South Island Resources
Here are a few local and online resources for new parents. This list is by no means exhaustive. It is intended to be a helpful start to reaching out and connecting with others going through a similar experience. When we do so we feel less alone and more compassionate towards our struggles. Parenting was never meant to be a lonely journey.
If you have any questions, please reach out. I’m happy to discuss it with you.
Parent/Baby Groups - Drop In
New Baby Drop In Group – for parents and their newborn to 6 month old babies
Older Baby Drop In Group – for parents and their 6-18 month old babies.
Saanich Neighbourhood Place offers several weekly drop in support groups for new parents, including fathers.
Pregnancy Groups - Drop in
Pregnancy Happy Hour
Postpartum Wellness Support Group
Requires a referral or public health nurse intake
Facilitated by public health nurses, weekly peer support groups offer helpful tools, resources and a chance to connect for those experiencing postpartum depression/anxiety or difficulty adjusting to the transition to new parenthood.
Resources for Fathers
Centre for Men’s Excellence – specializing in paternal mental health.
Resources, online new dad group and research about the transition to fatherhood
For Couples
Parenting
Living in Families Effectively
A thorough website listing drop-in programs, centres and resources for parents of children 0-6 months.
Online / Text Support
Pacific Postpartum Support Society
Phone and text-based support, online resources and online support groups
Postpartum Support International
US-based but has a broad range of online support groups and accurate and helpful information about perinatal mental health.
Books
To help normalize the challenges some experience during the transition to motherhood.
The Birth Of A Mother: How The Motherhood Experience Changes You Forever
Daniel N. Stern
To Have And To Hold: Motherhood, Marriage And The Modern Dilemma
Molly Millwood