These resources provide information, support and tools to help you navigate perinatal mental health challenges.
Websites:
Suicide Crisis Line
Call 9-8-8 for immediate mental health support available 24/7 across Canada.
Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative – Directory of Service Providers
A nationwide directory of perinatal mental health service providers in Canada.
Canadian Mental Health Association
A national organization providing mental health resources, support, and advocacy.
Peer Support, Counselling – Postpartum Support International
Offers peer support groups, professional counseling, and resources for perinatal mental health.
PSI Canada PSI-CANADA is the Canadian presence of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping those suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
The Perinatal Collective
Offers 1:1 counselling, relationship counselling, and group counselling focusing on challenges in the perinatal and early parenthood stage, to people across Canada. They also have a growing library of workshops, a monthly free support group for moms, and group therapy options.
MinoCare – A culturally safe, patient-centered perinatal care clinic supporting Black and racialized birthing persons and infants.
BRIA – A virtual mental healthcare clinic offering specialized mental health support for women across reproductive life stages, including pregnancy and postpartum.
Life with a Baby – A network of real parents navigating the rollercoaster that is raising kids.
Multimedia:
Webinar: PHO Webinar: 2SLGBTQIA+ Families – Unique Perinatal Mental Health Concerns
A webinar by Public Health Ontario discussing the unique perinatal mental health challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ families.
Video: Perinatal Mental Health: Understanding Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum – Sunnybrook Hospital
An educational video by Sunnybrook Hospital explaining the impact of depression and anxiety on perinatal mental health.
Video: Perinatal Mental Health – Women’s College Hospital
A discussion from Women’s College Hospital covering perinatal mental health issues, symptoms, and support strategies.
Video: Perinatal Positivity
Films that provide education around perinatal mental health highlighting the reality of perinatal mental health issues for families-to-be and health professionals.
Video: Perinatal Mental Health: Ellie’s Story – Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
A personal story highlighting the impact of perinatal mental health challenges and the importance of support.
Podcasts:
I Am One Podcast | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Mom and Mind Podcast – Apple Podcasts
Apps:
Connect (Postpartum Support International)
Information and Tools:
Seeds of Hope: Nurturing Mental Health and Managing Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders | CANMAT
A resource offering strategies for managing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Infographic on Postpartum Harm Thoughts
Infographic on Anxiety in Pregnancy & the Postpartum
FAQs About Perinatal Mental Health
Books and Workbooks
You Are Not Alone: An Anthology of Perinatal Mental Health Stories
This anthology features 49 personal stories covering a range of perinatal mental health experiences, including infertility, miscarriage, disability, tokophobia, stillbirth, prenatal and postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman & Molly McIntyre
This book addresses the intrusive and scary thoughts many new mothers experience, offering guidance and support to help them navigate these challenges.
The Postpartum Depression Workbook by Abigail Burd
A practical workbook designed to help new mothers understand and manage postpartum depression through exercises and strategies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Perinatal Distress by Amy Wenzel & Karen Kleiman
This book provides an in-depth look at using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to address perinatal distress, offering tools for both clinicians and mothers.
Impossible Parenting: Creating a New Culture of Mental Health for Parents by Olivia Scobie
This book challenges unrealistic parenting expectations and offers practical solutions for parents to find balance and joy during the early years of childrearing.
Seeds of Hope: Nurturing Mental Health and Managing Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders
A workbook offering education, coping strategies, and self-reflection exercises for those navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Provincial and Territorial Resources:
Public Health Ontario – Maternal and Infant Health
Ontario’s evidence-based resources on maternal and infant health, including perinatal mental health.
Pacific Post Partum Support Society (BC)
Provides peer support, education, and resources for perinatal mental health in British Columbia.
Nova Scotia Perinatal Mental Health
Offers perinatal mental health services, resources, and support in Nova Scotia.
Perinatal Program Newfoundland Labrador (PPNL)
Supports maternal and newborn health with resources and care programs in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Pregnancy and Postpartum (Perinatal) Mood Disorders – PEI
Provides information and support for perinatal mood disorders in Prince Edward Island.
NB Perinatal Health Program
A New Brunswick-based program offering perinatal health support and education.
Santé mentale et troubles mentaux en contexte périnatal (Quebec)
Quebec’s perinatal mental health resource for parents and healthcare providers.
Perinatal Mental Health Quick Reference – Manitoba
A reference guide for healthcare providers supporting perinatal mental health in Manitoba.
Saskatchewan Health Authority – Maternal Mental Health
Resources and programs supporting maternal mental health in Saskatchewan.
Alberta Health Services – Postpartum Depression
Information and support services for postpartum depression in Alberta.
Nunavut Mental Health Resources
Mental health support services available to residents of Nunavut.
Yukon – Get Postpartum Support
Postpartum mental health services and support in Yukon.
Northwest Territories – Child, Maternal, and Perinatal Health
Resources and support for maternal, child, and perinatal health in the Northwest Territories.
Resources for African, Caribbean, and Black Patients
Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative – Directory of Service Providers
A nationwide directory of perinatal mental health service providers in Canada.
MinoCare – A culturally safe, patient-centered perinatal care clinic supporting Black and racialized birthing persons and infants.
Resources for Indigenous Patients
Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative – Directory of Service Providers
A nationwide directory of perinatal mental health service providers in Canada.
Resources for Gender-Diverse Patients
LGBTQ+ Research – Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Training (CPMHT)
Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative – Directory of Service Providers
A nationwide directory of perinatal mental health service providers in Canada.
Webinar: PHO Webinar: 2SLGBTQIA+ Families – Unique Perinatal Mental Health Concerns
A webinar by Public Health Ontario discussing the unique perinatal mental health challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ families.