Parenting. It’s a joyful, hilarious, and rewarding experience. And one of the toughest. Sometimes we don’t talk about the hard parts because, well, it’s hard! We don’t always feel safe or accepted enough to open up, especially when it comes to our mental health.
If you haven’t experienced it yourself, you probably have a family member, friend, neighbour, or co-worker who has dealt with mental health struggles. Pregnancy and early motherhood is a vulnerable time, and 1 in 5 women will experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders such as depression and anxiety. Yet, as society improves how and how much we talk about mental health, the challenges faced specifically by moms are often left out of the conversation. We’ve made strides, but we’re still a long way from making sure the support we need is always available to anyone who needs it.
Together, we can change that. Life with a Baby literally exists to create a safe space for parents to talk about every aspect of parenting - even the hard bits. This year, we’ve been invited to partner with Bell for #BellLetsTalk Day onJanuary 30th to help make sure mental wellness for moms is part of the conversation. We’ve also partnered with Indigo Books - and this part is especially for you - to host Baby and Me Pajama Party events (toddlers are also welcome!) in select stores across the country. We’re all about exercising mental wellness in real life. Come out, and meet up with other parents in a safe, casual space (seriously just roll out in your PJs) to share ideas about how we can better take care of ourselves and each other as we take care of our kids.
A certified practitioner will lead a chat about self-care and mental wellness, followed by a fun song and story circle time lead by Indigo staff for babies and toddlers to enjoy. Afterwards, feel free to stay to enjoy some coffee and treats while you chat and relax with other parents.
Let ’s make 2019 an even bigger year for maternal mental health. We’re
strongest when we unite so we’re asking you to join us! On January 30th let's say it loud and proud to create momentum to last throughout the year!
Here what’s you can do to both help the cause and your self-care goals:
On January 30, post on your social platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and SnapChat are all eligible) throughout the day using both: #BellLetsTalk And #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth. Share your stories, encouragement, perspective, and support to let everyone know maternal mental wellness deserves a seat at the table!
While at it, check in on new or expecting parents in your life. A call, text, visit, or delivery from someone who cares about how you’re really doing can be the life raft on tough day or time.
Visit lifewithababy.com/letstalk to find and register for an Indigo event happening on January 30 in your province. If you can’t go, share it with your
family and friends and encourage them to register and join in!
Thanks to you, we’re a little closer every day to a world where we prevent Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders wherever possible, give support when inevitable, and maternal wellness is conventional. Canadian Mothers needs a national strategy for Maternal Mental Health. With your help, we can get there.
Together Stronger,
Claire
Sample Social Media Posts
@lifewithababy has joined forces with #BellLetsTalk to highlight the fight to support maternal mental health. Use #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth to show you care!
Today on #BellLetsTalk Day, we embrace those navigating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. We’re in this together.
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
Check in on a new or expecting mom today. Just hearing your voice can mean make a difference to someone dealing with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders including depression, insolation, or anxiety.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
1 in 5 women will experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Some won’t even know it. Let’s change that. @lifewithababy support network offers resources, events and activities near you.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
Know a new parent? They might be dealing with more than sleepless nights. A call, a meal, an invite for coffee or a walk, or to watch the baby for an hour can go a long way to help.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
It takes a village to raise great kids - and it starts with supporting parents. Check in, follow-up, offer help. We’re in this together.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
What does maternal mental health mean to you? Have a story or advice to share?
Share using #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
#BellLetsTalk
1 in 5 women will experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders but may be too afraid to ask for help. Let’s change that.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
Research shows peer support reduces social isolation. New parents often struggle with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in silence. Let’s change that. Check in, follow-up, offer help.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth
