The Birth & Postpartum Support Centre offers a range of individual, family and group services to support women and families in the following areas:
- Depression and anxiety in pregnancy
- Postpartum Depression Counselling
- Complications related to pregnancy
- Fear related to childbirth
- Preparing for childbirth following a previous traumatic birth experience; or as a survivor of sexual abuse
- Counselling for women with a history of emotional illness who are preparing for pregnancy
- Grief counselling for miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn loss or termination
- Infertility Counselling
- Neonatal Intensive Care Support
- Support for exploration of women's issues including self-esteem, sexuality, body image, intimacy
Services Provided Include:
Individual Counselling – women have the opportunity to meet individually with a trained therapist specializing in postpartum adjustment and depression. She will provide a thorough assessment and develop a personalized counselling plan with a focus on helping women to feel better as quickly as possible. The sessions are one hour in length and babies are always welcome. In-home or phone sessions may be arranged if required.
Couple Sessions – women’s partners are invited to attend at least a session or two together with his partner. The purpose of the session is to provide support, information and strategies to enhance their coping as a family. During the session, an assessment will also be completed to determine how the partner is coping and if appropriate, he may be offered individual sessions to support him through the difficulties experienced within his family.
Postpartum Support Group – A weekly support group offers the opportunity to come together with other moms who understand what you are going through. The eight week session is led by a therapist (and mother).
Topics discussed in the group include:
- The Myths of Motherhood
- Surviving the first 12 weeks
- Relationship changes
- Sharing and understanding your birth experience
- Understanding your emotions and moods during postpartum
- Rediscovering who you are as a woman and mother
Pregnancy After Postpartum Depression Counselling – specialized therapy sessions designed to assist women and/or couples to explore their options for more children after suffering postpartum depression.
Baby-Proofing You Relationship Workshop – a 3 hour workshop designed for couples to assist them in developing realistic expectations for the changes they will experience in their relationship and household following the birth of their baby. The workshop will incorporate the development of a plan to cope and manage these adjustments. Traditional prenatal classes help to prepare you for the day of labour and delivery, but little time is available to discuss how this baby will change the rest of your life. This workshop will equip you with the tools you need to make a smooth transition to parenthood.
Childbirth Classes - a small group class designed to prepare couples for birth. Couples will learn everything they need to know to feel confident and prepared for birth.
Professional Training & Seminars – education seminars, workshops and trainings are available. Please call to discuss your training needs and a specialized program will be developed to meet those needs.
Note: A portion of the counselling fee may be covered by Insurance Companies or Employee Assistance Programs. Please ask your provider for details of coverage.
|
