Resources

resources

USA

They have more than 175 Coordinators around the world. PSI Coordinators provide support, encouragement, and information about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and can help you connect to your community or internet resources.

If you know of any other postpartum support groups, please let us know at info@postpartum.org

Partner Sessions Goal:

To end the isolation that partner's experience during the adjustment period of becoming a new parent.

To improve personal and family wellness through providing information and resources, in a safe non judgmental space for communication and support.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUPS
Provincial listings of individuals and organizations that are committed to offering assistance for mothers, fathers and families in need of social support, information and treatment.

WEBSITES - NEWSGROUPS - WEB FORUMS
Links to various websites, Usenet discussion newsgroups and web forums that provide informative and interactive content dedicated to postpartum depression.

VANCOUVER AND LOWER MAINLAND CONTACTS
Contact numbers for the Vancouver and Lower Mainland area, including local information, referral, and counselling services.

Fathers/partners

"Fathers can play a key role in helping their partners cope with postpartum depression," says Joan Stauffer, assistant co-ordinator of Calgary's Post Partum Support Service. "A woman is very vulnerable after having a baby and he is her main support," says Stauffer. "And men need support, too. Especially first-time fathers who don't know what to expect, who are trying to support their wives and cope with their own feelings."

She says partners might need to:

Take time for themselves other than at work.
Find someone to talk to.
Continue to follow some of their own interests.
Be aware of their own needs.

ways to help a new mother

Encourage her to talk about her feelings and show that he understands or is trying to understand.
Set visitation limits by telling friends 'no' when she doesn't feel like company.
If friends or family offer help -- such as volunteering to clean house - accept.
When friends offer to babysit, say 'yes'. Parents need time away from a baby.
Tell her he loves her, don't assume she knows it. Many women feel unsexy and unlovable and need to know their partners aren't going to leave them.
Pick up the slack with chores.
Be physically affectionate without asking for sex.