. Mental Health | Health and Well-being | Newborns | Manitoba Parent Zone

Newborns - Health and Well-being

Mental Health

baby in mother's arms with soother

Mental wellness is as important to overall well-being as physical health, social and emotional connectedness, and intellectual accomplishment. Many moms experience symptoms of depression after giving birth, commonly called postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression can begin just after birth and may last up to fourteen months or longer after giving birth. Some symptoms of postpartum depression include anxiety, worry, sleeping problems, difficulty caring for your child, changes in your eating habits and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Many women do not talk about how they are feeling because they may be embarrassed, ashamed or might think these symptoms are a normal part of mothering.

If you suspect that you may have a mental health concern, there are a number of Manitoban resources in place to help. It is a good idea to contact a health care provider immediately. With the right supports, most women recover fully from postpartum depression.

Postpartum Supports

The postpartum period is the time after birth when the mother's body, including hormone levels and uterus size, return to pre-pregnancy conditions. Generally, the postpartum period extends for about six to eight weeks.

Stress and the Holiday Season