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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday March 10, 2007 - 21 Life with baby not always what you expect As many as one in five new mothers will experience some type of postpartum (following birth) mood disorder. These mothers may feel hopeless, frustrated, tearful, guilty, anxious, exhausted, too wound up to sleep, or may feel extremely high and full of energy. A very small number of new mothers (about one or two in a thousand) will suffer from postpartum psychosis. They will have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not and may have repeated thoughts of harming themselves or their babies. Partners, family, and friends of the anxious or depressed woman are often unsure how to help. In many cases, the new mother's mood or lack of interest in the baby just doesn't match up with her excitement during the pregnancy or the careful preparations she made for the baby's delivery and homecoming. The good news is that families and friends can do much to help their loved one. They can listen, support her feelings, and ask how specifically they can help. They can encourage her to seek professional help from her doctor, midwife, or public health nurse. They can support her by caring for the baby or doing housework. Any good support person also knows the value of being patient with, and encouraging, the person who is recovering. Lastly, families and offers of help with household chores and baby care so that she can have a break. Counselling and medication are helpful for many mothers. She may need reassurance from her health care provider that the medication recommended is safe to take while she is breastfeeding. During the month of March you may see newspaper articles, television ads, and posters on buses and in malls as part of a provincial media campaign focusing on postpartum mood disorders. The goal is to raise public awareness and reassure mothers afflicted by these disorders that they are not alone, they are not at fault, and help is available. In fact, early treatment and support increases the rate and speed of recovery. Halton Region's Health Department is here to help. New mothers in hospital can request a follow-up telephone call from the public health nurse once they get home. As well, every family can have an in-home visit from a public health nurse who will answer their questions, check to see how the baby is feeding and growing, and provide helpful information about community programs, safety, and mother's and baby health. Public health nurses are available by telephone, five days a week between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to respond to new parents' questions and concerns. In addition, extra support is available through the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program for parents-to-be and families with children up to the age of three years. For information about postpartum mood disorder or caring for your baby, contact Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905827-9833, or visit our website at www.halton.ca. -- Health Notes is prepared by staff of Halton Region's Health Department. Students asked to help out Calling All Students: the Canadian Cancer Society Needs You! Looking for community service hours? It's easy! As the Canadian Cancer Society Oakville Unit gets ready to launch its spring fundraising campaigns, the Unit desperately needs help from student volunteers. "We are in desperate need of volunteers," says Lisa Moffatt, Fundraising Coordinator of the Oakville Unit. "We have some incredible opportunities for students to give back to our community and earn their required community service hours." Students are needed to help with envelope drops and canvassing the 2007 Residential Door-to-Door campaign. Envelope drops involve students distributing donation envelopes to the mailboxes of homes in Oakville where there are no canvassers scheduled for the spring campaign. Door-to-Door canvassing involves students knocking on doors collecting funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Door-to-Door canvassing is available for senior students only. Students can canvass in honour or in memory of a loved one. Students are encouraged to bring a friend or family member with them to volunteer. Volunteer training sessions for student opportunities will be held Wednesday, March 21, Thursday, March 22 and Friday, March 23 at the Oakville Unit (635 Fourth Line, Unit 51) from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 905-845-5231 to register today. -- Submitted by the Canadian Cancer Society, Oakville Unit friends can educate themselves about postpartum mood disorders. A woman's recovery from a postpartum mood disorder may involve several strategies. She can begin by asking for help ­ something that may be difficult to do if she thinks she should have all the answers or is ashamed of her feelings. She needs to be encouraged to care for herself by resting sufficiently, eating healthy foods and being active. She should accept CALL THESE PROFESSIONALS PARENTING BOOTCAMP Dr. Jenna will discuss concerns over your child's: · common childhood illnesses · nutrition · activities or lack thereof · ear infections · natural remedies and immune boosters · posture and give you many natural choices and information to empower you to raise healthy, happy, well children! GALL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS Our goal is clear comfortable vision. Comprehensive Eye Exams Laser Vision Care Contact Lenses & Glasses New Patients Welcome 247 North Service Rd. W. Suite 203 Wednesday, March 14th, 2007 FREE 7-8 p.m. at Whole Foods Market Please call Alliance Healthcare Professionals for more information or call Whole Foods to register today 905-815-0266. 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