability. From discovering her pregnancy at seven months to confronting societal stereotypes and medical assumptions, Elaine's story is a testament to resilience and the power of unwavering determination.

Highlights: 

1:44 - How Elaine came into parenting,
5:24 - Elaine found out she was 7 months pregnant,
10:45 - Doctor’s assumptions about parenting with a disability, seeking out a midwife,
24:35 - Elaine’s support system,
31:32 - Elaine experienced depression during pregnancy and suicidal ideation, she was isolated and felt more alone,
34:50 - Welcoming a second baby, experiencing mental illness postpartum, parenting during the pandemic,
41:04 - Elaine had support from CAS with her first child but wasn’t able to access support for her 2nd child, she received support from Safe Families Canada,
46:35 - Parenting a child with a disability, restrictions in the school system,
57:51 - Advocating for herself as a disabled parent and for a disabled child and burnout,
1:04:05 - How does Elaine’s disability impact her parenting,
1:09:37 - Coming to terms with that Elaine’s “just a parent”, society not valuing paid work,
1:19:26 - What does Elaine think is needed for resources for parents with a disability; finding a community/support groups, more supports for single parents with a disability, connecting to mainstream supports.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Healthy Babies Healthy Children - https://www.ontario.ca/page/healthy-babies-healthy-children-program 

Safe Families Canada - https://safefamiliescanada.com/ 

Living Diverse Podcast CNIB - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/cnib-podcast-network/id1548337187  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: 
suicidal ideation, CAS involvement

Episode description:
On today’s episode I am talking with Elaine about the often unspoken challenges of parenting with a disability. From discovering her pregnancy at seven months to confronting societal stereotypes and medical assumptions, Elaine's story is a testament to resilience and the power of unwavering determination.

Highlights: 

1:44 - How Elaine came into parenting,
5:24 - Elaine found out she was 7 months pregnant,
10:45 - Doctor’s assumptions about parenting with a disability, seeking out a midwife,
24:35 - Elaine’s support system,
31:32 - Elaine experienced depression during pregnancy and suicidal ideation, she was isolated and felt more alone,
34:50 - Welcoming a second baby, experiencing mental illness postpartum, parenting during the pandemic,
41:04 - Elaine had support from CAS with her first child but wasn’t able to access support for her 2nd child, she received support from Safe Families Canada,
46:35 - Parenting a child with a disability, restrictions in the school system,
57:51 - Advocating for herself as a disabled parent and for a disabled child and burnout,
1:04:05 - How does Elaine’s disability impact her parenting,
1:09:37 - Coming to terms with that Elaine’s “just a parent”, society not valuing paid work,
1:19:26 - What does Elaine think is needed for resources for parents with a disability; finding a community/support groups, more supports for single parents with a disability, connecting to mainstream supports.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Healthy Babies Healthy Children - https://www.ontario.ca/page/healthy-babies-healthy-children-program 

Safe Families Canada - https://safefamiliescanada.com/ 

Living Diverse Podcast CNIB - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/cnib-podcast-network/id1548337187  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13861094 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0400 5497 ParentingWithADisability, support, parenthood, menta health, disabled parents, blind, blindness, breakingStereotypes, postpartum, challenges, inclusion, 3 2 full false Changing the Narrative Around Motherhood with Amanda Gurman Changing the Narrative Around Motherhood with Amanda Gurman Send a text

Content Warning: c-section, medical procedures, swearing, rage, mental illness

On today’s episode I am talking with Amanda Gurman who hosts the podcast Honest as a Mother, about her introduction to motherhood and the impact on her mental health. Amanda shares honestly and openly about her experiences with postpartum anxiety, depression and rage as well as how her recent diagnosis with ADHD impacts her parenting. Amanda also talks about her recovery and how she supports new parents by talking about the realities of parenting and how she is trying to change the narrative around motherhood. Amanda is an author (check out her books in the show notes), a podcast editor, a mom and an amazing person! 

Highlights: 

1:21 - Amanda’s introduction to motherhood; c-section, challenges with nursing,
6:56 - Changing the narrative around motherhood, not loving the work of parenting,
12:47 - Giving permission to do what works for me,
17:30 - Amanda had her daughter in 2016 and experienced irritability, anger, rage,
22:36 - Feeling not like yourself, intrusive thoughts, 
25:33 - Amanda was diagnosed with postpartum rage,
32:13 - Amanda was recently diagnosed with ADHD, 
37:22 - We all struggle with parenting, now Amanda puts herself first,
39:15 - Relationship dynamics with her husband, husband needed support
43:08 - Coming to terms with the experience of postpartum rage/anxiety/depression,
44:17 - Grief around that period of time,
55:29 - Amanda’s recovery; therapy and ADHD, Amanda started writing, baby’s first birthday,
1:01:33 - Amanda’s writing and podcast Honest as a Mother,
1:09:51 - You’re not alone, it’s ok to not be ok, don’t be afraid to seek help.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Amanda on Instagram @amanda.gurman 

You can listen to Amanda’s podcast Honest as a Mother on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/honest-as-a-mother/id1516360281 

You can get Amanda’s Books Honest as a Mother Book 1 and 2 on Amazon (Book 2 was just released in September!) 
https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Amanda-Gurman/author/B0BG8WV4CS?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

And check out Momming Hard that Amanda co-authored

https://www.amazon.ca/MOMMING-HARD-Normalizing-Beautiful-Motherhood/dp/1777017769/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OZHKD4ZN1ZTK&keywords=Momming%20Hard&qid=1669733691&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=m%2Caps%2C827&sr=8-1 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 
You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: c-section, medical procedures, swearing, rage, mental illness

On today’s episode I am talking with Amanda Gurman who hosts the podcast Honest as a Mother, about her introduction to motherhood and the impact on her mental health. Amanda shares honestly and openly about her experiences with postpartum anxiety, depression and rage as well as how her recent diagnosis with ADHD impacts her parenting. Amanda also talks about her recovery and how she supports new parents by talking about the realities of parenting and how she is trying to change the narrative around motherhood. Amanda is an author (check out her books in the show notes), a podcast editor, a mom and an amazing person! 

Highlights: 

1:21 - Amanda’s introduction to motherhood; c-section, challenges with nursing,
6:56 - Changing the narrative around motherhood, not loving the work of parenting,
12:47 - Giving permission to do what works for me,
17:30 - Amanda had her daughter in 2016 and experienced irritability, anger, rage,
22:36 - Feeling not like yourself, intrusive thoughts, 
25:33 - Amanda was diagnosed with postpartum rage,
32:13 - Amanda was recently diagnosed with ADHD, 
37:22 - We all struggle with parenting, now Amanda puts herself first,
39:15 - Relationship dynamics with her husband, husband needed support
43:08 - Coming to terms with the experience of postpartum rage/anxiety/depression,
44:17 - Grief around that period of time,
55:29 - Amanda’s recovery; therapy and ADHD, Amanda started writing, baby’s first birthday,
1:01:33 - Amanda’s writing and podcast Honest as a Mother,
1:09:51 - You’re not alone, it’s ok to not be ok, don’t be afraid to seek help.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Amanda on Instagram @amanda.gurman 

You can listen to Amanda’s podcast Honest as a Mother on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/honest-as-a-mother/id1516360281 

You can get Amanda’s Books Honest as a Mother Book 1 and 2 on Amazon (Book 2 was just released in September!) 
https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Amanda-Gurman/author/B0BG8WV4CS?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

And check out Momming Hard that Amanda co-authored

https://www.amazon.ca/MOMMING-HARD-Normalizing-Beautiful-Motherhood/dp/1777017769/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OZHKD4ZN1ZTK&keywords=Momming%20Hard&qid=1669733691&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=m%2Caps%2C827&sr=8-1 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 
You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13791410 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0400 4323 perinatal wellbeing, postpartum, support, motherhood, challenges, postpartum rage, ADHD, Honest as a Mother Podcast, postpartum recovery, parenting realities, nursing, mental health, 3 1 full true Special: Roundtable Discussion Special: Roundtable Discussion Send a text

On today’s special bonus episode of the Perinatal Wellbeing Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by a panel of amazing guests, including Anneke Van Den Berg, Gabrielle Griffith, Laine Halpern Zisman, Lisette Weber, and Olivia Scobie. Together for this roundtable discussion, we delve into our pivotal roles in supporting our local communities across Ontario. 

We explore the everyday hurdles and obstacles individuals in these regions face to access vital perinatal mental health services. This candid conversation promises to shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and indispensable support networks that underpin the journey toward perinatal wellbeing. 

Please donate to the Climb here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/healthy-start-healthy-future-inc/p2p/COTDCanada/team/team-ontario-virtual/ 

Highlights: 

0:50 – Introductions 
9:33 – What barriers do you see when trying to access perinatal services? 
16:01 – Cultural norms and expectations. 
20:58 – The importance of educating professionals and caregivers on intrusive thoughts. 
32:12 – Accessibility of perinatal services. 
36:38 – When personal biases influence the care we provide and the impact on service users. 
55:46 – The system for help is broken, and organizations like PWO can better support people. 
1:05:51 – Survivors of trauma: Lack of trauma-informed care, how not to retraumatize. 
1:18:04 – What is needed for change to occur and make perinatal services more accessible? 


You can find our guests on Instagram below:

Gabrielle Griffith @yourqueerdoula
Lisette Weber @togetherwaterloo 
Laine Halpern Zisman @queerconceptions
Olivia Scobie @perinatalmentalhealthtrainings 
Anneke van den Berg @anneke.m.vandenberg 

Please check our directory for supports in Ontario https://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca/ontario-directory. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode, please email me so I can help you find support in your area or online. 

You can look for an individual therapist at www.psychologytoday.com. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, free online support groups, and a provider directory. 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

On today’s special bonus episode of the Perinatal Wellbeing Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by a panel of amazing guests, including Anneke Van Den Berg, Gabrielle Griffith, Laine Halpern Zisman, Lisette Weber, and Olivia Scobie. Together for this roundtable discussion, we delve into our pivotal roles in supporting our local communities across Ontario. 

We explore the everyday hurdles and obstacles individuals in these regions face to access vital perinatal mental health services. This candid conversation promises to shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and indispensable support networks that underpin the journey toward perinatal wellbeing. 

Please donate to the Climb here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/healthy-start-healthy-future-inc/p2p/COTDCanada/team/team-ontario-virtual/ 

Highlights: 

0:50 – Introductions 
9:33 – What barriers do you see when trying to access perinatal services? 
16:01 – Cultural norms and expectations. 
20:58 – The importance of educating professionals and caregivers on intrusive thoughts. 
32:12 – Accessibility of perinatal services. 
36:38 – When personal biases influence the care we provide and the impact on service users. 
55:46 – The system for help is broken, and organizations like PWO can better support people. 
1:05:51 – Survivors of trauma: Lack of trauma-informed care, how not to retraumatize. 
1:18:04 – What is needed for change to occur and make perinatal services more accessible? 


You can find our guests on Instagram below:

Gabrielle Griffith @yourqueerdoula
Lisette Weber @togetherwaterloo 
Laine Halpern Zisman @queerconceptions
Olivia Scobie @perinatalmentalhealthtrainings 
Anneke van den Berg @anneke.m.vandenberg 

Please check our directory for supports in Ontario https://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca/ontario-directory. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode, please email me so I can help you find support in your area or online. 

You can look for an individual therapist at www.psychologytoday.com. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, free online support groups, and a provider directory. 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13731245 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400 5312 Perinatal Wellbeing, mental health awareness, fundraising, climb, climb out of the darkness, community support, trauma, trauma-informed care, accessibility, e 3 0 bonus false Special: Climb Out of the Darkness Event, Episode 2 Special: Climb Out of the Darkness Event, Episode 2 Send a text

 Please donate to the Climb here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/healthy-start-healthy-future-inc/p2p/COTDCanada/team/team-ontario-virtual/

Episode Description:

Today’s episode is a special one for PWO’s Climb Out of the Darkness fundraising event. On these 2 bonus episodes we are going to talk about accessing different types of supports in the Perinatal period when we are experiencing symptoms of a mood and anxiety disorder.  

On today’s episode I am so excited to have Amber Sperling talking about the benefits of individual therapy and Kelley Hassanpour about the benefits of group work and group therapy.

Highlights:

Amber Sperling discusses the benefits of Individual therapy:
2:13 - Introducing Amber
2:32 - Amber shares her story of challenges when having her babies
7:06 - Amber moved into working in the Perinatal Mental Health field
8:42 - What is individual therapy?
19:16 - How can people access individual therapy in Ontario?
27:06 – Transition between segments

Kelley Hassanpour discusses the benefits of Group Therapy:
27:10 - Introducing Kelley
27:37 - Kelley’s experience with PPA, accessing private therapy and how to do that
30:29 - Finding a therapist that aligns with your values
35:17 - Kelley’s shift in her professional life, developing groups for new parents
39:46 - What does Kelley see that clients take away from groups
43:39 - The benefits of our NICU therapy group

You can reach all of our guests below:
 Karin Thoms
Instagram @karin_pwo
Email: peersupport@perinatalwellbeing.ca
https://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca/group-peer-support
Dr. Niki Nephin
Website https://nikithenaturopath.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nikinephinND/
Instagram @nikithenaturopath
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine https://ccnm.edu/
Kelley Hassanpour
Website https://www.parentingfromwithin.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParentingFromWithin
Instagram @parenting_from_within_
Amber Sperling
Website https://www.ambersperling.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081392572507
Instagram @amber.sperling.rsw
Allison Flynn-Bowman at Life With a Baby
Website www.lifewithababy.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LifeWithABaby
Instagram @lifewithababy
You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

 Please donate to the Climb here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/healthy-start-healthy-future-inc/p2p/COTDCanada/team/team-ontario-virtual/

Episode Description:

Today’s episode is a special one for PWO’s Climb Out of the Darkness fundraising event. On these 2 bonus episodes we are going to talk about accessing different types of supports in the Perinatal period when we are experiencing symptoms of a mood and anxiety disorder.  

On today’s episode I am so excited to have Amber Sperling talking about the benefits of individual therapy and Kelley Hassanpour about the benefits of group work and group therapy.

Highlights:

Amber Sperling discusses the benefits of Individual therapy:
2:13 - Introducing Amber
2:32 - Amber shares her story of challenges when having her babies
7:06 - Amber moved into working in the Perinatal Mental Health field
8:42 - What is individual therapy?
19:16 - How can people access individual therapy in Ontario?
27:06 – Transition between segments

Kelley Hassanpour discusses the benefits of Group Therapy:
27:10 - Introducing Kelley
27:37 - Kelley’s experience with PPA, accessing private therapy and how to do that
30:29 - Finding a therapist that aligns with your values
35:17 - Kelley’s shift in her professional life, developing groups for new parents
39:46 - What does Kelley see that clients take away from groups
43:39 - The benefits of our NICU therapy group

You can reach all of our guests below:
 Karin Thoms
Instagram @karin_pwo
Email: peersupport@perinatalwellbeing.ca
https://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca/group-peer-support
Dr. Niki Nephin
Website https://nikithenaturopath.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nikinephinND/
Instagram @nikithenaturopath
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine https://ccnm.edu/
Kelley Hassanpour
Website https://www.parentingfromwithin.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParentingFromWithin
Instagram @parenting_from_within_
Amber Sperling
Website https://www.ambersperling.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081392572507
Instagram @amber.sperling.rsw
Allison Flynn-Bowman at Life With a Baby
Website www.lifewithababy.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LifeWithABaby
Instagram @lifewithababy
You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13688926 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0400 3026 Perinatal Wellbeing, climb, Climb out of the Darkness, mental health, individual, therapy, pstpartum, support 3 0 bonus false Special: Climb Out of the Darkness Event: Episode 1 Special: Climb Out of the Darkness Event: Episode 1 Send a text

 Please donate to the Climb here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/healthy-start-healthy-future-inc/p2p/COTDCanada/team/team-ontario-virtual/

Description:
Today’s episode is a special one for PWO’s Climb Out of the Darkness fundraising event. On these 2 bonus episodes we are going to talk about accessing different types of supports in the Perinatal period when we are experiencing symptoms of a mood and anxiety disorder.  

Highlights:
Karin Thoms discusses the benefits of Peer Support:
2:13 - Introducing Karin
2:55 - Karin story with PPD PPA; accessing individual therapy after 1st and 2nd baby,
5:13 - Accessing peer support and the magic of group support,
11:06 - Karin describes the peer support program that she accessed,
14:12 - Karin’s peer support work through PWO,
17:59 - What advice would you give to someone who’s hesitant to reach out for help?20:28 – Transition between segments
Dr. Niki Nephin discusses the benefits of Naturopathic Support:
20:33 -  Introducing Niki
21:17 - The challenges that Niki sees when accessing PMH supports in Ontario
24:22 - Approaching perinatal mental health support with a naturopathic doctor including:
24:46 - Systems approach
26:00 - Physical support
35:10 - Looking at what was going on before baby and how that shows up postpartum
39:50 - How the system is not working for us
46:46 - How can people access a Naturopathic Doctor if finances are a barrier
50:34 – Transition between segments
Allison Flynn-Bowman talks about Life With a Baby and grassroots fundraising:
50:30 - Introducing Allison Flynn-Bowman – what brought her into this work.
57:48 - What is LWAB – Life With a Baby?
59:42 - What is coming up for LWAB
1:03:18 - What is the Climb Out of the Darkness campaign?
1:10:32 - The struggles with fundraising for grassroots organizations

You can reach all of our guests below:
Karin Thoms
Instagram @karin_pwo
Email: peersupport@perinatalwellbeing.ca
https://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca/group-peer-support
Dr. Niki Nephin
Website https://nikithenaturopath.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nikinephinND/
Instagram @nikithenaturopath
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine https://ccnm.edu/
Kelley Hassanpour
Website https://www.parentingfromwithin.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParentingFromWithin
Instagram @parenting_from_within_
Amber Sperling
Website https://www.ambersperling.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081392572507
Instagram @amber.sperling.rsw
Allison Flynn-Bowman at Life With a Baby
Website www.lifewithababy.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LifeWithABaby
Instagram @lifewithababy
You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email

Support the show

]]> Send a text

 Please donate to the Climb here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/healthy-start-healthy-future-inc/p2p/COTDCanada/team/team-ontario-virtual/

Description:
Today’s episode is a special one for PWO’s Climb Out of the Darkness fundraising event. On these 2 bonus episodes we are going to talk about accessing different types of supports in the Perinatal period when we are experiencing symptoms of a mood and anxiety disorder.  

