Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) Group

The Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) Group is a group intended for birth parents or non-gestational parents who may be experiencing some challenges to the adjustment of parenthood, or who may be experiencing some form of PMAD. This group will be facilitated by one of our Social Workers, Bina Moore MSW RSW, and will be launching in September 2023.

What to expect: A weekly (in person) 1.5-hour psychoeducational & skill building group. Group will be offered every Thursday from 10:30am to 12:00pm. Online options may be available if you are not able to attend in person. Patients are eligible to attend during the entire duration of their parental leave. Group participants will be provided a safe and confidential group space to share experiences, gather information, and build connection with one another.

Group Topics: Building fourth trimester resilience, coping strategies for stress/anxiety/worry, self-care planning, addressing parenting team issues & asking for support, challenging intrusive thoughts, community resources.

Pre-registration is required & space is limited.

Please call 519-629-3388 Ext. 1 for more information.

Definitions:

PMAD – Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) is a commonly used term to refer to a mental health disorder experienced during pregnancy, after having a new baby, adopting, or experiencing pregnancy/infant loss.

Birth parent– A biological parent to the infant.

Non-Gestational Parent- Is a parent who is not genetically related to their children. This may include a person who identifies as LGBTQ, a donor, parenting through adoption, or married into parenthood.

Fourth Trimester- The fourth trimester is the 12-week period immediately after infant is born. Every parent and newborn infant will go through it. It is a time of great physical and emotional change as your infant adjusts to being outside the womb, and parent adjusts to new identity.