Mental Health supports are available to women who are experiencing anxiety or depression throughout their pregnancy and after having the baby.
Public health nurse
- Offers telephone and home visitation support to pregnant women and women with a new baby who are experiencing depression or anxiety.
- Works collaboratively with you to explore options, including what support you might need.
- Provides information to community support services and work closely with you, your doctor, and local community or mental health services.
- Helps find community baby groups to help you connect with other parents.
To learn more, contact your local public health unit.
Family doctor or midwife
Connect with your family doctor or midwife to explain how you are feeling. They are available to assess and diagnose your symptoms.
They can discuss anti-depressants or other medications that are safe with breastfeeding that may help. They may also refer to additional supports such as reproductive mental health services in your community.
HealthLink BC
Connect with a nurse to talk about any symptoms that may be worrying you. Call 8-1-1 seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Pharmacists are also available if you have questions about any medications you may be taking.
Fraser Health Crisis Line
Fraser Health Crisis Line provides immediate, free and confidential emotional support, crisis intervention and community resource information to people of all ages. Call 604-951-8855 or 1-877-820-7444, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Community support programs and resources
- Anxiety BC for Mothers provides resources on how to effectively manage anxiety during the pregnancy and postpartum periods.
- Pacific Postpartum Support Society offers telephone support, weekly women support groups and support for partners.
- HeretoHelp supports for preventing and managing postpartum depression.
- BC Reproductive Mental Health offers support for women and their families experiencing emotional difficulties related to pregnancy, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, infertility, premenstrual disorders and menopause.
- Fraser Health Reproductive Mental Health program provides assessment and follow-up for women struggling with mental health issues in pregnancy and postpartum (doctor or midwife referral required).