Highlights:
Karin Thoms discusses the benefits of Peer Support:
2:13 - Introducing Karin
2:55 - Karin story with PPD PPA; accessing individual therapy after 1st and 2nd baby,
5:13 - Accessing peer support and the magic of group support,
11:06 - Karin describes the peer support program that she accessed,
14:12 - Karin’s peer support work through PWO,
17:59 - What advice would you give to someone who’s hesitant to reach out for help?20:28 – Transition between segments
Dr. Niki Nephin discusses the benefits of Naturopathic Support:
20:33 -  Introducing Niki
21:17 - The challenges that Niki sees when accessing PMH supports in Ontario
24:22 - Approaching perinatal mental health support with a naturopathic doctor including:
24:46 - Systems approach
26:00 - Physical support
35:10 - Looking at what was going on before baby and how that shows up postpartum
39:50 - How the system is not working for us
46:46 - How can people access a Naturopathic Doctor if finances are a barrier
50:34 – Transition between segments
Allison Flynn-Bowman talks about Life With a Baby and grassroots fundraising:
50:30 - Introducing Allison Flynn-Bowman – what brought her into this work.
57:48 - What is LWAB – Life With a Baby?
59:42 - What is coming up for LWAB
1:03:18 - What is the Climb Out of the Darkness campaign?
1:10:32 - The struggles with fundraising for grassroots organizations

You can reach all of our guests below:
Karin Thoms
Instagram @karin_pwo
Email: peersupport@perinatalwellbeing.ca
https://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca/group-peer-support
Dr. Niki Nephin
Website https://nikithenaturopath.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nikinephinND/
Instagram @nikithenaturopath
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine https://ccnm.edu/
Kelley Hassanpour
Website https://www.parentingfromwithin.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParentingFromWithin
Instagram @parenting_from_within_
Amber Sperling
Website https://www.ambersperling.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081392572507
Instagram @amber.sperling.rsw
Allison Flynn-Bowman at Life With a Baby
Website www.lifewithababy.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LifeWithABaby
Instagram @lifewithababy
You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13688855 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0400 4846 Perinatal Wellbeing, mental health awareness, naturopathic, baby, fundraising, climb, 3 0 bonus false Gabriella Talks about Navigating the Loss of her Sister in the Postpartum Period Gabriella Talks about Navigating the Loss of her Sister in the Postpartum Period Send a text

Gabriella Carafa, MSW, PMH-C is a social worker, psychotherapist and consultant working with people in the perinatal period experiencing mental health issues as well as parents with disabilities. Gabriella welcomed her daughter 2 years ago and then at 3.5 months postpartum lost her sister to an opiate overdose. Gabriella shares her story of love and loss while trying to juggle adjusting to parenthood and grieving the loss of her sister simultaneously. I’m so grateful to Gabriella for sharing her story in a vulnerable and authentic way.   

Content Warning: Death, grief, opiate overdose, substance use/misuse, addiction, trauma

Highlights: 

1:52 - Gabriella introduces herself and how professional and personal lives intersect

4:09 - Gabriella shares her story of becoming a parent and about her relationship with her sister

10:00 - Feeling guilt about her sister’s journey and passing (might have to edit some out here)

13:59 - Gabriella’s postpartum experience and heightened anxiety

17:41 - Gabriella’s sister passed away

24:14 - Grief in the postpartum period and having to be grateful because there was a baby 

38:48 - Having compassion for her sister and herself

44:23 - Grief in the perinatal period related to loss and becoming a parent

52:15 - How losing her sister impacted her postpartum period

1:06:04 - Grief rituals and making meaning post loss

1:17:05 - Gabriella shares her favourite memories of her sister

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can reach Gabriella by email at gcarafa.rsw@gmail.com

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Gabriella Carafa, MSW, PMH-C is a social worker, psychotherapist and consultant working with people in the perinatal period experiencing mental health issues as well as parents with disabilities. Gabriella welcomed her daughter 2 years ago and then at 3.5 months postpartum lost her sister to an opiate overdose. Gabriella shares her story of love and loss while trying to juggle adjusting to parenthood and grieving the loss of her sister simultaneously. I’m so grateful to Gabriella for sharing her story in a vulnerable and authentic way.   

Content Warning: Death, grief, opiate overdose, substance use/misuse, addiction, trauma

Highlights: 

1:52 - Gabriella introduces herself and how professional and personal lives intersect

4:09 - Gabriella shares her story of becoming a parent and about her relationship with her sister

10:00 - Feeling guilt about her sister’s journey and passing (might have to edit some out here)

13:59 - Gabriella’s postpartum experience and heightened anxiety

17:41 - Gabriella’s sister passed away

24:14 - Grief in the postpartum period and having to be grateful because there was a baby 

38:48 - Having compassion for her sister and herself

44:23 - Grief in the perinatal period related to loss and becoming a parent

52:15 - How losing her sister impacted her postpartum period

1:06:04 - Grief rituals and making meaning post loss

1:17:05 - Gabriella shares her favourite memories of her sister

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can reach Gabriella by email at gcarafa.rsw@gmail.com

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13505028 Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0400 4805 death, loss, grief, losspostpartum, parentswithdisabilities, supportsforparents, supportsforparentswithdisabilities 2 36 full false Real Talk About the Physical Changes in Pregnancy and Post Birth Real Talk About the Physical Changes in Pregnancy and Post Birth Send a text

Content Warning: Medical procedures, c-section procedures, physical functions, swearing, gendered language, poop talk, swearing

To say that I’m excited for today’s episode would be an understatement. This is my dream episode because I just want to be real about the physical changes that come with pregnancy, birth and post birth. I love real talk and I love humour and Anneke brings both of those into whatever she does. Anneke van den Berg is a mother of 4, who made her home in Canada over 15 years ago. Originally from the Netherlands, adjusting to life in Canada was difficult and lonely, but it has become home. Mental health has been a struggle for her throughout all her pregnancies and postpartum, partly due to isolation and being an immigrant. Using these experiences to relate to others, parents specifically, has given her a sense of purpose and helped her healing process. There is SO much more we want to talk about but here is what came up in today’s episode! Let us know your thoughts and what you would love other expecting parents to know!

Highlights:  

3:21 - Constipation postpartum and fear of a bowel movement postpartum

9:27 - C-section healing; Anneke had a c-section wound 

16:20 - Impact of motherhood as martyr on processing our birthing experiences

20:20 - Physical changes to our body postpartum; our organs going back into place, contractions during nursing 

29:17 - More about the motherhood as martyr impact on us and how this translates to feeling guilt and pressure as a pregnant person

38:45 - Intimacy postpartum

49:12 - Periods changing after babies

53:16 - Pregnancy symptoms getting worse with each pregnancy

59:22 - Final thoughts on what we want people to know about pregnancy and postpartum

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can reach Anneke by email at annekepwo@gmail.com. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Medical procedures, c-section procedures, physical functions, swearing, gendered language, poop talk, swearing

To say that I’m excited for today’s episode would be an understatement. This is my dream episode because I just want to be real about the physical changes that come with pregnancy, birth and post birth. I love real talk and I love humour and Anneke brings both of those into whatever she does. Anneke van den Berg is a mother of 4, who made her home in Canada over 15 years ago. Originally from the Netherlands, adjusting to life in Canada was difficult and lonely, but it has become home. Mental health has been a struggle for her throughout all her pregnancies and postpartum, partly due to isolation and being an immigrant. Using these experiences to relate to others, parents specifically, has given her a sense of purpose and helped her healing process. There is SO much more we want to talk about but here is what came up in today’s episode! Let us know your thoughts and what you would love other expecting parents to know!

Highlights:  

3:21 - Constipation postpartum and fear of a bowel movement postpartum

9:27 - C-section healing; Anneke had a c-section wound 

16:20 - Impact of motherhood as martyr on processing our birthing experiences

20:20 - Physical changes to our body postpartum; our organs going back into place, contractions during nursing 

29:17 - More about the motherhood as martyr impact on us and how this translates to feeling guilt and pressure as a pregnant person

38:45 - Intimacy postpartum

49:12 - Periods changing after babies

53:16 - Pregnancy symptoms getting worse with each pregnancy

59:22 - Final thoughts on what we want people to know about pregnancy and postpartum

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can reach Anneke by email at annekepwo@gmail.com. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13379662 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400 3909 c-section wound, constipation, pregnancy, birth, truth about pregnancy, truth about postpartum, intimacy postpartum, pregnancy recovery, motherhood as martyr 2 36 full true Navigating Plus Size Pregnancy and a Fat Phobic Midwife: Chelsey’s Story Navigating Plus Size Pregnancy and a Fat Phobic Midwife: Chelsey’s Story Send a text

Content Warning: fat phobia, labour interventions, COVID delivery, birth trauma, post-birth hemorrhage 

On today’s episode, Chelsey Creed shares her experience of having her first baby as a plus size person and the fat phobia she faced from her midwife. Chelsey’s experience is so relatable in that a lot of gestational parents face fat phobia in their care and this has a big impact on how they feel about and relate to their bodies and their pregnancy journeys. Chelsey also talks about delivery after COVID hit, her experience as a first-time mom delivering a baby including induction, pain relief options, the impact of fat phobia on her care during delivery, and the scary experience of hemorrhaging post-delivery. Chelsey shares her story in an honest and open way and talks about how she approached the delivery of her second child. Thank you to Chelsey for shining a light on fat phobia in perinatal care!

Highlights: 

1:29 - Wanting and looking for a midwife for obstetric care

3:38 - Covid hit at 28 weeks; worrying about hospital policies for delivery, end of pregnancy during Covid

8:41 - Delivery started; not being informed about procedures and being told “you don’t know because this is your first baby”

15:45 - Midwife stated she couldn’t deliver baby because she didn’t write down her pre-pregnancy BMI, induction started and very intense and unable to move around due to interventions

22:25 - Chelsey went into freeze mode and was unable to advocate for herself

25:51 - Pain relief; morphine, epidural and how it felt

30:17 - Transferred care to OB from Midwife and getting to 10cm

32:10 - Pushing with no guidance and not being able to feel contractions

34:03 - Baby arrived after 3 hours of pushing, midwife thought baby would be big

45:08 - Post delivery; bonding with baby, tired, felt good

46:58 - 7 hours postpartum Chelsey started hemorrhaging, feeling very scared and helpless again, midwife said “I knew this would happen, but I was too tired so I went home”

50:12 - Midwifery care postpartum; baby lost too much weight had to transfer to pediatrician, decided to end midwifery care, was able to complain to midwife clinic

1:02:13 - Impact of this experience on her 2nd birth, Chelsey advocated for a new midwife and what she wanted in her care plan and labour and delivery plan and it was a healing experience

1:06:37 - Having a doula made a big difference in her support, thinking about mental preparation for 2nd birth

1:11:05 - Birth trauma is not your fault, you deserve quality care, you’re not alone, Chelsey went to therapy to process her experience. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: fat phobia, labour interventions, COVID delivery, birth trauma, post-birth hemorrhage 

On today’s episode, Chelsey Creed shares her experience of having her first baby as a plus size person and the fat phobia she faced from her midwife. Chelsey’s experience is so relatable in that a lot of gestational parents face fat phobia in their care and this has a big impact on how they feel about and relate to their bodies and their pregnancy journeys. Chelsey also talks about delivery after COVID hit, her experience as a first-time mom delivering a baby including induction, pain relief options, the impact of fat phobia on her care during delivery, and the scary experience of hemorrhaging post-delivery. Chelsey shares her story in an honest and open way and talks about how she approached the delivery of her second child. Thank you to Chelsey for shining a light on fat phobia in perinatal care!

Highlights: 

1:29 - Wanting and looking for a midwife for obstetric care

3:38 - Covid hit at 28 weeks; worrying about hospital policies for delivery, end of pregnancy during Covid

8:41 - Delivery started; not being informed about procedures and being told “you don’t know because this is your first baby”

15:45 - Midwife stated she couldn’t deliver baby because she didn’t write down her pre-pregnancy BMI, induction started and very intense and unable to move around due to interventions

22:25 - Chelsey went into freeze mode and was unable to advocate for herself

25:51 - Pain relief; morphine, epidural and how it felt

30:17 - Transferred care to OB from Midwife and getting to 10cm

32:10 - Pushing with no guidance and not being able to feel contractions

34:03 - Baby arrived after 3 hours of pushing, midwife thought baby would be big

45:08 - Post delivery; bonding with baby, tired, felt good

46:58 - 7 hours postpartum Chelsey started hemorrhaging, feeling very scared and helpless again, midwife said “I knew this would happen, but I was too tired so I went home”

50:12 - Midwifery care postpartum; baby lost too much weight had to transfer to pediatrician, decided to end midwifery care, was able to complain to midwife clinic

1:02:13 - Impact of this experience on her 2nd birth, Chelsey advocated for a new midwife and what she wanted in her care plan and labour and delivery plan and it was a healing experience

1:06:37 - Having a doula made a big difference in her support, thinking about mental preparation for 2nd birth

1:11:05 - Birth trauma is not your fault, you deserve quality care, you’re not alone, Chelsey went to therapy to process her experience. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13369482 Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400 4545 fat phobia, birth trauma, fat phobic midwife, postpartum hemorrhage, BMI 2 35 full true Talking Birth Trauma with Jen and Emma from Birth Trauma Ottawa Talking Birth Trauma with Jen and Emma from Birth Trauma Ottawa Send a text

Content Warning: Birth Trauma, Trauma responses, mention of c-section, medical procedures

Jen Gillean and Emma Fernando are the co-facilitators of Birth Trauma Ottawa. After connecting for the first time in 2017 at a birth trauma retreat, it was clear that they shared a similar passion to spread the word, provide resources and support those that had been affected by birth trauma. Hoping to find a way to help others by holding the heartache that comes with the unique experience of living with birth trauma, they created Birth Trauma Ottawa in 2022.  Birth Trauma Ottawa holds space for those struggling to navigate life after and related to birth trauma, loss and/or abortion experiences at any point in their perinatal journey and creates regular connection points for the community related to birth trauma. Here members can share their stories and challenges with peers and be met with compassion and understanding. Today, Jen, Emma and I are going to talk about birth trauma, what it is, what can the aftereffects of birth trauma look like, what help, support in community and treatment can look. If you have experienced birth trauma, you are not alone and there is hope for recovery. 

Highlights:

3:03 - How Jen and Emma met and starting Birth Trauma Ottawa

8:04 - The impact of the pandemic on birth people and traumatic experiences

11:45 - Risk factors to experiencing trauma

15:57 - What is birth trauma?

24:43 - Risk factors to experiencing trauma Pt. 2

26:44 - What is trauma? Nervous system responses

38:36 - What can the aftereffects of birth trauma look like (for example, high anxiety, PMADs, trauma responses, fear of another baby, etc.)

49:22 - What help, support and treatment can look like post birth trauma

59:07 - Support at Birth Trauma Ottawa

 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Jen and Emma and Birth Trauma Ottawa online at https://mailchi.mp/e46083061ba5/birthtraumaottawa and on Instagram @ birthtraumaottawa

You can find Jen on Instagram @Inthemomentwithjen

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online.

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Birth Trauma, Trauma responses, mention of c-section, medical procedures

Jen Gillean and Emma Fernando are the co-facilitators of Birth Trauma Ottawa. After connecting for the first time in 2017 at a birth trauma retreat, it was clear that they shared a similar passion to spread the word, provide resources and support those that had been affected by birth trauma. Hoping to find a way to help others by holding the heartache that comes with the unique experience of living with birth trauma, they created Birth Trauma Ottawa in 2022.  Birth Trauma Ottawa holds space for those struggling to navigate life after and related to birth trauma, loss and/or abortion experiences at any point in their perinatal journey and creates regular connection points for the community related to birth trauma. Here members can share their stories and challenges with peers and be met with compassion and understanding. Today, Jen, Emma and I are going to talk about birth trauma, what it is, what can the aftereffects of birth trauma look like, what help, support in community and treatment can look. If you have experienced birth trauma, you are not alone and there is hope for recovery. 

Highlights:

3:03 - How Jen and Emma met and starting Birth Trauma Ottawa

8:04 - The impact of the pandemic on birth people and traumatic experiences

11:45 - Risk factors to experiencing trauma

15:57 - What is birth trauma?

24:43 - Risk factors to experiencing trauma Pt. 2

26:44 - What is trauma? Nervous system responses

38:36 - What can the aftereffects of birth trauma look like (for example, high anxiety, PMADs, trauma responses, fear of another baby, etc.)

49:22 - What help, support and treatment can look like post birth trauma

59:07 - Support at Birth Trauma Ottawa

 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Jen and Emma and Birth Trauma Ottawa online at https://mailchi.mp/e46083061ba5/birthtraumaottawa and on Instagram @ birthtraumaottawa

You can find Jen on Instagram @Inthemomentwithjen

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online.

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13340537 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400 3916 2 34 full true Parenting with ADHD and BPD: Embracing the journey Parenting with ADHD and BPD: Embracing the journey Send a text

On today’s episode Lorraine Lowry talks about how her symptoms of ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) show up and impact her parenting. Lorraine is 3 years postpartum and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Lorraine was also diagnosed with BPD after her son was born. Lorraine shares that “it’s been a whirlwind learning who I am while trying to help him figure out who he is, especially when I see similar traits and I get scared for his future”.

Highlights:

1:36 – What is BPD/ADHD and how does Lorraine define them for herself

13:08 - How did BPD/ADHD affect Lorraine’s parenting

16:51 – Sensory issues, feeling touched out and overstimulated 

23:30 - Sleep vs rest - How lack of sleep impacted symptoms in postpartum period - Making a plan for postpartum coping

35:00 - Seeing symptoms in her son, guilt of hereditary symptoms

46:46 - What are the advantages of ADHD in parenting

1:00:31 – Advice for neurodivergent & neurotypical parents.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Lorraine on Instagram @bpdifferentmom and @llowryinspires

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

On today’s episode Lorraine Lowry talks about how her symptoms of ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) show up and impact her parenting. Lorraine is 3 years postpartum and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Lorraine was also diagnosed with BPD after her son was born. Lorraine shares that “it’s been a whirlwind learning who I am while trying to help him figure out who he is, especially when I see similar traits and I get scared for his future”.

Highlights:

1:36 – What is BPD/ADHD and how does Lorraine define them for herself

13:08 - How did BPD/ADHD affect Lorraine’s parenting

16:51 – Sensory issues, feeling touched out and overstimulated 

23:30 - Sleep vs rest - How lack of sleep impacted symptoms in postpartum period - Making a plan for postpartum coping

35:00 - Seeing symptoms in her son, guilt of hereditary symptoms

46:46 - What are the advantages of ADHD in parenting

1:00:31 – Advice for neurodivergent & neurotypical parents.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Lorraine on Instagram @bpdifferentmom and @llowryinspires

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13289741 Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400 4076 adhd, parenting, BPD, borderline personality disorder, sensory issues, emotion regulation 2 33 full true Divide and Conquer: Ashley and Adam's Strategy for Managing a Toddler, Twins and a NICU Stay Divide and Conquer: Ashley and Adam's Strategy for Managing a Toddler, Twins and a NICU Stay Send a text

Content Warning: C-section delivery, NICU stay, delivery during COVID, guilt, anxiety

🎙️Today’s episode is part 2 of Ashley and Adam’s story and their experience of staying in the NICU with one twin. Be sure to listen to last week’s episode where they discussed their journey to parenthood through a fertility journey. Ashley and Adam talk about the difficulty of having one twin in the NICU and one twin being discharged all with a toddler at home. Ashley and Adam continue to share honestly and openly about the impacts on their emotional and mental health throughout this next phase of their parenting journey. 

