Birth, Parenting and Mental Wellness

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Women's Mental Health Program has hosted a series of collaborative Facebook Live presentations with the Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre. Feel free to watch, and be sure to follow the Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre on Facebook to watch more videos, and to find out about upcoming events.

Perinatal Mental Health with Dr. Valérie Giroux
A conversation about the risk factors and symptoms of Postpartum Major depression and Anxiety Disorder, available treatment options, and the importance of self-care and social support with Dr. Valérie Giroux. Moderated by Nancy Kennedy. (Disponible en français ici)

Ask the Experts: Pandemic Edition with Midwives Teresa Bandrowska, RM and Nicole Pichette, RM
This presentation featured two Midwives from Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre who covered topics including pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding & chestfeeding during COVID-19. Moderated by Nancy Kennedy.
Resources for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum available here: http://bit.ly/obwcresources

Maternal Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Midst of COVID-19

This week's presentation centred around maternal mental health and wellbeing in the midst of COVID-19, including highlighting community-based resources and support options.

Presenters: Emma Slaney Gose and Ann-Marie O'Brien
Moderator: Nancy Kennedy

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety: A Conversation with Dr. Jasmine Gandhi
A conversation exploring when it is appropriate to seek treatment for perinatal mental health, community resources, available types of treatments, and a Q+A with Dr. Jasmine Gandhi, staff psychiatrist at The Ottawa Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa. Moderated by Nancy Kennedy.

Facebook Live with Community Agencies
This week's presentation highlights local services for parents and families, and had a live Q+A period at the end.

Featuring Guests:
Courtney A. Holmes CBD/PCD (DONA), CCE
Family Outreach and Birth Companion Support Worker
Birth and Parent Companion Program, Mothercraft Ottawa

Wendy O'Connell-Smith, BSW
Coordinator, Parenting Program,
Family Services Ottawa

Moderated by Nancy Kennedy

Santé mentale des femmes

Le Programme de santé mentale pour les femmes est un programme novateur qui a été créé afin de combler le besoin de répondre à l’expérience de santé mentale, le traitement et le retablissement unique qu’ont les femmes de la maladie mentale en raison de leurs différences biologiques et de leurs différents rôles sociaux. Nous faisons la promotion de la santé mentale et du mieux-être de toutes les femmes, afin de nous assurer que les expériences des femmes dans le système de santé mentale tiennent compte de leurs besoins biologiques, psychologiques et sociaux uniques.