Support for Parents
May 1st is World Maternal Mental Health Day
Did you know? 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. May 1st is World Maternal Mental Health Day which is all about advocacy and reducing the stigma many people feel about discussing maternal mental health. The more we talk about maternal mental health, the more parents will reach out for support.
Visit wmmhday.postpartum.net for more information about World Maternal Mental Health Day.
Support for Moms
Just for Dads
Prenatal Support
Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) Peer Support Group, phone and email
If you are a mom who is experiencing difficulties adjusting to life with a new baby or is coping with Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD), support is available.
It’s not easy to reach out for support – we’re so glad you’re here.
At BridgeWay, we have a Postpartum Mood Disorder Peer Support Group as well as a phone number and email address you can contact for support and resources. All services are free, no registration required.
Our PPMD Peer Support Group is a judgement-free space where you can talk about how you feel or just sit and listen to others. Childcare is provided in the centre during the program; you are also welcome to bring your baby with you into the group. This group is available at our Heart Lake, Brittany Glen and Turtle Creek EarlyON locations. Find out more about our PPMD Peer Support Group.
If you have any concerns about changes in your mood or well-being, we are here to listen. You can phone or text 647-913-8410. The line is answered between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday. Email [email protected] for free, confidential support and resources.
Please note that our services are not monitored 24/7. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the 24/7 Crisis Support Line run by Canadian Mental Health Association’s Peel Dufferin branch at 905-278-9036. See our mental health resource list for other urgent and non-urgent mental health services in Peel.
You and Your Baby: a program for first-time moms
Becoming a mom is filled with new experiences and a wide range of emotions; no one understands this like another mom. At You and Your Baby, you’ll meet other first-time moms, and share the joys and challenges of having a baby. Throughout this six-session program, we’ll discuss topics like birth experience, feeding your baby, safety tips, and adjustments to parenthood. Find out more about You and Your Baby.
Mom’s Chat
During this relaxed chat session you can share your thoughts and concerns about parenting, ask questions, and meet other moms in your community. If you don’t want to share, that’s ok! Come and listen instead. Moms with children birth to 24 months are welcome to join Mom’s Chat.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
If you’re a mom who has experienced a loss any time throughout pregnancy, during IVF, or after the birth of your baby, BridgeWay’s Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group is here for you.
In this group, we will discuss topics such as: different types of loss, stages and symptoms of loss and grief (and how these are different for every individual), possible triggers and strategies to use when facing them, how to cope with comments/questions from others, and types of support. You are welcome to share as much or as little of your experience as you’re comfortable with.
Infant Feeding Support
Do you have questions about breastfeeding/chestfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, formula feeding or combo feeding? You’re in the right place. Our Registered Lactation Consultant provides free infant feeding support at EarlyON Centres. Parents and caregivers with infants can drop in to ask questions and share concerns. Our lactation consultant will help guide you through your infant feeding goals.
Just for Dads
Join us at Just for Dads where you can connect with other fathers that are also learning more about their role as a parent. Come share your thoughts and concerns about parenting, ask questions, and meet other dads in your community.
Helpful Links
Prenatal Support
Healthy Start (Canada Prenatal Nutriton Program)
If you are pregnant and on a fixed or low income, separated from your family and need extra support or you’re a pregnant teen, Healthy Start is here for you. This free program is all about nutrition and learning to give your baby the healthiest start possible.
Please contact [email protected] or call 905-822-1114 ext. 243 to find out if you qualify for this program.
Prenatal Classes
Having a baby is an exciting journey filled with everything from happiness to anxiety to feeling overwhelmed. There is so much conflicting information from family, friends and the internet. Come get your questions answered with the most current information so that you can feel confident and prepared for this exciting time. Find out more about BridgeWay’s Prenatal Classes.