Highlights:  

0:55 - One twin had to go to NICU, Adam and Ashley having to divide and conquer

15:30 - Discharged with one baby, other baby transferred to another hospital

30:34 - Bringing baby home

37:57 - Impacts on mental health, Ashley’s experience with anxiety

49:23 - Adam’s experience with guilt in the postpartum period 

1:04:31 - How does this experience continue to impact you in the present day?

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
You can find Ashley and Adam on Instagram @ajherridge @adam.mets 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 


Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: C-section delivery, NICU stay, delivery during COVID, guilt, anxiety

🎙️Today’s episode is part 2 of Ashley and Adam’s story and their experience of staying in the NICU with one twin. Be sure to listen to last week’s episode where they discussed their journey to parenthood through a fertility journey. Ashley and Adam talk about the difficulty of having one twin in the NICU and one twin being discharged all with a toddler at home. Ashley and Adam continue to share honestly and openly about the impacts on their emotional and mental health throughout this next phase of their parenting journey. 

Highlights:  

0:55 - One twin had to go to NICU, Adam and Ashley having to divide and conquer

15:30 - Discharged with one baby, other baby transferred to another hospital

30:34 - Bringing baby home

37:57 - Impacts on mental health, Ashley’s experience with anxiety

49:23 - Adam’s experience with guilt in the postpartum period 

1:04:31 - How does this experience continue to impact you in the present day?

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
You can find Ashley and Adam on Instagram @ajherridge @adam.mets 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 


Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13114125 Wed, 05 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400 4257 twins, nicu stay, toddler, anxiety, guilt, grief 2 32 full true Adam and Ashley’s Journey Into Parenthood Adam and Ashley’s Journey Into Parenthood Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility challenges, fertility treatments, c-section delivery

On today’s episode, Ashley and Adam share their journey to becoming parents. It started with fertility challenges that they faced head on despite the many ups and downs they experienced. Ashley and Adam very candidly share about their fertility testing and treatments including IUI attempts and IVF resulting in the birth of their first child as well as twins! Ashley and Adam explore their feelings about all of the challenges and milestones they faced when becoming parents. I so appreciate their vulnerability and authenticity. Stay tuned for next episode which is part 2 of Ashley and Adam’s story.   

Highlights: 

1:19 - Ashley and Adam’s journey into parenting, fertility challenges

8:32 - Adam’s struggles with fertility and the mental health impacts

17:43 - IVF journey

25:31 - Finding out we’re pregnant 

31:50 - Delivery

38:02 - Trying for another baby

41:23 - Reaction to twins

48:22 – Donating the remaining embryos

51:56 - Twin Pregnancy and delivery via c-section 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
You can find Ashley and Adam on Instagram @ajherridge @adam.mets 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility challenges, fertility treatments, c-section delivery

On today’s episode, Ashley and Adam share their journey to becoming parents. It started with fertility challenges that they faced head on despite the many ups and downs they experienced. Ashley and Adam very candidly share about their fertility testing and treatments including IUI attempts and IVF resulting in the birth of their first child as well as twins! Ashley and Adam explore their feelings about all of the challenges and milestones they faced when becoming parents. I so appreciate their vulnerability and authenticity. Stay tuned for next episode which is part 2 of Ashley and Adam’s story.   

Highlights: 

1:19 - Ashley and Adam’s journey into parenting, fertility challenges

8:32 - Adam’s struggles with fertility and the mental health impacts

17:43 - IVF journey

25:31 - Finding out we’re pregnant 

31:50 - Delivery

38:02 - Trying for another baby

41:23 - Reaction to twins

48:22 – Donating the remaining embryos

51:56 - Twin Pregnancy and delivery via c-section 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
You can find Ashley and Adam on Instagram @ajherridge @adam.mets 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13114022 Sun, 02 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400 3797 IVF, IUI, fertility treatments, grief 2 31 full true Experiencing a NICU stay with Sydney Tricand Experiencing a NICU stay with Sydney Tricand Send a text

Content Warning: trauma, NICU stay, c-section, anxiety, challenges with nursing, grief

Sydney shares her story of having her first baby and experiencing a NICU stay with him. Sydney talks honestly and openly about the challenges she faced when welcoming her baby into the world. Sydney discusses the delivery, the experience of baby going to the NICU, how traumatic that was for her and how that experience impacted her mental and physical health. Sydney also talks about her challenges with nursing and the grief she experienced as a result of how her story unfolded. 

Highlights:

1:16 – Sydney shares what the lead up to the delivery was like 

2:11 – C-section delivery

6:36 - Worked with bereaved families and families in NICU previously

8:34 - Social norms of the NICU

10:11 – Discussing NICU experiences and not wanting to hear other trauma stories

15:10 – Sydney felt they were traumatized from their NICU stay

18:24 – Fear and anxiety around baby’s health 

20:23 - Impact of all the stress on Sydney’s recovery; including challenges with nursing and high blood pressure

24:56 – Anxiety and losing trust in our parenting following traumatic experiences

38:32 - Grief

56:30 - Sebastian’s 1st birthday

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online.  

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: trauma, NICU stay, c-section, anxiety, challenges with nursing, grief

Sydney shares her story of having her first baby and experiencing a NICU stay with him. Sydney talks honestly and openly about the challenges she faced when welcoming her baby into the world. Sydney discusses the delivery, the experience of baby going to the NICU, how traumatic that was for her and how that experience impacted her mental and physical health. Sydney also talks about her challenges with nursing and the grief she experienced as a result of how her story unfolded. 

Highlights:

1:16 – Sydney shares what the lead up to the delivery was like 

2:11 – C-section delivery

6:36 - Worked with bereaved families and families in NICU previously

8:34 - Social norms of the NICU

10:11 – Discussing NICU experiences and not wanting to hear other trauma stories

15:10 – Sydney felt they were traumatized from their NICU stay

18:24 – Fear and anxiety around baby’s health 

20:23 - Impact of all the stress on Sydney’s recovery; including challenges with nursing and high blood pressure

24:56 – Anxiety and losing trust in our parenting following traumatic experiences

38:32 - Grief

56:30 - Sebastian’s 1st birthday

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online.  

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13110487 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400 4675 NICU stay, c-section, grief, sadness, nursing challenges 2 30 full false Morgan’s Birth Story Morgan’s Birth Story Send a text

Content warning: Labour and delivery story, cervical checks, induction, post-delivery, placenta delivery and being stitched, medical issues, baby in special care unit

On today’s podcast episode Morgan Fancy, MA, RP she/her, shares her story of welcoming her little one into her family. I love hearing birth stories and people’s experiences of bringing their baby into the world! Morgan shares the ups and downs of birthing and becoming a parent in a real and authentic way. Take a listen and let us know what you think!

Highlights:

2:27 - Birth Story

4:49 - Induction

5:55 - Pre-baby work into coming to terms of not being in control

9:37 - Birth preferences vs birth plan

10:48 - Alternative pain Management – counter pressure, massage techniques

11:13 - Disappointing for Partner

12:02 - Asked for Epidural and it was too late

12:41 - Intensity of induction

14:30 - Cervical checks were difficult because of slow movement

15:46 - The mental journey of labour delivery

20:00 - Delivery and post delivery

21:04 - He weighed 5lbs

23:25 - Bonding and nursing, the golden hour, feel it was taken away - The pressure to nurse in that first hour

26:48 - WHY was baby so small? Lots of pressure from healthcare providers to find out the WHY

32:40 - Nursing experience - Baby was in special care unit, medical professionals wanting to monitor baby’s intake

37:26 - Partner being on same page, advocating for nursing

40:27 - Expectations of parenthood vs parenting from the self

Information overload and taking away from trusting ourselves

49:31 - Postpartum recovery went well. - Checking in with yourself at the 2 week mark

52:16 – The importance of 

57:50 - Biggest surprises about birthing a baby

1:01:21 - Taking care of yourself postpartum

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Morgan at info@fancytherapy.ca https://fancytherapy.ca/ and on Instagram        @fancy.therapy

 You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content warning: Labour and delivery story, cervical checks, induction, post-delivery, placenta delivery and being stitched, medical issues, baby in special care unit

On today’s podcast episode Morgan Fancy, MA, RP she/her, shares her story of welcoming her little one into her family. I love hearing birth stories and people’s experiences of bringing their baby into the world! Morgan shares the ups and downs of birthing and becoming a parent in a real and authentic way. Take a listen and let us know what you think!

Highlights:

2:27 - Birth Story

4:49 - Induction

5:55 - Pre-baby work into coming to terms of not being in control

9:37 - Birth preferences vs birth plan

10:48 - Alternative pain Management – counter pressure, massage techniques

11:13 - Disappointing for Partner

12:02 - Asked for Epidural and it was too late

12:41 - Intensity of induction

14:30 - Cervical checks were difficult because of slow movement

15:46 - The mental journey of labour delivery

20:00 - Delivery and post delivery

21:04 - He weighed 5lbs

23:25 - Bonding and nursing, the golden hour, feel it was taken away - The pressure to nurse in that first hour

26:48 - WHY was baby so small? Lots of pressure from healthcare providers to find out the WHY

32:40 - Nursing experience - Baby was in special care unit, medical professionals wanting to monitor baby’s intake

37:26 - Partner being on same page, advocating for nursing

40:27 - Expectations of parenthood vs parenting from the self

Information overload and taking away from trusting ourselves

49:31 - Postpartum recovery went well. - Checking in with yourself at the 2 week mark

52:16 – The importance of 

57:50 - Biggest surprises about birthing a baby

1:01:21 - Taking care of yourself postpartum

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Morgan at info@fancytherapy.ca https://fancytherapy.ca/ and on Instagram        @fancy.therapy

 You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-13108679 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400 4236 perinatal, postpartum, pregnancy, recovery from delivery, support system, nursing 2 29 full false What would happen if we stopped chasing beauty ideals in the Perinatal period? What would happen if we stopped chasing beauty ideals in the Perinatal period? Send a text

Today’s guest is Katie Lamport, RSSW. Katie is a counsellor in private practice in the Barrie, Ontario area. I first met Katie when I started a new job as an addiction’s counsellor. Katie was fully pregnant as a gestational carrier and went on maternity leave a few days later. Katie shared her story of being a gestational carrier in season 1 so check it out. On today’s episode we talk about the impacts of beauty standards and ideals on us in the perinatal period and how we can challenge the impacts of these ideals on us. 

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

 2:50 - How are body image/weight issues perpetuated in the perinatal period, Katie and Christine’s journey with body image and weight 

5:40 – Women being told that we should be tiny, be small and the pressure of chasing the ideal body

11:13 - Coming home to your body

12:00 – Acknowledging patriarchy and capitalism

15:07 – Impact of beauty standards on Katie and Christine’s pregnancies

23:53 – If we stop chasing ideals, could we reach body neutrality? Gratitude, being in awe of having babies

30:12 - Weight gain as the worst possible outcome

34:15 - Pressure to retain a certain image in motherhood

39:15 – Intuitive eating, being present with our bodies as they are now

42:43 – What being a mom means in terms of body image and sexuality and how we chase these ideals

47:54 – What would it look like if we stopped chasing? A framework could look like:

Reconnecting to your body

Be mindful

Learn to trust the self 

Sit with the discomfort   

1:03:47 – Katie’s poem

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

 The Body is not an apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

Decolonizing Wellness: A QTBIPOC-Centered Guide to Escape the Diet Trap, Heal Your Self-Image, and Achieve Body Liberation by Dalia Kinsey   

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an indivi

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Today’s guest is Katie Lamport, RSSW. Katie is a counsellor in private practice in the Barrie, Ontario area. I first met Katie when I started a new job as an addiction’s counsellor. Katie was fully pregnant as a gestational carrier and went on maternity leave a few days later. Katie shared her story of being a gestational carrier in season 1 so check it out. On today’s episode we talk about the impacts of beauty standards and ideals on us in the perinatal period and how we can challenge the impacts of these ideals on us. 

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

 2:50 - How are body image/weight issues perpetuated in the perinatal period, Katie and Christine’s journey with body image and weight 

5:40 – Women being told that we should be tiny, be small and the pressure of chasing the ideal body

11:13 - Coming home to your body

12:00 – Acknowledging patriarchy and capitalism

15:07 – Impact of beauty standards on Katie and Christine’s pregnancies

23:53 – If we stop chasing ideals, could we reach body neutrality? Gratitude, being in awe of having babies

30:12 - Weight gain as the worst possible outcome

34:15 - Pressure to retain a certain image in motherhood

39:15 – Intuitive eating, being present with our bodies as they are now

42:43 – What being a mom means in terms of body image and sexuality and how we chase these ideals

47:54 – What would it look like if we stopped chasing? A framework could look like:

Reconnecting to your body

Be mindful

Learn to trust the self 

Sit with the discomfort   

1:03:47 – Katie’s poem

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

 The Body is not an apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

Decolonizing Wellness: A QTBIPOC-Centered Guide to Escape the Diet Trap, Heal Your Self-Image, and Achieve Body Liberation by Dalia Kinsey   

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an indivi

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-12939695 Mon, 29 May 2023 13:00:00 -0400 4001 body image, weight gain, sexuality, beauty standards 2 28 full false Parenting with a Disability with Alesha Thomas from Adaptive Parent Project Parenting with a Disability with Alesha Thomas from Adaptive Parent Project Send a text

On today’s episode we have Alesha Thomas from Adaptive Parent Project talking about parenting with a disability. Adaptive Parent Project is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents with disabilities. Alesha is currently working on a provider list of healthcare providers that have experience working with people with disabilities in California. Alesha is also gathering provider information for worldwide healthcare providers. Alesha is a parent to 4-year-old Nolan and lives in California with her family. Alesha lives with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia and works to advocate for more inclusion for disabled parents in terms of healthcare access and in parenting spaces. Alesha shares adaptive techniques on Youtube and Instagram for parents with disabilities. 

Highlights:

2:14 - Alesha’s story and Adaptive Parent Project

9:05 - Going into pregnancy/parenthood with a disability

21:13 - Supports postpartum

24:23 - Challenges parenting with a disability

32:45 - Advocating for myself and my son

35:41 - What positive qualities do you bring into parenting?

39:31 - Challenges with parenting kids as they grow and are more mobile

46:48 - Parenting a child with a disability

51:50 - Stigma and ableism around parenting with a disability

58:10 - What do you want to see change? Universal accessibility and inclusivity

Resources: 

You can find Alesha and Adaptive Parent project at https://www.adaptiveparentproject.org and on Instagram @adaptiveparentproject. 

Check out their Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@AdaptiveParentProject/featured 

You can purchase the colouring book by Adaptive Parent Project called the ABC’s of Disability on Amazon or their website! https://www.adaptiveparentproject.org/shop or https://www.amazon.ca/Adaptive-Parent-Project-Presents-DISABILITY/dp/B0C2TBB55L/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VK2P39LN8WNB&keywords=abcs+of+disability&qid=1683477975&sprefix=abcs+of+disability%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-2 

 Here are the books and Instagram accounts that Alesha recommended:

Instagram:

@wheelchair_rapunzel

Documentary Film “Dani’s Twins” https://www.danistwinsfilm.com

Books:

“We’ve got This: Essays by Disabled Parents” by Eliza Hull

“Come over to My House” by Eliza Hull

In the United States, Alesha recommends checking out your county’s website or local hotline for supports. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca. Check out the website for our latest programs including group therapy, individual therapy and peer support. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

On today’s episode we have Alesha Thomas from Adaptive Parent Project talking about parenting with a disability. Adaptive Parent Project is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents with disabilities. Alesha is currently working on a provider list of healthcare providers that have experience working with people with disabilities in California. Alesha is also gathering provider information for worldwide healthcare providers. Alesha is a parent to 4-year-old Nolan and lives in California with her family. Alesha lives with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia and works to advocate for more inclusion for disabled parents in terms of healthcare access and in parenting spaces. Alesha shares adaptive techniques on Youtube and Instagram for parents with disabilities. 

Highlights:

2:14 - Alesha’s story and Adaptive Parent Project

9:05 - Going into pregnancy/parenthood with a disability

21:13 - Supports postpartum

24:23 - Challenges parenting with a disability

32:45 - Advocating for myself and my son

35:41 - What positive qualities do you bring into parenting?

39:31 - Challenges with parenting kids as they grow and are more mobile

46:48 - Parenting a child with a disability

51:50 - Stigma and ableism around parenting with a disability

58:10 - What do you want to see change? Universal accessibility and inclusivity

Resources: 

You can find Alesha and Adaptive Parent project at https://www.adaptiveparentproject.org and on Instagram @adaptiveparentproject. 

Check out their Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@AdaptiveParentProject/featured 

You can purchase the colouring book by Adaptive Parent Project called the ABC’s of Disability on Amazon or their website! https://www.adaptiveparentproject.org/shop or https://www.amazon.ca/Adaptive-Parent-Project-Presents-DISABILITY/dp/B0C2TBB55L/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VK2P39LN8WNB&keywords=abcs+of+disability&qid=1683477975&sprefix=abcs+of+disability%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-2 

 Here are the books and Instagram accounts that Alesha recommended:

Instagram:

@wheelchair_rapunzel

Documentary Film “Dani’s Twins” https://www.danistwinsfilm.com

Books:

“We’ve got This: Essays by Disabled Parents” by Eliza Hull

“Come over to My House” by Eliza Hull

In the United States, Alesha recommends checking out your county’s website or local hotline for supports. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca. Check out the website for our latest programs including group therapy, individual therapy and peer support. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-12800966 Sun, 07 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400 4323 parents, parentswithdisabilities, supportsforparents, supportsforparentswithdisabilities 2 27 full false Let's Hear it for the Dads! With Drew from Dad Central Let's Hear it for the Dads! With Drew from Dad Central Send a text

I’m so happy to share this week’s episode with you, featuring Drew Soleyn from Dad Central and Connected Dads. We had a great in-depth conversation about the challenges of becoming a parent from a dad’s perspective, including becoming a parent to twins and a 3rd baby after twins. Drew also provided some excellent ideas for seeking support, trying to take care of yourself as a parent and learning critical skills to help us be the best parents we can be! Drew is the Director of Dad Central Ontario, Founder of Connected Dads, and a Career Coach at the Queen's Smith School of Business. As an International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Maxwell Leadership certified Coach, Trainer & Speaker, he helps dads show up at their best for the people who matter most. 

