It takes a village to raise a child. In my ideal world everyone would have a therapist to be part of their village. But I know times are tough and life is busy. What are 10 Risk Factors that increase the risk of Maternal Mental Health and Parenting Struggles?
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Did you know 1/5 women globally report a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy or postpartum? Sadly, there are many more cases that go unreported leaving women suffering alone due to stigma around mental health or confusion around when to seek support.
February is known as the relationship month. And as it's feeling like baby fever here at the clinic, with so many of our practitioners expecting their first, my latest blog will focus on research from my transition to parenthood training.
Are you feeling stuck in an unhealthy pattern, environment or relationship or just not feeling like yourself? Here are 10 ways the therapy I offer may help you get unstuck and invite more peace, joy and healthy relationships into your life.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year." Or so the carols and commercials insist. But as a therapist for 20+ years and a highly sensitive mom for almost as long, I know this time of year can be especially stressful and trigger sadness and overwhelm. But the good news is, therapy can help you identify your triggers and vulnerabilities and come up with a plan to honour what you need this holiday season.
October is Healthy Workplace Month. How healthy does your workplace feel? Burnout is not the fault of the individual. There are things you can learn and heal in therapy to help protect against burnout at work and home. Leaving Is Not Enough. Why Therapy is Often Needed after Being in an Unhealthy or Misaligned Work Environment. Anything is Possible.
Being a dad is a balancing act. Whether you're new to fatherhood or have been at it for a while, the reality is the same: you’re now juggling work, family, and personal health. And let’s be honest, your own well-being is usually the first ball to fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, that can lead to pain, stress, and fatigue, which affect your quality of life and ability to be fully present with your family.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is a time of letting go, much like the trees shedding their leaves. It’s a period to turn inward, nourish ourselves, and prepare for the colder months ahead. Here are five TCM-inspired tips to help you support your body and mind through this transition.
Were you told to “stop crying”, “not be so sensitive” or that you were “too much?” Did you hear phrases like, “don’t worry”, “smile more” or “don’t be so negative?” Do you have unexplained aches and pains or find yourself getting sick often or with more intense or lingering symptoms? Do you find yourself becoming reactive or shutting down or engaging in toxic positivity in response to your children’s or partner’s expressions of emotions? We need our emotions and the vital information they carry about what you need and what is and what is not okay. Without them, our relationships can suffer. It can also put you at a higher risk of burnout and compassion fatigue or unhealthy coping.
Pregnancy, postpartum, the journey into motherhood, we all know these are life altering experiences. There are so many beautiful parts in this journey, but big feelings (uncertainty, anxiety, grief, depression, anger) often accompany big changes. Our roles and responsibilities change drastically, overnight. Our identity is altered, whether it’s your first child or 5th. If that isn’t enough to manage, modern motherhood can be messy to navigate, with more information at our fingertips and less support than ever.
Ever have a time where you were not feeling quite yourself? Think back to what you were “doing” during that time. Were you doing things that you enjoyed or found meaningful? Were you satisfied with how you were doing the things you needed and wanted to do?
Are you feeling tired, overwhelmed, irritable or even secretly counting down the days until the start of school? YOU’RE NOT A BAD MOM AND YOU’RE NOT FAILING.
Craniosacral Therapy can treat some of the most severe symptoms parents seem to be struggling with their baby. Craniosacral therapy works to release fascia within the entire body. Assessment techniques help to see the baby in a new way.
Breastfeeding Buddies is a FREE service through the Region of Waterloo, of trained peer volunteers with diverse lived lactation experience (breastfeeding/chestfeeding/pumping). All BFBs have successfully completed an 18-hour course, recognized by WHO, as well as having a minimum of 6 months lactation experience. (breastfeeding/chestfeeding/pumping) Buddies provide evidence-based information and empathetic support when you need it.
Try our healthy and delicious PHO recipe supporting postpartum health and wellness!
A few tips and tricks to avoid some dietary pitfalls for this festive (and delicious) time of year
Nadia our pelvic health physiotherapist works with women during their pregnancy and postpartum period. Get her insight on the importance of pelvic health and how she helps women achieve their goals!
Dr. Tara describes how chiropractic can play an important role in postnatal recovery.
See what Erica our RMT has to say on the importance of massage therapy during the postpartum period!