Maternal Infant Program and Perinatal Psychiatry

Pregnancy and the birth of a child is assumed to be one of the happiest times in a woman's life. Yet, as many as 15-20% of women will develop a depressive illness during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth, often feeling significantly distressed and unable to cope.
 

Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Disorders

If you are currently pregnant or have had a baby in the past year and are concerned about any of the following symptoms, you may have a perinatal mood disorder:

• Depressed and/or irritable much of the time
• Bouts of crying
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety, panic attacks
• Fatigue, apathy, loss of energy
• Loss of self-esteem, self-confidence
• Poor concentration
• Avoiding going out
• Frightening fantasies
• Obsessive thoughts or behaviours
• Negative feelings about motherhood
• Negative feelings towards the baby
• In severe cases, suicidal thoughts or attempts

Support Groups at Mount Sinai Hospital

• Late Loss Bereavement Support Group
• Prevention of Pre-Term Birth Support Group
• Antenatal Support Group
• Postpartum Support Group
   
  

More Information

If you would like more information about getting help for perinatal anxiety or depression, please speak to your obstetrical nurse, obstetrician, family physician or midwife.

For more information about the Perinatal Mental Health Program, please contact Will Smid at 416-586-4800, ext. 8325 or by email at wsmid@mtsinai.on.ca.  

Referrals

For all outpatient consults, the referral form should be faxed to 416-586-8654.