Highlights:

4:30 – Review of studies about PPD in men, significant rates compared to the general population however it’s not talked about enough

10:05 - Drew didn’t share with friends and families about his experience of becoming a father

14:15 – Drew was in survival mode

15:21 – Drew’s experience of becoming a dad, first time dad to twins, fertility challenges 

19:39 – Feelings of helplessness, being hard on himself

23:07 - Retuning to work after babies

Being the support person, having having support

27:25 – Welcoming a 3rd baby, the joys and challenges with having toddler twins at home

38:59 - Realizing I can’t handle it all, the challenges of therapy

47:13 - The importance of emotional and psychological safety in the partnership

48:08 - Building supports, resources, learning what a healthy relationship looks like, boundaries, communication, emotion management

1:04:00 – Resources for adults to learn skills

1:10:01 – Drew’s organization Dad Central, Connected Dads

1:13:40 – Drew’s advice – seek support, start with one step

Resources mentioned in this episode:

You can reach Drew by email Drew@connectedads.ca 

Dad Central https://dadcentral.ca and Dad Central Podcast https://dadcentral.ca/podcast/ 

Connected Dads https://www.connecteddads.ca 

Dr. Laura Markham, Aha parenting https://www.ahaparenting.com 

Dr. Stuart Shanker Self-regulation courses https://self-reg.ca/resource-library/ 

Dr. Henry Cloud https://www.drcloud.com/books/boundaries  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com. 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

I’m so happy to share this week’s episode with you, featuring Drew Soleyn from Dad Central and Connected Dads. We had a great in-depth conversation about the challenges of becoming a parent from a dad’s perspective, including becoming a parent to twins and a 3rd baby after twins. Drew also provided some excellent ideas for seeking support, trying to take care of yourself as a parent and learning critical skills to help us be the best parents we can be! Drew is the Director of Dad Central Ontario, Founder of Connected Dads, and a Career Coach at the Queen's Smith School of Business. As an International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Maxwell Leadership certified Coach, Trainer & Speaker, he helps dads show up at their best for the people who matter most. 

Highlights:

4:30 – Review of studies about PPD in men, significant rates compared to the general population however it’s not talked about enough

10:05 - Drew didn’t share with friends and families about his experience of becoming a father

14:15 – Drew was in survival mode

15:21 – Drew’s experience of becoming a dad, first time dad to twins, fertility challenges 

19:39 – Feelings of helplessness, being hard on himself

23:07 - Retuning to work after babies

Being the support person, having having support

27:25 – Welcoming a 3rd baby, the joys and challenges with having toddler twins at home

38:59 - Realizing I can’t handle it all, the challenges of therapy

47:13 - The importance of emotional and psychological safety in the partnership

48:08 - Building supports, resources, learning what a healthy relationship looks like, boundaries, communication, emotion management

1:04:00 – Resources for adults to learn skills

1:10:01 – Drew’s organization Dad Central, Connected Dads

1:13:40 – Drew’s advice – seek support, start with one step

Resources mentioned in this episode:

You can reach Drew by email Drew@connectedads.ca 

Dad Central https://dadcentral.ca and Dad Central Podcast https://dadcentral.ca/podcast/ 

Connected Dads https://www.connecteddads.ca 

Dr. Laura Markham, Aha parenting https://www.ahaparenting.com 

Dr. Stuart Shanker Self-regulation courses https://self-reg.ca/resource-library/ 

Dr. Henry Cloud https://www.drcloud.com/books/boundaries  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com. 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-12091191 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 4603 dads, dadsmatter, dadsmentalhealth, dadpodcast, dadepisode 2 26 full false What on earth does leg hair have to do with parenthood?! Part 2 What on earth does leg hair have to do with parenthood?! Part 2 Send a text

Content Warning: We like to swear, if you’re listening with kids or don’t like swearing, please be aware!

Episode #25 is the 2nd part of my chat with Naomi about body hair and its impacts on our body image and parenting. My guest today is Naomi from Queer Nest. Naomi uses she and they pronouns, and is Founder and head Doula of Queer Nest, where she coaches and supports Queer and gender-non-conforming folks and entrepreneurs through one of their biggest life transitions— becoming a parent! Through support, advance preparation, self-advocacy, and abundance, she helps you become the parent of your dreams. On today’s episode Naomi and I continue to talk about body hair and how the shame around body hair and body image can impact our parenting. We also talk about how we can start changing and challenging these issues. 

Highlights:

1:15 – Naomi’s body change in the postpartum period

6:50 – How we talk to ourselves about our bodies and removing the judgement

12:15 – Body hair, parenting, femininity, motherhood

15:44 – Recovering people pleaser

18:20 – Being connected to the Self and parenting from the Self

22:40 – Not fitting the mold of the maternal goddess

26:30 – How do we change the patriarchy and capitalism when we continue to live in a patriarchal, capitalist society? 

Resources: 

You can find Naomi on Instagram at @naomi_authentically 
 Company Website: https://queernest.co 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: We like to swear, if you’re listening with kids or don’t like swearing, please be aware!

Episode #25 is the 2nd part of my chat with Naomi about body hair and its impacts on our body image and parenting. My guest today is Naomi from Queer Nest. Naomi uses she and they pronouns, and is Founder and head Doula of Queer Nest, where she coaches and supports Queer and gender-non-conforming folks and entrepreneurs through one of their biggest life transitions— becoming a parent! Through support, advance preparation, self-advocacy, and abundance, she helps you become the parent of your dreams. On today’s episode Naomi and I continue to talk about body hair and how the shame around body hair and body image can impact our parenting. We also talk about how we can start changing and challenging these issues. 

Highlights:

1:15 – Naomi’s body change in the postpartum period

6:50 – How we talk to ourselves about our bodies and removing the judgement

12:15 – Body hair, parenting, femininity, motherhood

15:44 – Recovering people pleaser

18:20 – Being connected to the Self and parenting from the Self

22:40 – Not fitting the mold of the maternal goddess

26:30 – How do we change the patriarchy and capitalism when we continue to live in a patriarchal, capitalist society? 

Resources: 

You can find Naomi on Instagram at @naomi_authentically 
 Company Website: https://queernest.co 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-11999455 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 18:00:00 -0500 2255 body shame, body hair, parenting, authenticity 2 25 full true What on earth does leg hair have to do with parenthood?! What on earth does leg hair have to do with parenthood?! Send a text

Content Warning: We like to swear, if you’re listening with kids or don’t like swearing, please be aware!

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #24. My guest today is Naomi from Queer Nest Club. Naomi uses she and they pronouns, and is Founder and head Doula of Queer Nest, where she coaches and supports Queer and gender-non-conforming folks and entrepreneurs through one of their biggest life transitions— becoming a parent! Through support, advance preparation, self-advocacy, and abundance, she helps you become the parent of your dreams. On today’s episode Naomi and I talk about body hair and how the shame around body hair and body image can impact our parenting. It’s a conversation that we haven’t heard yet so dive in and let’s talk about it!  

Highlights:

4:45 Naomi’s story with body hair

8:50 Birth as the turning point for Naomi, the last time they shaved their legs

11:00 The idea of hygiene and body hair removal 

12:26 How body hair impacts how we feel about our parenting

14:02 Modelling body acceptance for our kids

22:20 Parenting in a patriarchal society

25:10 Calling people out on their shit

27:03 How people comment on our kids

31:00 Postpartum Sexuality and body hair

35:46 Where Naomi is at with her body hair journey now

44:15 Wearing clothes that feel comfortable

46:20 People’s opinions don’t matter

Resources: 

Redefining Girly: How Parents Can Fight the Stereotyping and Sexualizing of Girlhood, from Birth to Tween by Melissa Atkins Wardy

https://www.amazon.ca/Redefining-Girly-Stereotyping-Sexualizing-Girlhood/dp/1613745524/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=redefining+girly+book&qid=1671237131&sprefix=redifining+gi%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1    

You can find Naomi on Instagram at @myqueernest primarily, and @queernestclub
Company Website: https://queernest.co , Queer Nest Club website: https://queernestclub.com

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: We like to swear, if you’re listening with kids or don’t like swearing, please be aware!

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #24. My guest today is Naomi from Queer Nest Club. Naomi uses she and they pronouns, and is Founder and head Doula of Queer Nest, where she coaches and supports Queer and gender-non-conforming folks and entrepreneurs through one of their biggest life transitions— becoming a parent! Through support, advance preparation, self-advocacy, and abundance, she helps you become the parent of your dreams. On today’s episode Naomi and I talk about body hair and how the shame around body hair and body image can impact our parenting. It’s a conversation that we haven’t heard yet so dive in and let’s talk about it!  

Highlights:

4:45 Naomi’s story with body hair

8:50 Birth as the turning point for Naomi, the last time they shaved their legs

11:00 The idea of hygiene and body hair removal 

12:26 How body hair impacts how we feel about our parenting

14:02 Modelling body acceptance for our kids

22:20 Parenting in a patriarchal society

25:10 Calling people out on their shit

27:03 How people comment on our kids

31:00 Postpartum Sexuality and body hair

35:46 Where Naomi is at with her body hair journey now

44:15 Wearing clothes that feel comfortable

46:20 People’s opinions don’t matter

Resources: 

Redefining Girly: How Parents Can Fight the Stereotyping and Sexualizing of Girlhood, from Birth to Tween by Melissa Atkins Wardy

https://www.amazon.ca/Redefining-Girly-Stereotyping-Sexualizing-Girlhood/dp/1613745524/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=redefining+girly+book&qid=1671237131&sprefix=redifining+gi%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1    

You can find Naomi on Instagram at @myqueernest primarily, and @queernestclub
Company Website: https://queernest.co , Queer Nest Club website: https://queernestclub.com

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-11898210 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0500 2906 body shame, body hair, parenting, authenticity 2 24 full true Doulas Making a Difference: Gillian Cullen from Birth Mark Doulas Making a Difference: Gillian Cullen from Birth Mark Send a text

Content Warning: 
Postpartum psychosis and suicide

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #23. Today Gillian Cullen she/they Full-spectrum doula, CST practitioner, founder and CEO of Birth Mark joins me to talk about starting Birth Mark, a charity dedicated to providing full spectrum doula support for marginalized and at-risk communities throughout the GTA and Hamilton. Gillian started Birth Mark from the ground up and is doing incredible work in the community to raise awareness, advocate for better care of those in the Perinatal period and provide amazing doula care access to people in underserved communities.

In this episode Gillian really broke down the deep impacts that the pandemic has had on birthing parents. Gillian shared with us what Doula support looks like and how Doulas at Birth Mark support their clients who are birthing babies. And Gillian provided their insight about gaps in mental health services in Ontario and the advocacy work they do to try and fill gaps in these services.  

Highlights:

2:04 - Gillian’s background and starting Birth Mark

6:36 - Barriers to starting Birth Mark

10:37 - Birth Mark’s Core values, services and outreach

18:07 - Impact of the Pandemic on Birth Mark

35:49 - The loss of a Birth Mark’s client Flora to postpartum psychosis

39:44 - Gaps in reproductive care in Ontario

43:48 - Having Doulas provide support to help reduce the burden on the healthcare system and diversifying the healthcare systems

48:37 - What do Doulas do? 

58:40 - How you can support Birth Mark

1:01:14 - The benefits of having a doula

1:03:35 - What would Gillian like to see and change in the perinatal community

Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

You can find Gillian on Instagram and Facebook: @gillian.doula.cullen and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-cullen-a73798193/

Birth Mark’s website is https://birthmarksupport.com 

You can donate to Birth Mark here: https://birthmarksupport.com/donate 

Instagram @birthmarksupport

Facebook @birthmarksupport 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: 
Postpartum psychosis and suicide

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #23. Today Gillian Cullen she/they Full-spectrum doula, CST practitioner, founder and CEO of Birth Mark joins me to talk about starting Birth Mark, a charity dedicated to providing full spectrum doula support for marginalized and at-risk communities throughout the GTA and Hamilton. Gillian started Birth Mark from the ground up and is doing incredible work in the community to raise awareness, advocate for better care of those in the Perinatal period and provide amazing doula care access to people in underserved communities.

In this episode Gillian really broke down the deep impacts that the pandemic has had on birthing parents. Gillian shared with us what Doula support looks like and how Doulas at Birth Mark support their clients who are birthing babies. And Gillian provided their insight about gaps in mental health services in Ontario and the advocacy work they do to try and fill gaps in these services.  

Highlights:

2:04 - Gillian’s background and starting Birth Mark

6:36 - Barriers to starting Birth Mark

10:37 - Birth Mark’s Core values, services and outreach

18:07 - Impact of the Pandemic on Birth Mark

35:49 - The loss of a Birth Mark’s client Flora to postpartum psychosis

39:44 - Gaps in reproductive care in Ontario

43:48 - Having Doulas provide support to help reduce the burden on the healthcare system and diversifying the healthcare systems

48:37 - What do Doulas do? 

58:40 - How you can support Birth Mark

1:01:14 - The benefits of having a doula

1:03:35 - What would Gillian like to see and change in the perinatal community

Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

You can find Gillian on Instagram and Facebook: @gillian.doula.cullen and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-cullen-a73798193/

Birth Mark’s website is https://birthmarksupport.com 

You can donate to Birth Mark here: https://birthmarksupport.com/donate 

Instagram @birthmarksupport

Facebook @birthmarksupport 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11648119 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 13:00:00 -0500 4245 doula, doula support, perinatal mental health, postpartum, pandemic, having a baby during the pandemic 2 23 full false The Impacts of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Part 2 The Impacts of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Part 2 Send a text

Content Warning: This is an in-depth discussion about racism and the impacts on reproductive health and can feel very heavy, especially for those who are impacted by these topics. We discuss things such as forced sterilization, interactions with CAS. Take care of yourself while listening. 

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #22, the 2nd part of our discussion about the impact of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Maurice. Last episode we discussed obstetrical racism, reproductive justice, generational trauma and much more. On today’s episode we will talk about the importance of applying an intersectional lens when thinking about care of people in the perinatal period including the intersections of racism, disabilities and accessing care. Rochelle gives us some really great ways to think about challenging these systems to try and make change. 
Rochelle Maurice is a clinical and organizational ethicist based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work in ethics was strongly influenced by her professional background in social work, the most significant of which was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Paediatrics department in a community hospital in Toronto. As a result of her experiences in both social work and ethics, Rochelle has an interest in and passion for addressing issues that affect pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people at the intersection of health and social care. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in social work that focuses on Black women’s experiences in maternal-child care.

Highlights:

2:10 - Impacts of racism on birthing people in labour and delivery

9:01 - Applying an intersectional lens is key

16:11 – Higher rates of death during birth amongst BIPOC communities 

19:19 - Intersections of racism, disabilities and accessing care

23:30 - Acknowledging privilege how we contribute to systems of oppression 

29:40 – How do you call these systems into question? Asking questions, start small, educate, centering people who are not usually centred.

Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

You can find Rochelle on Instagram @_rochellemaurice_

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: This is an in-depth discussion about racism and the impacts on reproductive health and can feel very heavy, especially for those who are impacted by these topics. We discuss things such as forced sterilization, interactions with CAS. Take care of yourself while listening. 

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #22, the 2nd part of our discussion about the impact of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Maurice. Last episode we discussed obstetrical racism, reproductive justice, generational trauma and much more. On today’s episode we will talk about the importance of applying an intersectional lens when thinking about care of people in the perinatal period including the intersections of racism, disabilities and accessing care. Rochelle gives us some really great ways to think about challenging these systems to try and make change. 
Rochelle Maurice is a clinical and organizational ethicist based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work in ethics was strongly influenced by her professional background in social work, the most significant of which was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Paediatrics department in a community hospital in Toronto. As a result of her experiences in both social work and ethics, Rochelle has an interest in and passion for addressing issues that affect pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people at the intersection of health and social care. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in social work that focuses on Black women’s experiences in maternal-child care.

Highlights:

2:10 - Impacts of racism on birthing people in labour and delivery

9:01 - Applying an intersectional lens is key

16:11 – Higher rates of death during birth amongst BIPOC communities 

19:19 - Intersections of racism, disabilities and accessing care

23:30 - Acknowledging privilege how we contribute to systems of oppression 

29:40 – How do you call these systems into question? Asking questions, start small, educate, centering people who are not usually centred.

Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

You can find Rochelle on Instagram @_rochellemaurice_

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11550932 Mon, 24 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 2502 2 22 full false The Impacts of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Part 1 The Impacts of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Part 1 Send a text

Welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #21, our first episode of season 2! Today we’re going to talk about the Impact of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Maurice.

Content Warning: This is an in-depth discussion about racism and the impacts on reproductive health and can feel very heavy, especially for those who are impacted by these topics. We discuss things such as forced sterilization, interactions with CAS. Take care of yourself while listening.


Rochelle Maurice, MSW, MHSc in Bioethics is a clinical and organizational ethicist based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work in ethics was strongly influenced by her professional background in social work, the most significant of which was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Paediatrics department in a community hospital in Toronto. As a result of her experiences in both social work and ethics, Rochelle has an interest in and passion for addressing issues that affect pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people at the intersection of health and social care. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in social work that focuses on Black women’s experiences in maternal-child care. 

Highlights:

4:15 - Pinkification of pot does not include black women

5:58 - Obstetrical racism – women of colour not being believed when in pain or something is wrong, symptoms do not align with cultural biases 

9:01 - We don’t collect race-based data in Canada and the impacts of this

13:47 - Typical bodies and the impacts of that

18:15 - Reproductive justice – intersection of systemic inequality and the impacts on decision making about childbearing and parenting

20:57 - Forced Sterilization

28:38 – Lack of access to nutritious food, the right to raise your family in a safe and supportive environment

32:06 - Ideal motherhood and not enough support to achieve this

33:05 – How does racism and scrutiny of mothers intersect with Children’s Aid Society?  

37:38 - How do we repair? 

39:41 – Institutional memory and generational trauma and the impacts on accessing care

47:18 - Seeking support in community and access to care

Resources: You can find Rochelle on Instagram @_rochellemaurice_

 You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #21, our first episode of season 2! Today we’re going to talk about the Impact of Racism on Reproductive Health with Rochelle Maurice.

Content Warning: This is an in-depth discussion about racism and the impacts on reproductive health and can feel very heavy, especially for those who are impacted by these topics. We discuss things such as forced sterilization, interactions with CAS. Take care of yourself while listening.


Rochelle Maurice, MSW, MHSc in Bioethics is a clinical and organizational ethicist based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work in ethics was strongly influenced by her professional background in social work, the most significant of which was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Paediatrics department in a community hospital in Toronto. As a result of her experiences in both social work and ethics, Rochelle has an interest in and passion for addressing issues that affect pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people at the intersection of health and social care. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in social work that focuses on Black women’s experiences in maternal-child care. 

