May is World Maternal Mental Health Month, and we are proud to support perinatal mental health.
Through our Community Grants Program, we have funded programs at Chebucto Family Centre to improve mental health outcomes for new parents through the Post Partum Doula Program.
Post partum doulas are trained professionals who offer physical and emotional support to new parents during the first few months after the birth of a baby. They offer evidence-based information, breastfeeding support, newborn care support, care for the baby so that the parent can care for themselves, offer a meal so that parents can have nutritious food without the effort of cooking, and reassurance and guidance for the parents as they adjust to life with their new baby. Through our Community Grant, 35 new doulas were trained for the Volunteer Doula Program. On average, dozens of hours of support are provided to families, providing connection and compassion to new parents.
“Being able to talk to [my doula] about what happened during the delivery was very helpful. I was able to ask questions about what happened and understand more … She also helped me plan my postpartum recovery, and when I had a hard time getting through things, she was able to get me back on track with my plan. Having a Postpartum doula made a big difference in my health, [and] my parenting.” – new mom