Postpartum Programs in Canada: A Step in the Right Direction, But We Need More

Postpartum Programs in Canada: A Step in the Right Direction, But We Need More
The emergence of new postpartum care programs and centres across Canada is a welcome change. For too long, this crucial period in a new mother's life has been neglected. However, a critical gap remains - accessibility for those who need these programs the most.

A 2019 survey by The Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative revealed that an average of 23% of Canadian women experienced postpartum depression (PPD). More significantly, the data shows the rates of PPD are higher for Black, Indigenous, and low-income mothers, with Indigenous women specifically seeing an increased risk of 20%. Low-income first-time mothers, a demographic significantly more susceptible to postpartum depression and anxiety (PPD/PPA), often face food insecurity, housing instability, and lack of childcare and transportation. How can they be supported by programs that could be lifelines without adequate access?

The Disparity in Access

Roughly 60% of Canadians have private insurance with extended health benefits. But even with benefits, coverage for crucial postpartum support like doulas, lactation consultants, and pelvic floor physiotherapy is often limited or non-existent.These individuals typically have access to maximum government Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, potential workplace top-ups, and potentially funds for in-home help or food delivery. The CPMHC survey showed that "95.8% of health care practitioners believe that perinatal mental health services are insufficient in Canada. 87% of health care practitioners in Canada do not have mandated screening for perinatal mental illness at their workplace, and that same 87% believe people from diverse backgrounds encounter barriers to accessing perinatal services." SunLife's recent approval of DONA (Doulas of North America) and CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) certified doula care with a doctor's recommendation is a positive step, but it's not enough.

Despite a system not set up to provide the most impactful solutions, Here's how we can start to bridge the gap:

Support Businesses Providing Accessible Care: We need to support businesses that offer in-home postpartum support services like doulas, lactation consultants, and pelvic floor physiotherapy, especially those willing to travel to clients. These services are often overlooked by funding initiatives and rarely recommended by general practitioners.
Extending Coverage Beyond 6 Weeks: Current postpartum care ends abruptly at 6 weeks. We need to extend and expand services, with a specific focus on high-risk mothers who may need ongoing support.

Focusing on postpartum needs is crucial, but it can't come at the expense of accessibility. Let's ensure these vital programs reach the mothers who need them most. Their well-being, and the well-being of their families, depends on it.

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Kayleigh is the owner of Heritage Baby Designs, a Canadian baby carrier brand based out of Ontario that is dedicated to making babywearing more accessible. She is also a qualifying postpartum doula and lactation counsellor.

This release was published on openPR.