Highlights:

4:15 - Pinkification of pot does not include black women

5:58 - Obstetrical racism – women of colour not being believed when in pain or something is wrong, symptoms do not align with cultural biases 

9:01 - We don’t collect race-based data in Canada and the impacts of this

13:47 - Typical bodies and the impacts of that

18:15 - Reproductive justice – intersection of systemic inequality and the impacts on decision making about childbearing and parenting

20:57 - Forced Sterilization

28:38 – Lack of access to nutritious food, the right to raise your family in a safe and supportive environment

32:06 - Ideal motherhood and not enough support to achieve this

33:05 – How does racism and scrutiny of mothers intersect with Children’s Aid Society?  

37:38 - How do we repair? 

39:41 – Institutional memory and generational trauma and the impacts on accessing care

47:18 - Seeking support in community and access to care

Resources: You can find Rochelle on Instagram @_rochellemaurice_

 You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-11465461 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400 3196 racism, reproductive justice, reproductive health, obstetrical racism, forced sterilization, perinatal, access to care 2 21 full false Season 2 Trailer Season 2 Trailer Send a text

I am so excited for season 2 to start on Monday, October 10th. I wanted to Thank you all for listening to season 1 and the support so far! The podcast has been downloaded in 46 countries and almost 3,000 times. 

This season we are going to hear more personal stories and have more deep, authentic conversations about issues that affect people and families in the Perinatal period! 

We are going to kick off the season with a two-part episode with Rochelle about the impact of racism on reproductive health.

We are also going to hear from Drew who is a dad to 3 kids, two of them being twins! You’ll get to hear what that experience was like for him and how he reached out for support when him and his partner were struggling in the postpartum period.

We are also going to talk about body image with Katie and how it is impacted in the perinatal period and how patriarchy contributes to struggles with body imagine in the perinatal period. Naomi is going to talk to us about body hair and why she no longer removes her body hair and how this all relates to having babies and being a parent!

I recorded a wonderful talk with Gillian from Birthmark about grassroots organizations developing programs to support people in the perinatal period. 

And you will also hear from parents who had experiences with traumatic birth, having a baby stay in the NICU as well as being diagnosed with ADHD and Borderline personality disorder in the postpartum period. 

I am so excited about the content on the podcast in season 2 and I can’t wait for everyone to listen! If you have a story you would like to share on the podcast please let me know or if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on the podcast please share with me! You can email me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca or get in touch on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario. 

Check out the website for Perinatal mental health resources at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca. 

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you get notified of new episodes and make sure you tune in every other week on Mondays starting October 10th! 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

I am so excited for season 2 to start on Monday, October 10th. I wanted to Thank you all for listening to season 1 and the support so far! The podcast has been downloaded in 46 countries and almost 3,000 times. 

This season we are going to hear more personal stories and have more deep, authentic conversations about issues that affect people and families in the Perinatal period! 

We are going to kick off the season with a two-part episode with Rochelle about the impact of racism on reproductive health.

We are also going to hear from Drew who is a dad to 3 kids, two of them being twins! You’ll get to hear what that experience was like for him and how he reached out for support when him and his partner were struggling in the postpartum period.

We are also going to talk about body image with Katie and how it is impacted in the perinatal period and how patriarchy contributes to struggles with body imagine in the perinatal period. Naomi is going to talk to us about body hair and why she no longer removes her body hair and how this all relates to having babies and being a parent!

I recorded a wonderful talk with Gillian from Birthmark about grassroots organizations developing programs to support people in the perinatal period. 

And you will also hear from parents who had experiences with traumatic birth, having a baby stay in the NICU as well as being diagnosed with ADHD and Borderline personality disorder in the postpartum period. 

I am so excited about the content on the podcast in season 2 and I can’t wait for everyone to listen! If you have a story you would like to share on the podcast please let me know or if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on the podcast please share with me! You can email me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca or get in touch on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario. 

Check out the website for Perinatal mental health resources at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca. 

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you get notified of new episodes and make sure you tune in every other week on Mondays starting October 10th! 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-11387697 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0400 233 2 trailer false Vikki’s experience with Postnatal Depression and Anxiety following a traumatic birth Part 2 Vikki’s experience with Postnatal Depression and Anxiety following a traumatic birth Part 2 Send a text

Content Warning: Birth trauma, postnatal depression and anxiety, mention of childhood abuse, and breastfeeding trauma.  

Today is part 2 of my interview with Vikki Stephenson, host of Blum Mumdays Podcast and mum to Stanley! If you haven’t listened to part 1, go back and check it out and then listen to today’s episode. Today Vikki talks about her experience with postnatal depression and anxiety, following a traumatic birth. We talked about the grief and trauma that resulted from her experience with postnatal depression and anxiety, the fears of being a new parent and how they are heightened with anxiety and Vikki’s road to recovery. Vikki authentically shares her story to show how very hard it was for her as well as how she got support and came through the fog.  Take care of yourself while listening to this episode and please reach out to myself or Vikki for support or with questions. You can find Vikki on Instagram @bluemumdays and you can find her podcast Blue Mumdays wherever you listen to your podcasts. I will put all of her information in the show notes. 

Vikki is now a passionate advocate of perinatal mental health and is on a mission to help parents feel less alone through her podcast series Blue MumDays. Its purpose is to help other mums and dads better understand their illness and give them the hope that they will make a full recovery. It gives a voice to the lived experience of real sufferers who have reached the other side, and – through interviews with experts - will signpost mums, dads, their partners and friends to help and support that may be hard to find. Blue Mumdays dispels myths, normalises the conversation and smashes stigma of perinatal illness. It offers a safe space, encourages self-compassion and uplifts with frank – and sometimes funny – conversations around all things perinatal. 

Highlights

4:05 - Going home from hospital, the overwhelming responsibility and anxiety

10:51 - Insomnia, phobia of sleeping during the day

15:55 - Reaching out for support and attending Cedar House

21:00 – Peer support is so important, symptoms of PMAD’s are not you, it’s an illness

23:00 - Grief and trauma from experiencing a PMAD 

25:35 - Guilt and shame about the birth-day and first year being the worst, feeling triggered around birthdays

33:33 - Comparing ourselves to other parents, not measuring up and feeling like a bad parent

41:31 - Fear of baby not breathing in their sleep

45:22 - When did the fog start to lift? Recognizing how well you are doing

51:49 - What would you say to yourself during labour and in the postpartum period, what do you say to others going through it

Resources: 

Check out the Blue Mumdays podcast wherever you get your podcast or here https://bluemumdays.captivate.fm/ 

Instagram @bluemumdays

Email: bluemumdays@gmail.com

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikki-stephenson-creative 

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/vikkistephenson 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Birth trauma, postnatal depression and anxiety, mention of childhood abuse, and breastfeeding trauma.  

Today is part 2 of my interview with Vikki Stephenson, host of Blum Mumdays Podcast and mum to Stanley! If you haven’t listened to part 1, go back and check it out and then listen to today’s episode. Today Vikki talks about her experience with postnatal depression and anxiety, following a traumatic birth. We talked about the grief and trauma that resulted from her experience with postnatal depression and anxiety, the fears of being a new parent and how they are heightened with anxiety and Vikki’s road to recovery. Vikki authentically shares her story to show how very hard it was for her as well as how she got support and came through the fog.  Take care of yourself while listening to this episode and please reach out to myself or Vikki for support or with questions. You can find Vikki on Instagram @bluemumdays and you can find her podcast Blue Mumdays wherever you listen to your podcasts. I will put all of her information in the show notes. 

Vikki is now a passionate advocate of perinatal mental health and is on a mission to help parents feel less alone through her podcast series Blue MumDays. Its purpose is to help other mums and dads better understand their illness and give them the hope that they will make a full recovery. It gives a voice to the lived experience of real sufferers who have reached the other side, and – through interviews with experts - will signpost mums, dads, their partners and friends to help and support that may be hard to find. Blue Mumdays dispels myths, normalises the conversation and smashes stigma of perinatal illness. It offers a safe space, encourages self-compassion and uplifts with frank – and sometimes funny – conversations around all things perinatal. 

Highlights

4:05 - Going home from hospital, the overwhelming responsibility and anxiety

10:51 - Insomnia, phobia of sleeping during the day

15:55 - Reaching out for support and attending Cedar House

21:00 – Peer support is so important, symptoms of PMAD’s are not you, it’s an illness

23:00 - Grief and trauma from experiencing a PMAD 

25:35 - Guilt and shame about the birth-day and first year being the worst, feeling triggered around birthdays

33:33 - Comparing ourselves to other parents, not measuring up and feeling like a bad parent

41:31 - Fear of baby not breathing in their sleep

45:22 - When did the fog start to lift? Recognizing how well you are doing

51:49 - What would you say to yourself during labour and in the postpartum period, what do you say to others going through it

Resources: 

Check out the Blue Mumdays podcast wherever you get your podcast or here https://bluemumdays.captivate.fm/ 

Instagram @bluemumdays

Email: bluemumdays@gmail.com

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikki-stephenson-creative 

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/vikkistephenson 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10713714 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 3938 1 20 full false Vikki’s experience with Postnatal Depression and Anxiety Following a Traumatic Birth Part 1 Vikki’s experience with Postnatal Depression and Anxiety Following a Traumatic Birth Part 1 Send a text

Content Warning: Birth trauma, postnatal depression and anxiety, mention of suicidal thoughts, breastfeeding trauma and eating disorders.

Today is part 1 of my interview with Vikki Stephenson, host of Blum Mumdays Podcast and mum to Stanley! Vikki shares her story with postnatal depression and anxiety, following a traumatic birth in such an authentic and vulnerable way that I know so many people will relate to. Vikki discusses her birth story, her symptoms and struggles with nursing and post trauma symptoms. 

Vikki is now a passionate advocate of perinatal mental health and is on a mission to help parents feel less alone through her podcast series Blue MumDays. Its purpose is to help other mums and dads better understand their illness and give them the hope that they will make a full recovery. It gives a voice to the lived experience of real sufferers who have reached the other side, and – through interviews with experts - will signpost mums, dads, their partners and friends to help and support that may be hard to find. Blue Mumdays dispels myths, normalizes the conversation and smashes stigma of perinatal illness. It offers a safe space, encourages self-compassion and uplifts with frank – and sometimes funny – conversations around all things perinatal. 

Highlights:

6:00 - Vikki’s why for starting her podcast

11:15 - First signs of PND

14:19 - Birth Trauma, not being support or validated

16:56 - Racism and the impacts on birth trauma

19:15 – Sharing with Stanley about PND, The bond with your child, impacts on the family 

23:05 - Being aware of our symptoms, recovery isn’t linear, 

27:03 - Concerns about medication, stigma

35:15 - Vikki’s birth story, birth trauma 

43:50 - Childhood abuse, impact on birth

48:25 - Having an advocate

51:55 - Stigma around different ways of giving birth and pain management

55:00 - The impact of birth trauma on Vikki’s parenting experience, anxiety being so present and doubting your parenting abilities, not trusting ourselves, trauma response

Resources: 

Check out the Blue Mumdays podcast wherever you get your podcast or here https://bluemumdays.captivate.fm/ 

Instagram @bluemumdays

Email: bluemumdays@gmail.com

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikki-stephenson-creative 

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/vikkistephenson 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Birth trauma, postnatal depression and anxiety, mention of suicidal thoughts, breastfeeding trauma and eating disorders.

Today is part 1 of my interview with Vikki Stephenson, host of Blum Mumdays Podcast and mum to Stanley! Vikki shares her story with postnatal depression and anxiety, following a traumatic birth in such an authentic and vulnerable way that I know so many people will relate to. Vikki discusses her birth story, her symptoms and struggles with nursing and post trauma symptoms. 

Vikki is now a passionate advocate of perinatal mental health and is on a mission to help parents feel less alone through her podcast series Blue MumDays. Its purpose is to help other mums and dads better understand their illness and give them the hope that they will make a full recovery. It gives a voice to the lived experience of real sufferers who have reached the other side, and – through interviews with experts - will signpost mums, dads, their partners and friends to help and support that may be hard to find. Blue Mumdays dispels myths, normalizes the conversation and smashes stigma of perinatal illness. It offers a safe space, encourages self-compassion and uplifts with frank – and sometimes funny – conversations around all things perinatal. 

Highlights:

6:00 - Vikki’s why for starting her podcast

11:15 - First signs of PND

14:19 - Birth Trauma, not being support or validated

16:56 - Racism and the impacts on birth trauma

19:15 – Sharing with Stanley about PND, The bond with your child, impacts on the family 

23:05 - Being aware of our symptoms, recovery isn’t linear, 

27:03 - Concerns about medication, stigma

35:15 - Vikki’s birth story, birth trauma 

43:50 - Childhood abuse, impact on birth

48:25 - Having an advocate

51:55 - Stigma around different ways of giving birth and pain management

55:00 - The impact of birth trauma on Vikki’s parenting experience, anxiety being so present and doubting your parenting abilities, not trusting ourselves, trauma response

Resources: 

Check out the Blue Mumdays podcast wherever you get your podcast or here https://bluemumdays.captivate.fm/ 

Instagram @bluemumdays

Email: bluemumdays@gmail.com

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikki-stephenson-creative 

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/vikkistephenson 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. 

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10675603 Wed, 25 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 4031 perinatal, postpartum, pregnancy, postnatal anxiety, postnatal depression, birth trauma, post trauma symptoms, recovery, medication, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression 1 19 full false Preparing for Postpartum and the transition to Parenthood with Naomi Preparing for Postpartum and the transition to Parenthood with Naomi Send a text

My guest today is Naomi from Queer Nest Club. Naomi uses she and they pronouns, and is Founder and head Doula of Queer Nest, where she coaches and supports Queer and gender-non-conforming folks and entrepreneurs through one of their biggest life transitions— becoming a parent! Through support, advance preparation, self-advocacy, and abundance, she helps you become the parent of your dreams. On today’s episode Naomi and I talk about how we can prepare for the transition to parenthood including building our community of supports, asking for help, and being authentic. We also touched on some really important concepts such as the impact of hetero-normative stereotypes on queer and non-binary parents, exploring our own values and planning for the postpartum period.  

 You can find Naomi on Instagram at @myqueernest primarily, and @queernestclub
Company Website: https://queernest.co , Queer Nest Club website: https://queernestclub.com

Highlights:

3:29 - Planning for the postpartum period, loving ourselves

5:08 - Gender stereotypes influencing our expectations, gender norms, how the queer community is bombarded with these messages

7:48 - Abundance vs scarcity and lack-mode

9:08 - You CAN have it all but you can’t do it all

11:54 - You need support

13:50 - “I’m not good at asking for help” – Let’s ditch that

15:09 - Learning the skill of asking for help and delegating

21:53 - Parenting in line with our values

25:10 - Perinatal mental health

29:35 - Postpartum shift, becoming a parent

31:02 - Living authentically; what does this mean and how do we do it

38:10 - Preparing for the postpartum period and Parenting with a partner

49:00 - Normalizing how hard parenting is

52:50 - You are not born knowing how to parent

54:25 - Figuring out our values

55:14 - What to explore on a postpartum plan – Naomi’s acronym – NEW PARENTS?

1:05:25 - Being authentically us and an authentic parent

Resources: 

You can find Naomi on Instagram at @myqueernest primarily, and @queernestclub
Company Website: https://queernest.co , Queer Nest Club website: https://queernestclub.com

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

My guest today is Naomi from Queer Nest Club. Naomi uses she and they pronouns, and is Founder and head Doula of Queer Nest, where she coaches and supports Queer and gender-non-conforming folks and entrepreneurs through one of their biggest life transitions— becoming a parent! Through support, advance preparation, self-advocacy, and abundance, she helps you become the parent of your dreams. On today’s episode Naomi and I talk about how we can prepare for the transition to parenthood including building our community of supports, asking for help, and being authentic. We also touched on some really important concepts such as the impact of hetero-normative stereotypes on queer and non-binary parents, exploring our own values and planning for the postpartum period.  

 You can find Naomi on Instagram at @myqueernest primarily, and @queernestclub
Company Website: https://queernest.co , Queer Nest Club website: https://queernestclub.com

Highlights:

3:29 - Planning for the postpartum period, loving ourselves

5:08 - Gender stereotypes influencing our expectations, gender norms, how the queer community is bombarded with these messages

7:48 - Abundance vs scarcity and lack-mode

9:08 - You CAN have it all but you can’t do it all

11:54 - You need support

13:50 - “I’m not good at asking for help” – Let’s ditch that

15:09 - Learning the skill of asking for help and delegating

21:53 - Parenting in line with our values

25:10 - Perinatal mental health

29:35 - Postpartum shift, becoming a parent

31:02 - Living authentically; what does this mean and how do we do it

38:10 - Preparing for the postpartum period and Parenting with a partner

49:00 - Normalizing how hard parenting is

52:50 - You are not born knowing how to parent

54:25 - Figuring out our values

55:14 - What to explore on a postpartum plan – Naomi’s acronym – NEW PARENTS?

1:05:25 - Being authentically us and an authentic parent

Resources: 

You can find Naomi on Instagram at @myqueernest primarily, and @queernestclub
Company Website: https://queernest.co , Queer Nest Club website: https://queernestclub.com

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10633584 Wed, 18 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400 4629 parenthood, parenting, queer parenting, non-binary parents, authenticity, values, parenting values, postpartum, postpartum plan, parenting 1 18 full true Sexuality in the Postpartum Period with Benée Justice Sexuality in the Postpartum Period with Benée Justice Send a text

Date: May 11th, 2022

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions around sexuality including our body parts and sexual acts. We do use gendered language in this discussion and acknowledge that not all birthing people identify as female. If you listen to your podcasts with young kids in the room you can decide if you want to put headphones in or listen another time.  

Today we’re going to talk about postpartum sexuality with our guest soon to be Dr. Benée Justice! Benée is a clinical mental health therapist with a PhD in clinical sexology. Benée recently defended her dissertation on Postpartum Sexuality and created an incredible curriculum for use by mental health therapists to address postpartum sexuality. In today’s episode we discuss the changes in our body postpartum, fears and concerns that might come up because of these changes, how shame and guilt can impact us when we are experiencing low desire and trying to determine our readiness for sexual activity postpartum. And then Benée shares with us how we can explore our sexuality in the postpartum period and some very important things such as communicating with your partner and consent.  

