FR 
EN 
Motherhood begins long before the baby arrives. It starts the moment you begin holding space for the possibility of life—whether that’s in the midst of trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or preparing emotionally for a new chapter. And while it can be beautiful and life-affirming, it can also bring anxiety, grief, fear, isolation, and identity shifts.
At Resiliency Clinic, we believe that maternal mental health matters—not just postpartum, but in every season leading up to it. We provide maternal mental health therapy in Ottawa, including support for postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, fertility challenges, and the identity shifts that come with becoming a parent.
What is Maternal Mental Health?
Maternal mental health encompasses the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It includes a range of experiences—from temporary mood changes like the “baby blues” to more serious conditions such as:
- Postpartum Depression (PPD)
- Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Postpartum Psychosis
- Birth Trauma and PTSD
These conditions can affect anyone—regardless of age, culture, background, or parenting experience. And they are far more common than most realize.
According to the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative, approximately 1 in 5 new mothers in Canada will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD). And yet, due to stigma, fear of judgment, or lack of support, many go undiagnosed and untreated. Even those who feel “fine” can quietly struggle with sleep disruptions, relationship tension, body image changes, and the emotional overwhelm of preparing for a new role.
Why It’s So Overlooked
Maternal mental health struggles often hide in plain sight. New moms may be praised for “doing it all” while quietly crumbling under the pressure. Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy with picture-perfect portrayals of parenthood. And culturally, there’s often an expectation to be endlessly grateful—leaving little room to talk about grief, loss of identity, fear, or rage.
Add to this the hormonal shifts, physical exhaustion, identity changes, and emotional highs and lows of early parenthood, and it’s no wonder so many moms feel like they’re drowning silently.
What Symptoms Might Look Like
It’s not just about sadness. Maternal mental health challenges can manifest in many ways:
- Feeling detached from your baby
- Intense irritability or anger
- Racing thoughts or persistent worry
- Guilt and shame, especially around “not being enough”
- Sleep struggles (beyond typical newborn sleep loss)
- Intrusive or scary thoughts you don’t want to have
- Feeling numb, empty, or like you’re just going through the motions
The truth is, maternal mental health is not a weakness. It’s not a failure. It’s a health issue—and one that deserves compassionate, evidence-based support.
What You Can Do (or Encourage Others to Do)
If you or someone you love is struggling, here are some supportive steps to take:
1. Reach Out
Talk to a trusted healthcare provider, mental health professional, or support group. Many therapists specialize in perinatal and postpartum care.
2. Get Honest
Name what’s happening. Saying “I’m not okay” can be one of the most powerful and healing first steps.
3. Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition
It sounds simple, but sleep and nourishment are foundational to mood and coping. Enlist help if you can—rest is not a luxury; it’s medicine.
4. Limit Social Comparison
Mute, unfollow, take a break. Curate your online space to protect your mental state.
5. Let Go of the ‘Perfect Mom’ Myth
There is no single “right” way to mother. Showing up with love and presence—even in imperfection—is more than enough.
You’re Not Alone
To every mother navigating the quiet ache, the foggy days, or the inner turmoil behind the baby photos: you are not broken, and you are not alone. Your mental health matters—not just for your child, but for you. Motherhood can be beautiful and brutal, expansive and exhausting. Let’s start making room for all of it. Let’s honour the whole mother.
Meet Ashley – one of our therapists who specializes in supporting individuals through the emotional and mental health shifts of pregnancy and postpartum. From identity changes to mood fluctuations, Ashley provides a soft landing for those in one of life’s most tender seasons.
Ashley’s warm, approachable presence makes clients feel seen, heard, and supported. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our Resiliency team.
Therapy for postpartum depression and anxiety is not only effective—it can be life-changing. Our trauma-informed therapists help clients:
- Identify and reframe anxious or intrusive though
- Learn nervous system regulation tools
- Cultivate boundaries, self-compassion, and personal identity
- Develop support plans and coping strategies
Mental Health Support in Ontario & Ottawa
If you’re in Ottawa or the surrounding area, you’re not alone. There are wonderful local, Ottawa-based postpartum resources that can support your mental, physical, and emotional well-being:
Local Classes + Community Spaces
- Mothercraft Ottawa – Prenatal classes, postpartum support, and early childhood development
- Ottawa Childbirth Education Association (OCEA) – Classes for birth prep, baby care, and more
- Family Centre Ottawa – Parenting groups and support circles
- Mama and Me Yoga (Various Studios) – Many yoga studios offer gentle prenatal yoga and mommy & me sessions to help bond, stretch, and breathe through transitions. You can find classes as Where I Thrive et Fit Mama.
Book a Session at Resiliency Clinic – Ottawa’s Trusted Maternal Mental Health Clinic
We offer therapy for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, fertility grief, pregnancy loss, and maternal identity shifts at our Ottawa-based clinic. Our care is trauma-informed, personalized, and compassionate—rooted in your resilience.
Book your session today or explore our team of therapists to find the right fit.