Highlights:

5:09 – Postpartum Sexuality as a sacred topic, grounding into this topic
7:42 – Sex in the Postpartum
11:07 – Layers of sexuality 
12:07 – Why does sexual health get pushed aside?
14:16 – Our fears around resuming sex after birth
14:45 – Our bodies have changed postpartum, concerns around body image postpartum
16:55 – Physiological healing
18:46 – 6 week check-up, discussing sex with our health care providers
20:27 – Lack of desire for sex
22:55 – Being disconnected from our bodies, relearning our bodies
28:53 – Can moms be sexy?
33:49 – Determining our readiness for sex postpartum 
39:08 – Resuming sexual activity and defining sex
45:35 – Consent
47:10 – “It is our partner’s responsibility to take ownership of their sexual needs being fulfilled”, masturbation
47:50 – Communication
49:38 – Let’s talk about orgasm 
52:04 – Ideas for communication and ideas for intimacy 
57:22 – Shutting down intimacy because of fear of intercourse
58:45 – Consent in an intimate relationship
1:03:00 – Benée’s suggestions for communicating wants and needs
1:08:26 – Different supports such as a sex therapist
1:10:08 – Gaps in services for postpartum sexuality
1:18:15 – Our sexual health is intertwined with our overall health, 6 week “green light”
1:19:22 – Resources that Benée recommends

Resources: 

You can contact Benée at bjustice.integrity@gmail.com

Books that Benée and Christine recommend:

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

Becoming Cliterate by Laurie Mintz, Ph.D. 

Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori A. Brotto, Ph.D.

The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

The Body is Not an Apology Workbook by Sonya Renee Taylor

AASECT directory looking for Sex Therapists

https://www.aasect.org/referral-directory 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Date: May 11th, 2022

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions around sexuality including our body parts and sexual acts. We do use gendered language in this discussion and acknowledge that not all birthing people identify as female. If you listen to your podcasts with young kids in the room you can decide if you want to put headphones in or listen another time.  

Today we’re going to talk about postpartum sexuality with our guest soon to be Dr. Benée Justice! Benée is a clinical mental health therapist with a PhD in clinical sexology. Benée recently defended her dissertation on Postpartum Sexuality and created an incredible curriculum for use by mental health therapists to address postpartum sexuality. In today’s episode we discuss the changes in our body postpartum, fears and concerns that might come up because of these changes, how shame and guilt can impact us when we are experiencing low desire and trying to determine our readiness for sexual activity postpartum. And then Benée shares with us how we can explore our sexuality in the postpartum period and some very important things such as communicating with your partner and consent.  

Highlights:

5:09 – Postpartum Sexuality as a sacred topic, grounding into this topic
7:42 – Sex in the Postpartum
11:07 – Layers of sexuality 
12:07 – Why does sexual health get pushed aside?
14:16 – Our fears around resuming sex after birth
14:45 – Our bodies have changed postpartum, concerns around body image postpartum
16:55 – Physiological healing
18:46 – 6 week check-up, discussing sex with our health care providers
20:27 – Lack of desire for sex
22:55 – Being disconnected from our bodies, relearning our bodies
28:53 – Can moms be sexy?
33:49 – Determining our readiness for sex postpartum 
39:08 – Resuming sexual activity and defining sex
45:35 – Consent
47:10 – “It is our partner’s responsibility to take ownership of their sexual needs being fulfilled”, masturbation
47:50 – Communication
49:38 – Let’s talk about orgasm 
52:04 – Ideas for communication and ideas for intimacy 
57:22 – Shutting down intimacy because of fear of intercourse
58:45 – Consent in an intimate relationship
1:03:00 – Benée’s suggestions for communicating wants and needs
1:08:26 – Different supports such as a sex therapist
1:10:08 – Gaps in services for postpartum sexuality
1:18:15 – Our sexual health is intertwined with our overall health, 6 week “green light”
1:19:22 – Resources that Benée recommends

Resources: 

You can contact Benée at bjustice.integrity@gmail.com

Books that Benée and Christine recommend:

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

Becoming Cliterate by Laurie Mintz, Ph.D. 

Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori A. Brotto, Ph.D.

The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

The Body is Not an Apology Workbook by Sonya Renee Taylor

AASECT directory looking for Sex Therapists

https://www.aasect.org/referral-directory 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10593003 Wed, 11 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400 5348 postpartum sexuality, postpartum sex, postpartum body changes, sex, masturbation, consent, pleasure, perinatal wellbeing, sex after birth, orgasm 1 17 full true Katie’s Surrogacy Journey Part 2 Katie’s Surrogacy Journey Part 2 Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility challenges, mention of traumatic birth

Today’s episode is in honour of World Maternal Mental Health Day, which is May 4th. The goal of World Maternal Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of maternal mental health issues so that more women will get treatment and fewer will suffer. This is definitely what we also work for at PWO, by sharing these stories on the podcast, talking about various issues and challenges that parents face in the perinatal period so that people listening can identify that they’re experiencing similar challenges and seek support. Please talk about these issues with your family and friends, share posts on social media about Maternal mental health, ask questions, email us, reach out to a health care provider or just listen to stories like the ones we share on the podcast to help normalize these experiences. If you are struggling with your mental health in the perinatal period please know you are not alone and there is a community of support ready to help you. Please email us at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca if you’re looking for support or if you have questions, no matter where in the world you are!  

Today is part 2 of my interview with Katie Lamport. Katie is a counsellor in private practice in the Barrie, Ontario area. I first met Katie when I started a new job as an addiction’s counsellor. Katie was fully pregnant and went on maternity leave a few days later. Katie was the first person I had met that was a gestational carrier and I thought WOW what an amazing person! On today’s episode Katie shares about her postpartum experience after being a gestational carrier and how that was different from birthing her own children. Katie and I also explore what types of supports exist and could be helpful for surrogates and gestational carriers.

Highlights:

3:20 - An abrupt ending

4:03 – Maternity leave and recovering from Pregnancy

8:28 – Leading up to delivery

12:52 – Going home with no baby

16:21 – Mental Health supports

20:16 – Discussion about traumatic birth and supports

24:04 – Pumping, self-care, and recovery

27:31 – Returning to work

28:37 – Transition of partnership post-surrogacy

30:12 – What is the relationship like with the family now

33:02 – Reflecting on what Katie did

35:08 – Appropriate language and terminology for 

40:12 – What advice would Katie give to potential surrogates and gestational carriers

47:13 - What is the anniversary like for Katie

Resources: 

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility challenges, mention of traumatic birth

Today’s episode is in honour of World Maternal Mental Health Day, which is May 4th. The goal of World Maternal Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of maternal mental health issues so that more women will get treatment and fewer will suffer. This is definitely what we also work for at PWO, by sharing these stories on the podcast, talking about various issues and challenges that parents face in the perinatal period so that people listening can identify that they’re experiencing similar challenges and seek support. Please talk about these issues with your family and friends, share posts on social media about Maternal mental health, ask questions, email us, reach out to a health care provider or just listen to stories like the ones we share on the podcast to help normalize these experiences. If you are struggling with your mental health in the perinatal period please know you are not alone and there is a community of support ready to help you. Please email us at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca if you’re looking for support or if you have questions, no matter where in the world you are!  

Today is part 2 of my interview with Katie Lamport. Katie is a counsellor in private practice in the Barrie, Ontario area. I first met Katie when I started a new job as an addiction’s counsellor. Katie was fully pregnant and went on maternity leave a few days later. Katie was the first person I had met that was a gestational carrier and I thought WOW what an amazing person! On today’s episode Katie shares about her postpartum experience after being a gestational carrier and how that was different from birthing her own children. Katie and I also explore what types of supports exist and could be helpful for surrogates and gestational carriers.

Highlights:

3:20 - An abrupt ending

4:03 – Maternity leave and recovering from Pregnancy

8:28 – Leading up to delivery

12:52 – Going home with no baby

16:21 – Mental Health supports

20:16 – Discussion about traumatic birth and supports

24:04 – Pumping, self-care, and recovery

27:31 – Returning to work

28:37 – Transition of partnership post-surrogacy

30:12 – What is the relationship like with the family now

33:02 – Reflecting on what Katie did

35:08 – Appropriate language and terminology for 

40:12 – What advice would Katie give to potential surrogates and gestational carriers

47:13 - What is the anniversary like for Katie

Resources: 

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10552634 Wed, 04 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400 3034 surrogacy, gestational carrier, pmad, postpartum, perinatal, ivf, iui, fertility 1 16 full false Katie’s Surrogacy Journey Katie’s Surrogacy Journey Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility challenges

Today’s guest is Katie Lamport, RSSW. Katie is a counsellor in private practice in the Barrie, Ontario area. I first met Katie when I started a new job as an addictions counsellor. Katie was fully pregnant and went on maternity leave a few days later. Katie was the first person I had met that was a gestational carrier and I thought WOW what an amazing person! On today’s episode Katie shares her story of being a gestational carrier, what all the preparation was like and how the pregnancy went for her. Katie shares her story in such an authentic way that I had to keep asking her questions! So Katie’s story is in 2 parts.   

Highlights:

3:08 – How Katie decided to become a surrogate

7:00 – Gestational carrier vs Surrogate

8:25 – Telling the kids

10:15 – Meeting the couple 

11:28 – How Katie and Dave made the decision to move ahead

16:55 – Mental health screening 

18:05 – Questions about Surrogacy legal issues

20:28 – Transfer day

27:28 – Positive test

32:00 – Intersection of gender stereotypes and gestational carrying

35:48 – Pregnancy sickness

39:27 – How the surrogacy changed Katie and Dave’s relationship

40:45 – How did the pregnancy impact Katie’s work

42:35 – How did the kids feel about it?

45:00 – Navigating client questions around surrogacy

46:00 – Being pregnant as a way of honouring this job

47:04 – Felt like an abrupt ending after delivery

Resources: 

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility challenges

Today’s guest is Katie Lamport, RSSW. Katie is a counsellor in private practice in the Barrie, Ontario area. I first met Katie when I started a new job as an addictions counsellor. Katie was fully pregnant and went on maternity leave a few days later. Katie was the first person I had met that was a gestational carrier and I thought WOW what an amazing person! On today’s episode Katie shares her story of being a gestational carrier, what all the preparation was like and how the pregnancy went for her. Katie shares her story in such an authentic way that I had to keep asking her questions! So Katie’s story is in 2 parts.   

Highlights:

3:08 – How Katie decided to become a surrogate

7:00 – Gestational carrier vs Surrogate

8:25 – Telling the kids

10:15 – Meeting the couple 

11:28 – How Katie and Dave made the decision to move ahead

16:55 – Mental health screening 

18:05 – Questions about Surrogacy legal issues

20:28 – Transfer day

27:28 – Positive test

32:00 – Intersection of gender stereotypes and gestational carrying

35:48 – Pregnancy sickness

39:27 – How the surrogacy changed Katie and Dave’s relationship

40:45 – How did the pregnancy impact Katie’s work

42:35 – How did the kids feel about it?

45:00 – Navigating client questions around surrogacy

46:00 – Being pregnant as a way of honouring this job

47:04 – Felt like an abrupt ending after delivery

Resources: 

You can find Katie on Instagram @katielamportcounselling at  https://www.mainstreamtherapy.com and

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/katie-lamport-barrie-on/960500?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fca%2Fhome&_ga=2.157527610.1247068831.1649346645-1756219686.1648751043

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

 

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]]> Buzzsprout-10516826 Wed, 27 Apr 2022 17:00:00 -0400 3016 1 15 full false Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood Send a text

Content Warning: Mention of birth trauma, baby blues, obstetric violence, NICU, some swearing, gendered language. 

Today’s Guest is Kelley Hassanpour, RN who is the Founder over at Parenting From Within and we are talking about the unrealistic expectations of motherhood. We covered a wide range of topics from gendered stereotypes to patriarchy’s impact on motherhood and the systems that we birth in to integrating our mom parts. We could do a separate episode on each of these topics, so this is really just to get the conversation going! 

Highlights:

3:30 – Perfect Mommy Myth “Being a good mom” “mom as martyr”

7:55 - Integrating mom parts

9:20 – Taking care of ourselves last

10:00 - Expectations around birth and postpartum that you should experience pain, discomfort “suck it up”

13:05 – Patriarchy and gender stereotypes and their impact on our health care

14:24 – Losing our dignity in birth, birth-trauma, obstetric violence 

16:50 - Trauma-informed care as the standard

19:08 - Myth of natural motherhood

21:35 – Shame

34:47 – Mental Load of motherhood

38:14 - Gender roles and division of labour

45:58 – Unrealistic Expectations of women’s beauty and bouncing back after birth

48:29 – “You still need you”, doing things that connect you to you

51:12 – How can we break down these myths and stereotypes?

Resources: 

Dr. Sophie Brock https://drsophiebrock.com 

Brené Brown’s Podcast https://brenebrown.com/podcast-show/unlocking-us/ 

The 4th Trimester By Kimberly Ann Johnson

https://www.amazon.ca/Fourth-Trimester-Postpartum-Balancing-Restoring-ebook/dp/B071ZXWNSC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=307EKWHTN8HEW&keywords=4th+trimester+book&qid=1649452704&sprefix=4th+tr%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

https://www.amazon.ca/Untamed-Glennon-Doyle-ebook/dp/B07VSZTKJ8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E4C3W4VT3H7A&keywords=untamed&qid=1649452888&sprefix=untamed%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1  

You can find Kelley at https://www.parentingfromwithin.ca

Facebook @parentingfromwithin 

Instagram @parenting_from_within_ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Mention of birth trauma, baby blues, obstetric violence, NICU, some swearing, gendered language. 

Today’s Guest is Kelley Hassanpour, RN who is the Founder over at Parenting From Within and we are talking about the unrealistic expectations of motherhood. We covered a wide range of topics from gendered stereotypes to patriarchy’s impact on motherhood and the systems that we birth in to integrating our mom parts. We could do a separate episode on each of these topics, so this is really just to get the conversation going! 

Highlights:

3:30 – Perfect Mommy Myth “Being a good mom” “mom as martyr”

7:55 - Integrating mom parts

9:20 – Taking care of ourselves last

10:00 - Expectations around birth and postpartum that you should experience pain, discomfort “suck it up”

13:05 – Patriarchy and gender stereotypes and their impact on our health care

14:24 – Losing our dignity in birth, birth-trauma, obstetric violence 

16:50 - Trauma-informed care as the standard

19:08 - Myth of natural motherhood

21:35 – Shame

34:47 – Mental Load of motherhood

38:14 - Gender roles and division of labour

45:58 – Unrealistic Expectations of women’s beauty and bouncing back after birth

48:29 – “You still need you”, doing things that connect you to you

51:12 – How can we break down these myths and stereotypes?

Resources: 

Dr. Sophie Brock https://drsophiebrock.com 

Brené Brown’s Podcast https://brenebrown.com/podcast-show/unlocking-us/ 

The 4th Trimester By Kimberly Ann Johnson

https://www.amazon.ca/Fourth-Trimester-Postpartum-Balancing-Restoring-ebook/dp/B071ZXWNSC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=307EKWHTN8HEW&keywords=4th+trimester+book&qid=1649452704&sprefix=4th+tr%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

https://www.amazon.ca/Untamed-Glennon-Doyle-ebook/dp/B07VSZTKJ8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E4C3W4VT3H7A&keywords=untamed&qid=1649452888&sprefix=untamed%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1  

You can find Kelley at https://www.parentingfromwithin.ca

Facebook @parentingfromwithin 

Instagram @parenting_from_within_ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10427687 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400 3443 trauma, NICU, systems, change the system, perinatal support, perinatal trauma, perinatal mental health support, trauma informed care, trauma aware, hospitals, nursing, motherhood myths, motherhood load, gender stereotypes, patriarchy 1 14 full true Experiencing Mental Health Issues and Creating a Community of Support with Lisette and Catherine Part 2 Experiencing Mental Health Issues and Creating a Community of Support with Lisette and Catherine Part 2 Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts/compulsions around sleep and food, challenges with nursing, rage, trauma, fear, NICU experience, some swearing 

Today is the 2nd part of my conversation with Lisette and Catherine from Together Waterloo. Together came out of a desire to increase the services available to families struggling with perinatal mental health in Waterloo Region. Their goal is to increase support systems, educate health care providers, and build a village so that no parent is left behind. In part 2 of this episode Catherine and Lisette share how they started Together Waterloo, advocating for more PMH supports, building a community of survivors and parents and how they’re making shit happen in Waterloo! 

Lisette Weber is a postpartum doula, the Social Media Manager for The Climb for PSI and co-founder at Together Waterloo along with Catherine Mellinger an expressive arts therapist. They are both trained in Perinatal Mental Health and are making things happen in this space!

Highlights:

2:50 - Lack of supports, seeking support at our breaking point

10:32 - Experiencing postpartum mental illness as a traumatic event 

11:00 - Fear of another pregnancy

11:58 – Grieving the Postpartum period

13:45 - Lisette’s experience with being diagnosed with a PMAD and having her second child with supports in place

16:13 - NICU experience

26:32 - The importance of being trained in Perinatal Mental Health

36:51 - How Lisette and Catherine and providing supports and building community in Waterloo and making things happen

Resources:
Together
https://togetherwaterloo.ca/ 
@togetherwaterloo

The Climb
https://togetherwaterloo.ca/cotd-waterloo/ 
@psiclimbout

Lisette
https://postpartumsidekick.ca 
Instagram @postpartumsidekick

Catherine
https://catherinemellinger.com 
Instagram @catherine_mellinger

Reproductive Life stages Program at Women’s College Hospital Toronto
https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/rls/  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts/compulsions around sleep and food, challenges with nursing, rage, trauma, fear, NICU experience, some swearing 

Today is the 2nd part of my conversation with Lisette and Catherine from Together Waterloo. Together came out of a desire to increase the services available to families struggling with perinatal mental health in Waterloo Region. Their goal is to increase support systems, educate health care providers, and build a village so that no parent is left behind. In part 2 of this episode Catherine and Lisette share how they started Together Waterloo, advocating for more PMH supports, building a community of survivors and parents and how they’re making shit happen in Waterloo! 

Lisette Weber is a postpartum doula, the Social Media Manager for The Climb for PSI and co-founder at Together Waterloo along with Catherine Mellinger an expressive arts therapist. They are both trained in Perinatal Mental Health and are making things happen in this space!

Highlights:

2:50 - Lack of supports, seeking support at our breaking point

10:32 - Experiencing postpartum mental illness as a traumatic event 

11:00 - Fear of another pregnancy

11:58 – Grieving the Postpartum period

13:45 - Lisette’s experience with being diagnosed with a PMAD and having her second child with supports in place

16:13 - NICU experience

26:32 - The importance of being trained in Perinatal Mental Health

36:51 - How Lisette and Catherine and providing supports and building community in Waterloo and making things happen

Resources:
Together
https://togetherwaterloo.ca/ 
@togetherwaterloo

The Climb
https://togetherwaterloo.ca/cotd-waterloo/ 
@psiclimbout

Lisette
https://postpartumsidekick.ca 
Instagram @postpartumsidekick

Catherine
https://catherinemellinger.com 
Instagram @catherine_mellinger

Reproductive Life stages Program at Women’s College Hospital Toronto
https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/rls/  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10427187 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400 3247 postpartum OCD, postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, NICU, mental health supports, Together, Together Waterloo, community, The Climb, PSI, Community Organization, Perinatal, Perinatal Supports, Perinatal Mental Health 1 13 full true Experiencing Mental Health Issues and Creating a Community of Support with Lisette and Catherine Experiencing Mental Health Issues and Creating a Community of Support with Lisette and Catherine Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts/compulsions around sleep and food, challenges with nursing, rage, trauma, fear, NICU experience, and some swearing. 

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #12! Today I’m talking with Lisette and Catherine from Together Waterloo, Together came out of a desire to increase the services available to families struggling with perinatal mental health in Waterloo Region. Their goal is to increase support systems, educate health care providers, and build a village so that no parent is left behind. In part 1 of this episode Catherine and Lisette share their experiences in the perinatal period and the mental health challenges they faced. 

Lisette Weber is a postpartum doula, the Social Media Manager for PSI and co-founder at Together Waterloo along with Catherine Mellinger an expressive arts therapist. They are both trained in Perinatal Mental Health and are making things happen in this space!

Highlights:

3:26 - Catherine’s story

6:08 - Symptoms of OCD in pregnancy, intrusive thoughts 

18:32 - Healthcare Practitioner Experiences; mental health and pregnancy screening

37:57 - Lisette’s birth story, birth trauma, postpartum experience, challenges with nursing, 

44:15 - Lack of supports in her area and discovering the need for more supports

Resources: 

Together Waterloo https://togetherwaterloo.ca/ 
Instagram @togetherwaterloo

The Climb https://togetherwaterloo.ca/cotd-waterloo/ 
Instagram @psiclimbout

Lisette https://postpartumsidekick.ca 
Instagram @postpartumsidekick

Catherine https://catherinemellinger.com
Instagram @catherine_mellinger

Reproductive Life stages Program at Women’s College Hospital Toronto
https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/rls/  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts/compulsions around sleep and food, challenges with nursing, rage, trauma, fear, NICU experience, and some swearing. 

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #12! Today I’m talking with Lisette and Catherine from Together Waterloo, Together came out of a desire to increase the services available to families struggling with perinatal mental health in Waterloo Region. Their goal is to increase support systems, educate health care providers, and build a village so that no parent is left behind. In part 1 of this episode Catherine and Lisette share their experiences in the perinatal period and the mental health challenges they faced. 

Lisette Weber is a postpartum doula, the Social Media Manager for PSI and co-founder at Together Waterloo along with Catherine Mellinger an expressive arts therapist. They are both trained in Perinatal Mental Health and are making things happen in this space!

Highlights:

3:26 - Catherine’s story

6:08 - Symptoms of OCD in pregnancy, intrusive thoughts 

18:32 - Healthcare Practitioner Experiences; mental health and pregnancy screening

37:57 - Lisette’s birth story, birth trauma, postpartum experience, challenges with nursing, 

44:15 - Lack of supports in her area and discovering the need for more supports

Resources: 

Together Waterloo https://togetherwaterloo.ca/ 
Instagram @togetherwaterloo

The Climb https://togetherwaterloo.ca/cotd-waterloo/ 
Instagram @psiclimbout

Lisette https://postpartumsidekick.ca 
Instagram @postpartumsidekick

Catherine https://catherinemellinger.com
Instagram @catherine_mellinger

Reproductive Life stages Program at Women’s College Hospital Toronto
https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/rls/  

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10389754 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400 2872 intrusive thoughts, perinatal, postpartum, pregnancy, scary thoughts, OCD, birth trauma, advocacy, trauma, nicu 1 12 full true Nicole's Experience with an Ectopic Pregnancy Nicole's Experience with an Ectopic Pregnancy Send a text

Content Warning: Ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, trauma, medical procedures, surgery, a near miss and grief.

My guest today is Nicole Leijh, RSSW who is a perinatal therapist in private practice in Muskoka Ontario. Over the past few months, we’ve gotten to know each other and become friends and I was so honoured when Nicole agreed to share her experience with an ectopic pregnancy. Nicole endured a lot last year and shares her story in order to raise awareness about ectopic pregnancies and to advocate for more education and better care for people experiencing pregnancy loss. 

You can find Nicole at https://lynxlakecounselling.ca 

Highlights:

3:20 - What is ectopic pregnancy? 

4:35 - Nicole’s story

5:47 - Signs of a miscarriage

7:15 - Ultrasound confirmed ectopic pregnancy

8:48 – Told to go to the E.R.

11:14 – Medication to treat the ectopic pregnancy 

17:11 – Experiencing pain and returning to hospital after some hesitation

24:47 – Talk with surgeon, advised that Nicole would need emergency surgery

27:23 – Leaving her son for the first time since his birth

28:29 – Realization that Nicole had postpartum depression and anxiety

30:08 – Having to stop nursing because of the medication

32:05 – Surgery

36:25 – Nicole’s husband experience of being in the parking lot during her surgery

40:43 – Discharge, after-care and recovery 

46:12 – Post-trauma symptoms 

46:53 – Support system

50:35 – Emotional/mental recovery

52:14 – The Due Date

54:28 – Difficulty in finding external supports

56:30 – Raising awareness about ectopic pregnancies, sharing information about ectopic pregnancies

1:02:55 – Where Nicole is at today with her healing

1:03:35 – Advocating to hospitals to make positive changes to ectopic pregnancy care

1:05:40 – What would Nicole have needed during her experience

1:12:19 – What does Nicole want to see change in this space

Resources: 

You can find Nicole at https://lynxlakecounselling.ca 

Information about Ectopic pregnancies 

https://www.babycenter.ca/a549381/ectopic-pregnancy 

Support at PAIL Network

https://pailnetwork.sunnybrook.ca/support-for-families-menu/ 

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings https://www.canadianperinatalmentalhealthtrainings.com 

Pregnancy Loss Support at Postpartum Support International

https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/loss-grief-in-pregnancy-postpartum/ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, trauma, medical procedures, surgery, a near miss and grief.

My guest today is Nicole Leijh, RSSW who is a perinatal therapist in private practice in Muskoka Ontario. Over the past few months, we’ve gotten to know each other and become friends and I was so honoured when Nicole agreed to share her experience with an ectopic pregnancy. Nicole endured a lot last year and shares her story in order to raise awareness about ectopic pregnancies and to advocate for more education and better care for people experiencing pregnancy loss. 

You can find Nicole at https://lynxlakecounselling.ca 

Highlights:

3:20 - What is ectopic pregnancy? 

4:35 - Nicole’s story

5:47 - Signs of a miscarriage

7:15 - Ultrasound confirmed ectopic pregnancy

8:48 – Told to go to the E.R.

11:14 – Medication to treat the ectopic pregnancy 

17:11 – Experiencing pain and returning to hospital after some hesitation

24:47 – Talk with surgeon, advised that Nicole would need emergency surgery

27:23 – Leaving her son for the first time since his birth

28:29 – Realization that Nicole had postpartum depression and anxiety

30:08 – Having to stop nursing because of the medication

32:05 – Surgery

36:25 – Nicole’s husband experience of being in the parking lot during her surgery

40:43 – Discharge, after-care and recovery 

46:12 – Post-trauma symptoms 

46:53 – Support system

50:35 – Emotional/mental recovery

52:14 – The Due Date

54:28 – Difficulty in finding external supports

56:30 – Raising awareness about ectopic pregnancies, sharing information about ectopic pregnancies

1:02:55 – Where Nicole is at today with her healing

1:03:35 – Advocating to hospitals to make positive changes to ectopic pregnancy care

1:05:40 – What would Nicole have needed during her experience

1:12:19 – What does Nicole want to see change in this space

Resources: 

You can find Nicole at https://lynxlakecounselling.ca 

Information about Ectopic pregnancies 

https://www.babycenter.ca/a549381/ectopic-pregnancy 

Support at PAIL Network

https://pailnetwork.sunnybrook.ca/support-for-families-menu/ 

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings https://www.canadianperinatalmentalhealthtrainings.com 

Pregnancy Loss Support at Postpartum Support International

https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/loss-grief-in-pregnancy-postpartum/ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10350526 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0400 4770 ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, grief, trauma, surgery, perinatal anxiety and depression, pregnancy loss, advocacy 1 11 full false How relational trauma can impact the perinatal period with vania sukola How relational trauma can impact the perinatal period with vania sukola Send a text

Content Warning: Today’s episode is all about relational trauma including sexual, physical and emotional abuse as well as birth trauma. Please know this is a heavy episode and you can take your time listening to it or come back to it at a different time. 

My guest today is vania sukola, RP who is a feminist and trauma therapist and works with clients in the perinatal period. I first met vania when she was providing training on trauma assessments. I was instantly drawn to vania’s calm and steady presence and her wisdom. Today’s episode is quite heavy and so I encourage you to take care of yourself when listening to this episode and afterwards. Please know that we will be talking about relational trauma, childhood trauma and how this can impact people when they are in the perinatal period. 

Highlights:

4:30 – What is relational trauma? 

7:15 - How can past or relational trauma impact people in the perinatal period, including in the Prenatal period?

13:32 - during pregnancy 

17:22 – How can we change the narrative around our story? Resourcing, grounding and regulating the nervous system. 

22:00 - Parenting from our values, meeting our own needs 

25:18 - Asking for help

26:24 – Attachment

29:10 - Asking questions and advocating for your perinatal care and saying no to procedures

35:52 – Circles of support – who is in our support system?

38:56 – How relational trauma impacts labour and delivery 

43:00 - How relational trauma impacts our intuition

47:00 – Birth Trauma and relational trauma showing up in delivery

57:15 – How does relational trauma show up in the postpartum period?

1:03:39 - How can foreboding joy show up for people in the Perinatal period? 

1:09:25 - How does the pandemic impact how relational trauma can affect us in the perinatal period and our ability to cope?

1:14:10 - What is a takeaway tool that you would like to give listeners? 

Resources:

You can connect with vania on her website: http://vaniasukola.ca

Facebook: Therapy with Vania

Instagram: vania_sukola

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Today’s episode is all about relational trauma including sexual, physical and emotional abuse as well as birth trauma. Please know this is a heavy episode and you can take your time listening to it or come back to it at a different time. 

My guest today is vania sukola, RP who is a feminist and trauma therapist and works with clients in the perinatal period. I first met vania when she was providing training on trauma assessments. I was instantly drawn to vania’s calm and steady presence and her wisdom. Today’s episode is quite heavy and so I encourage you to take care of yourself when listening to this episode and afterwards. Please know that we will be talking about relational trauma, childhood trauma and how this can impact people when they are in the perinatal period. 

Highlights:

4:30 – What is relational trauma? 

7:15 - How can past or relational trauma impact people in the perinatal period, including in the Prenatal period?

13:32 - during pregnancy 

17:22 – How can we change the narrative around our story? Resourcing, grounding and regulating the nervous system. 

22:00 - Parenting from our values, meeting our own needs 

25:18 - Asking for help

26:24 – Attachment

29:10 - Asking questions and advocating for your perinatal care and saying no to procedures

35:52 – Circles of support – who is in our support system?

38:56 – How relational trauma impacts labour and delivery 

43:00 - How relational trauma impacts our intuition

47:00 – Birth Trauma and relational trauma showing up in delivery

57:15 – How does relational trauma show up in the postpartum period?

1:03:39 - How can foreboding joy show up for people in the Perinatal period? 

1:09:25 - How does the pandemic impact how relational trauma can affect us in the perinatal period and our ability to cope?

1:14:10 - What is a takeaway tool that you would like to give listeners? 

Resources:

You can connect with vania on her website: http://vaniasukola.ca

Facebook: Therapy with Vania

Instagram: vania_sukola

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10284094 Wed, 23 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0400 4921 trauma, relational trauma, abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, childhood abuse, birth trauma, coping, grounding 1 10 full false Kelley’s Experience with Postpartum Anxiety and the Pressures of Sleep Training Kelley’s Experience with Postpartum Anxiety and the Pressures of Sleep Training Send a text

Content Warning: Anxiety, stigma around medication, pressures to sleep train, intrusive and suicidal thoughts

Today’s Guest is Kelley Hassanpour, RN who is the Founder over at Parenting From Within. Kelley experienced postpartum anxiety after the birth of her son. Kelley recognized the symptoms at 13 months postpartum and started her recovery journey then. Kelley experienced pressure to sleep train her son from her doctor and shares how this experience added to her anxiety. Kelley recently founded Parenting From Within in order to provide education, support and community to new parents, providing the support she felt she could’ve used when she had her son. We touched on some important topics including perfectionism and anxiety, the stigma around mental health medications, suicidal and intrusive thoughts, seeking support and so much more!   

Highlights:

4:10 - Pregnancy Story 

5:45 - Perfectionism and anxiety

8:10 - Experiencing postpartum anxiety and the intersection with being a NICU nurse

9:52 – Reluctancy around medication and stigma around mental health medication

14:55 - Noticing the signs of postpartum anxiety at 13 months old

16:12 - Suicidal and intrusive Thoughts

19:00 - Seeking Support

21:05 - Reflecting on signs and symptoms of anxiety in the first year

26:35 - Sleep and pressure to sleep train 

36:52 - Recognizing anxiety vs worry

41:50 - Partner’s experience

45:55 - Post-Birth planning

50:05 – More pressure to sleep train

52:30 - Recovery including medication and therapy 

1:02:18 - Returning to work

1:03:15 - Parenting from Within – Kelley’s Organization

1:16 - What is missing from Perinatal support? 

Resources: 

You can find Kelley at www.parentingfromwithin.ca

Facebook
@parentingfromwithin 

Instagram
@parenting_from_within_ 

Le Leche League Safe Seven: 

https://www.llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven/

Health Link BC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/safer-sleep-for-my-baby.pdf

Canadian Community Health Study: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2019007/article/00002-eng.htm 

= 60% of families say they have bedshared at some point

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Anxiety, stigma around medication, pressures to sleep train, intrusive and suicidal thoughts

Today’s Guest is Kelley Hassanpour, RN who is the Founder over at Parenting From Within. Kelley experienced postpartum anxiety after the birth of her son. Kelley recognized the symptoms at 13 months postpartum and started her recovery journey then. Kelley experienced pressure to sleep train her son from her doctor and shares how this experience added to her anxiety. Kelley recently founded Parenting From Within in order to provide education, support and community to new parents, providing the support she felt she could’ve used when she had her son. We touched on some important topics including perfectionism and anxiety, the stigma around mental health medications, suicidal and intrusive thoughts, seeking support and so much more!   

Highlights:

4:10 - Pregnancy Story 

5:45 - Perfectionism and anxiety

8:10 - Experiencing postpartum anxiety and the intersection with being a NICU nurse

9:52 – Reluctancy around medication and stigma around mental health medication

14:55 - Noticing the signs of postpartum anxiety at 13 months old

16:12 - Suicidal and intrusive Thoughts

19:00 - Seeking Support

21:05 - Reflecting on signs and symptoms of anxiety in the first year

26:35 - Sleep and pressure to sleep train 

36:52 - Recognizing anxiety vs worry

41:50 - Partner’s experience

45:55 - Post-Birth planning

50:05 – More pressure to sleep train

52:30 - Recovery including medication and therapy 

1:02:18 - Returning to work

1:03:15 - Parenting from Within – Kelley’s Organization

1:16 - What is missing from Perinatal support? 

Resources: 

You can find Kelley at www.parentingfromwithin.ca

Facebook
@parentingfromwithin 

Instagram
@parenting_from_within_ 

Le Leche League Safe Seven: 

https://www.llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven/

Health Link BC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/safer-sleep-for-my-baby.pdf

Canadian Community Health Study: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2019007/article/00002-eng.htm 

= 60% of families say they have bedshared at some point

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10265226 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 21:00:00 -0400 4996 intrusive thoughts, perinatal, postpartum, pregnancy, scary thoughts, suicidal thoughts, sleep training, postpartum anxiety, 1 9 full false Queer Fertility Planning and Support with Guest Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD Queer Fertility Planning and Support with Guest Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility Challenges, grief and loss

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #8. Today we’re going to talk about Queer fertility journeys and processes. My guest today is Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD, a Toronto-based queer doula who specializes in queer fertility support. She is also a queer culture and communications scholar and has published and taught on a range of topics related to queer theatre & media, activism & trauma, and critical queer feminist theory. Laine is also the LGBTQ+ Support Co-ordinator and Doula at Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario where she helps people find resources and supports from fertility planning to the postpartum period. Laine and I cover a lot in this episode. Laine guides us through various fertility planning considerations, fertility treatments and processes as well as how to cope with change and grief and the importance of self-advocacy throughout this process. And so much more! You can find her on instagram: @queerconceptions.

Highlights:

3:20 - Laine’s work

4:57 - What is involved in the fertility planning

5:19 - Learning to cope with change and anxiety through the fertility journey 

10:25 - Lack of inclusivity in fertility clinics 

13:05 - Options in queer fertility journeys

15:20 - Anonymous vs open-ID for sperm or egg donations

19:03 - CMV status testing 

21:06 - Choosing a fertility clinic

25:08 - Choosing a method

27:40 - Creating a fertility plan

29:41 - Giving yourself permission to take a pause

31:56 - Creating your support network

32:57 - Transitioning from care during fertility treatments to pregnancy care

42:30 - Coping with grief and loss throughout the fertility process

49:07 - Support for non-gestational parents

50:57 - How the Pandemic has affected fertility journeys

52:59 - What do you think is missing from the space of Perinatal Support for people in the Queer community? 

54:33 - How do we help to break down barriers? 

58:27 - Understanding and using pronouns

Resources: 

Check out Laine on Instagram @queerconceptions for information on fertility planning and journeys as well as questions to ask and think about on your fertility journey.

Take a look at Birth Mark’s Seed and Sprout program for 2SLGBTQIA families here https://birthmarksupport.com/seed-sprout    


You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility Challenges, grief and loss

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #8. Today we’re going to talk about Queer fertility journeys and processes. My guest today is Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD, a Toronto-based queer doula who specializes in queer fertility support. She is also a queer culture and communications scholar and has published and taught on a range of topics related to queer theatre & media, activism & trauma, and critical queer feminist theory. Laine is also the LGBTQ+ Support Co-ordinator and Doula at Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario where she helps people find resources and supports from fertility planning to the postpartum period. Laine and I cover a lot in this episode. Laine guides us through various fertility planning considerations, fertility treatments and processes as well as how to cope with change and grief and the importance of self-advocacy throughout this process. And so much more! You can find her on instagram: @queerconceptions.

Highlights:

3:20 - Laine’s work

4:57 - What is involved in the fertility planning

5:19 - Learning to cope with change and anxiety through the fertility journey 

10:25 - Lack of inclusivity in fertility clinics 

13:05 - Options in queer fertility journeys

15:20 - Anonymous vs open-ID for sperm or egg donations

19:03 - CMV status testing 

21:06 - Choosing a fertility clinic

25:08 - Choosing a method

27:40 - Creating a fertility plan

29:41 - Giving yourself permission to take a pause

31:56 - Creating your support network

32:57 - Transitioning from care during fertility treatments to pregnancy care

42:30 - Coping with grief and loss throughout the fertility process

49:07 - Support for non-gestational parents

50:57 - How the Pandemic has affected fertility journeys

52:59 - What do you think is missing from the space of Perinatal Support for people in the Queer community? 

54:33 - How do we help to break down barriers? 

58:27 - Understanding and using pronouns

Resources: 

Check out Laine on Instagram @queerconceptions for information on fertility planning and journeys as well as questions to ask and think about on your fertility journey.

Take a look at Birth Mark’s Seed and Sprout program for 2SLGBTQIA families here https://birthmarksupport.com/seed-sprout    


You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10214716 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0500 3944 queer fertility, queer, fertility, pregnancy, trying to conceive, inclusive support, grief, loss 1 8 full false Sascha’s experience with Postpartum Anxiety and having a baby during a Pandemic Sascha’s experience with Postpartum Anxiety and having a baby during a Pandemic Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility struggles, Intrusive thoughts, anxiety, mention of birth trauma, and grief.

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #7! On today’s episode I interview Sascha, who I met through PSI’s Peer Mentor program last year. Sascha is a mom to her 2-year-old son and lives with her husband in New Jersey. 

Sascha experienced Postpartum Anxiety after the birth of her first child and she shares her story with us, what recovery looked like for her and what having a baby during a pandemic has been like. We touch on so many different really important points that I think everyone will take something from this episode. 

Highlights:

4:30 - Sascha’s birth story

13:23 - The Baby Blues

16:50 - Postpartum Anxiety

18:58 - Baby’s sleep

19:55 - The impact of social media on perinatal mental health

23:16 - Transition back to work after maternity leave

25:52 - Intrusive thoughts

28:50 - Reaching out for help, connecting to supports

34:40 - Connecting to our values

39:11 - Recovery

40:20 - Coping Skills

47:27 - Grief

49:43 - Baby’s 1st birthday

54:45 - Experience of having a baby in a pandemic

59:19 - Transitioning to daycare in a pandemic

1:03:17 - What would you tell yourself in that difficult time?

1:04:53 - What supports do we need to help new parents?

Resources: 

Book: Good Moms have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman 

You can find information about the Peer Mentor program at Postpartum International at https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/peer-mentor-program/

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Fertility struggles, Intrusive thoughts, anxiety, mention of birth trauma, and grief.

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #7! On today’s episode I interview Sascha, who I met through PSI’s Peer Mentor program last year. Sascha is a mom to her 2-year-old son and lives with her husband in New Jersey. 

Sascha experienced Postpartum Anxiety after the birth of her first child and she shares her story with us, what recovery looked like for her and what having a baby during a pandemic has been like. We touch on so many different really important points that I think everyone will take something from this episode. 

Highlights:

4:30 - Sascha’s birth story

13:23 - The Baby Blues

16:50 - Postpartum Anxiety

18:58 - Baby’s sleep

19:55 - The impact of social media on perinatal mental health

23:16 - Transition back to work after maternity leave

25:52 - Intrusive thoughts

28:50 - Reaching out for help, connecting to supports

34:40 - Connecting to our values

39:11 - Recovery

40:20 - Coping Skills

47:27 - Grief

49:43 - Baby’s 1st birthday

54:45 - Experience of having a baby in a pandemic

59:19 - Transitioning to daycare in a pandemic

1:03:17 - What would you tell yourself in that difficult time?

1:04:53 - What supports do we need to help new parents?

Resources: 

Book: Good Moms have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman 

You can find information about the Peer Mentor program at Postpartum International at https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/peer-mentor-program/

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10176037 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0500 4155 postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, grief, sleep, nursing, pandemic 1 7 full false Jodi’s Birth Stories part 2 Jodi’s Birth Stories part 2 Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, anxiety and challenges with nursing.

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #6 today is part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Jodi Pawluski. Jodi is a researcher, neuroscientist, therapist, podcaster, and parent! Jodi is from Canada and currently lives in France with her partner and 2 kids. Jodi researches the Parental brain and you can learn all about it on her website and on her podcast, Mommy Brain Revisited. Jodi is also a perinatal mental health therapist. In this episode, Jodi shares her story of her delivery with her 2nd child and her experience with nursing him, in a different country than her first. We also talk about the neuroscience of anxiety and the biology of nursing. And because we had so much to talk about you get to hear Jodi’s story in 2 parts! Please see last week’s show for part 1.  

You can find Jodi at https://www.jodipawluski.com and her podcast Mommy Brain Revisited is on most major platforms.

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, anxiety and challenges with nursing.

Hello and welcome to Perinatal Wellbeing episode #6 today is part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Jodi Pawluski. Jodi is a researcher, neuroscientist, therapist, podcaster, and parent! Jodi is from Canada and currently lives in France with her partner and 2 kids. Jodi researches the Parental brain and you can learn all about it on her website and on her podcast, Mommy Brain Revisited. Jodi is also a perinatal mental health therapist. In this episode, Jodi shares her story of her delivery with her 2nd child and her experience with nursing him, in a different country than her first. We also talk about the neuroscience of anxiety and the biology of nursing. And because we had so much to talk about you get to hear Jodi’s story in 2 parts! Please see last week’s show for part 1.  

You can find Jodi at https://www.jodipawluski.com and her podcast Mommy Brain Revisited is on most major platforms.

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-10090125 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:00:00 -0500 3716 neuroscience, biology, perinatal, breastfeeding, postpartum, nursing, birth story, nursing challenges 1 6 full false Jodi’s Birth Stories part 1 Jodi’s Birth Stories part 1 Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, experience of baby in the NICU

Today’s guest is Dr. Jodi Pawluski, researcher, neuroscientist, therapist, podcaster, and parent! Jodi is from Canada and currently lives in France with her partner and 2 kids. Jodi studies the Parental brain and you can learn all about it on her website and on her podcast, Mommy Brain Revisited. Jodi is also a perinatal mental health therapist. In this episode, Jodi shares her story of her deliveries with her 2 kids, in 2 separate countries, that were not her home countries. Jodi also talks about her experiences with nursing. And we talk about some neuroscience and biology. Because we had so much to talk about you will have part 1 this week and part 2 next week! 

Highlights:

5:10 Prenatal care and testing 

9:46 Searching for healthcare provider

18:25 What would being in a different country be like during the Pandemic?

24:30 How did Jodi’s Neuroscience background influence her approach to labour and delivery

27:37 Haptonomy

31:30 Baby’s birth

37: 40 Challenges with nursing post-birth

39:20 Baby went to the NICU

43:10 Guilt from nursing challenges

49:48 Coping with baby being in NICU

Resources: 

You can find Dr. Pawluski at https://www.jodipawluski.com and her podcast Mommy Brain Revisited is on most major platforms. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, experience of baby in the NICU

Today’s guest is Dr. Jodi Pawluski, researcher, neuroscientist, therapist, podcaster, and parent! Jodi is from Canada and currently lives in France with her partner and 2 kids. Jodi studies the Parental brain and you can learn all about it on her website and on her podcast, Mommy Brain Revisited. Jodi is also a perinatal mental health therapist. In this episode, Jodi shares her story of her deliveries with her 2 kids, in 2 separate countries, that were not her home countries. Jodi also talks about her experiences with nursing. And we talk about some neuroscience and biology. Because we had so much to talk about you will have part 1 this week and part 2 next week! 

Highlights:

5:10 Prenatal care and testing 

9:46 Searching for healthcare provider

18:25 What would being in a different country be like during the Pandemic?

24:30 How did Jodi’s Neuroscience background influence her approach to labour and delivery

27:37 Haptonomy

31:30 Baby’s birth

37: 40 Challenges with nursing post-birth

39:20 Baby went to the NICU

43:10 Guilt from nursing challenges

49:48 Coping with baby being in NICU

Resources: 

You can find Dr. Pawluski at https://www.jodipawluski.com and her podcast Mommy Brain Revisited is on most major platforms. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Dr. Jodi Pawluski Buzzsprout-10046106 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0500 3352 1 5 full false The Challenges of Nursing The Challenges of Nursing Send a text

 Content Warning: In this episode we are discussing challenges with nursing and grief and trauma that can be associated with that. I use the word breastfeeding when discussing my own story and I continue to work towards more inclusive language including using either nursing, chest feeding or body feeding. 

Let’s open up the conversation around nursing! There are so many stories of parents struggling to get started with nursing, not being able to nurse for as long as they want to, or at all and this can bring up extreme shame and guilt and have a very negative impact on a parent’s mental health. And there are also parents that do nurse because they physically can however, they struggle mentally and feel pressure to continue nursing even when they feel they don’t want to or can’t cope. And nursing can be a lovely journey for so many parents and then they experience a lot of grief when they decide to stop nursing or baby is ready to wean. And let’s not forget the shame and confusing messages we hear about nursing! It can be a rollercoaster of an experience. 

This episode is simply an introduction to this topic, to open up the discussion and is by no means an exhaustive exploration of all the challenges that various people face when trying to feed their babies. I open the discussion with my story of breastfeeding and acknowledge that this is only one type of story out there. I am not a lactation consultant, or feeding expert so please seek out help if you feel you are experiencing challenges with feeding your baby. We will have more guests on the podcast to discuss other perspectives and stories around this topic. 

Highlights:

3:55 My Story with breastfeeding 

6:35 Guilt and Shame

13:27 We’re not born knowing how to breastfeed

14:55 Judgement from others

17:55 Potential challenges during breastfeeding

22:13 Experiencing a grief or trauma wound from challenges with breastfeeding

23:47 How do we cope?

Resources: 

Support for Transgender and Non-Binary Parents https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/transgender-non-binary-parents/ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

 Content Warning: In this episode we are discussing challenges with nursing and grief and trauma that can be associated with that. I use the word breastfeeding when discussing my own story and I continue to work towards more inclusive language including using either nursing, chest feeding or body feeding. 

Let’s open up the conversation around nursing! There are so many stories of parents struggling to get started with nursing, not being able to nurse for as long as they want to, or at all and this can bring up extreme shame and guilt and have a very negative impact on a parent’s mental health. And there are also parents that do nurse because they physically can however, they struggle mentally and feel pressure to continue nursing even when they feel they don’t want to or can’t cope. And nursing can be a lovely journey for so many parents and then they experience a lot of grief when they decide to stop nursing or baby is ready to wean. And let’s not forget the shame and confusing messages we hear about nursing! It can be a rollercoaster of an experience. 

This episode is simply an introduction to this topic, to open up the discussion and is by no means an exhaustive exploration of all the challenges that various people face when trying to feed their babies. I open the discussion with my story of breastfeeding and acknowledge that this is only one type of story out there. I am not a lactation consultant, or feeding expert so please seek out help if you feel you are experiencing challenges with feeding your baby. We will have more guests on the podcast to discuss other perspectives and stories around this topic. 

Highlights:

3:55 My Story with breastfeeding 

6:35 Guilt and Shame

13:27 We’re not born knowing how to breastfeed

14:55 Judgement from others

17:55 Potential challenges during breastfeeding

22:13 Experiencing a grief or trauma wound from challenges with breastfeeding

23:47 How do we cope?

Resources: 

Support for Transgender and Non-Binary Parents https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/transgender-non-binary-parents/ 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-9991557 Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500 1607 nursing, perinatal, breastfeeding, postpartum, chestfeeding, bodyfeeding, grief, trauma, shame, guilt, nursing challenges 1 4 full false The Realities of Transitioning to Parenthood The Realities of Transitioning to Parenthood Send a text

Let’s normalize how hard it is to transition to parenthood! On the podcast today we’re talking about the realities of transitioning to parenthood and that it’s not always filled with joy and elation. Transitioning to parenthood can be very exciting and scary at the same time and can involve grief for our old life. Seeing how others parent online can cause us a lot of distress and not listening to our gut takes us away from our values and goals. We’re going to talk about all of this and discuss ways to help cope with this transition.

Highlights:

2:17 - Some thoughts after welcoming baby 

 4:30 - Transition for the family

6:37 – The stereotype of falling in love with your baby as soon as you meet them

8:45 - Transition for the internal system and parenting from the Self

12:52 - Social Media’s effect on how we think we’re doing

15:57 - Pressure to be everything to our children

 16:47 - What’s helpful?

 Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca  

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Let’s normalize how hard it is to transition to parenthood! On the podcast today we’re talking about the realities of transitioning to parenthood and that it’s not always filled with joy and elation. Transitioning to parenthood can be very exciting and scary at the same time and can involve grief for our old life. Seeing how others parent online can cause us a lot of distress and not listening to our gut takes us away from our values and goals. We’re going to talk about all of this and discuss ways to help cope with this transition.

Highlights:

2:17 - Some thoughts after welcoming baby 

 4:30 - Transition for the family

6:37 – The stereotype of falling in love with your baby as soon as you meet them

8:45 - Transition for the internal system and parenting from the Self

12:52 - Social Media’s effect on how we think we’re doing

15:57 - Pressure to be everything to our children

 16:47 - What’s helpful?

 Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca  

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-9953569 Wed, 26 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500 1295 parenthood, grief, anxiety, scary, joy, social media, values, 1 3 full false Intrusive Thoughts in the Perinatal Period Intrusive Thoughts in the Perinatal Period Send a text

Content Warning: Examples of various type of intrusive thoughts 

Episode description: On today’s episode we’re going to talk about Intrusive Thoughts in the Perinatal Period. I’m going to share the clinical definition, what this looks like in real-life, when it’s a good idea to ask for help and how to cope with these types of thoughts. I experienced intrusive thoughts in the Postpartum period, and I will share this experience with you. Let’s open up this discussion to reduce the barriers to seeking help and the shame that can come with these thoughts. 

Highlights:

2:33 - What are Intrusive thoughts? 

4:13 - Different types of thoughts. 
 7:52 - What does this look like in real-life? 

9:28 - Creating meaning around intrusive thoughts. 

10:45 - Shame and guilt.

12: 28 – Intrusive thoughts knock us out of our window of tolerance.

14:20 - Developing compulsions.
 15:00 - When to ask for help.

15:35 - Barriers to disclosing intrusive thoughts.

18:50 - Coping with intrusive thoughts.

21:52 - The process of managing the thoughts.

24:53 - Normalizing anxiety.

26:26 - Anchoring in the Self, trusting ourselves.

28:17 - Other ways to cope.

Resources: 

An incredible book for new parents is “Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” by Karen Kleiman. 

And a great book for clinicians and parents is Karen Kleiman’s book “Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Parenthood”, from which I have used a lot of information for this post as well as in my work with clients. 

You can find more information at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca 

You can find information and free online support groups at Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Examples of various type of intrusive thoughts 

Episode description: On today’s episode we’re going to talk about Intrusive Thoughts in the Perinatal Period. I’m going to share the clinical definition, what this looks like in real-life, when it’s a good idea to ask for help and how to cope with these types of thoughts. I experienced intrusive thoughts in the Postpartum period, and I will share this experience with you. Let’s open up this discussion to reduce the barriers to seeking help and the shame that can come with these thoughts. 

Highlights:

2:33 - What are Intrusive thoughts? 

4:13 - Different types of thoughts. 
 7:52 - What does this look like in real-life? 

9:28 - Creating meaning around intrusive thoughts. 

10:45 - Shame and guilt.

12: 28 – Intrusive thoughts knock us out of our window of tolerance.

14:20 - Developing compulsions.
 15:00 - When to ask for help.

15:35 - Barriers to disclosing intrusive thoughts.

18:50 - Coping with intrusive thoughts.

21:52 - The process of managing the thoughts.

24:53 - Normalizing anxiety.

26:26 - Anchoring in the Self, trusting ourselves.

28:17 - Other ways to cope.

Resources: 

An incredible book for new parents is “Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” by Karen Kleiman. 

And a great book for clinicians and parents is Karen Kleiman’s book “Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Parenthood”, from which I have used a lot of information for this post as well as in my work with clients. 

You can find more information at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca 

You can find information and free online support groups at Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-9918032 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:00:00 -0500 1869 intrusive thoughts, perinatal, postpartum, pregnancy, scary thoughts 1 2 full false My Experience with Postpartum Anxiety and Depression My Experience with Postpartum Anxiety and Depression Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive Thoughts, Suicidal Thoughts

On today’s episode I share my story of having Postpartum Anxiety and Depression after the birth of my 3rd child. I share the different signs and symptoms that I experienced, what my journey to recovery looked like and how I made meaning from that challenging time. 

Highlights:

My Backstory highlighting previous breastfeeding and baby blues experiences 3:15

Birth and the beginning of my Postpartum Experience 5:39

The symptoms I experienced 6:21

Shame and guilt around breastfeeding 9:11

Social Media and comparisons 10:59

Lactation Consultant suggested PPD, researching PPD 12:31

Other Symptoms 14:21

Intrusive Thoughts 15:32

When I knew I needed help 16:58

6 Week check-up and asking for help 18:41

Referral to a support program and journey to recovery 21:02

Diagnosis and medication refusal 24:11

The ups and downs of recovery 25:12

Contemplating medication at 6 months postpartum 26:44

Starting medication and medication change 29:08

Grief 30:50

The 1 year mark and more grief and sadness 31:41

My husband’s support 34:35

ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnoses 35:18

Making meaning out of my story 37:00

Awareness of my mental health 38:14 

Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca      

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Send a text

Content Warning: Intrusive Thoughts, Suicidal Thoughts

On today’s episode I share my story of having Postpartum Anxiety and Depression after the birth of my 3rd child. I share the different signs and symptoms that I experienced, what my journey to recovery looked like and how I made meaning from that challenging time. 

Highlights:

My Backstory highlighting previous breastfeeding and baby blues experiences 3:15

Birth and the beginning of my Postpartum Experience 5:39

The symptoms I experienced 6:21

Shame and guilt around breastfeeding 9:11

Social Media and comparisons 10:59

Lactation Consultant suggested PPD, researching PPD 12:31

Other Symptoms 14:21

Intrusive Thoughts 15:32

When I knew I needed help 16:58

6 Week check-up and asking for help 18:41

Referral to a support program and journey to recovery 21:02

Diagnosis and medication refusal 24:11

The ups and downs of recovery 25:12

Contemplating medication at 6 months postpartum 26:44

Starting medication and medication change 29:08

Grief 30:50

The 1 year mark and more grief and sadness 31:41

My husband’s support 34:35

ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnoses 35:18

Making meaning out of my story 37:00

Awareness of my mental health 38:14 

Resources: 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca      

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

Support the show

]]> Christine Cunningham Buzzsprout-9892256 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:00:00 -0500 2432 postpartum depression, perinatal, postpartum, pregnancy, postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts 1 1 full false Introduction to the Perinatal Wellbeing Podcast Introduction to the Perinatal Wellbeing Podcast Send a text

We want to welcome you to the podcast and tell you a little bit about what it’s all about and what you can expect. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Send a text

We want to welcome you to the podcast and tell you a little bit about what it’s all about and what you can expect. 

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-9813580 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:00:00 -0500 274 1 bonus false