Sharika Sadaf had a different experience seeking mental health support during her second pregnancy compared to her first. Determined to receive more assistance this time, she reached out to The Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills. “When I contacted the midwifery and entered their services, I informed them about my past postpartum depression and my concerns for this pregnancy,” Sadaf shared.
Through the Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Program at Michael Garron Hospital, mothers like Sadaf can access mental health support both at the hospital and through the clinic. This program, the first of its kind in Ontario, aims to simplify the process of accessing mental health care for new mothers by providing on-site psychiatric services at the midwifery clinic.
Clinic staff reported that over 150 mothers have benefited from the program, receiving support during pregnancy and after childbirth. The program has significantly reduced the wait time for initial appointments, from an estimated six to nine months to an average of 27 days. Additionally, urgent care appointments are available each week to prevent mothers from seeking emergency treatment.
Mackenzie Macht, a registered midwife at the clinic, emphasized the importance of identifying mental health concerns early in prenatal care. Macht explained, “Around 12 to 16 weeks, we assess their health history, including a mental health screening tool. Based on this assessment or our conversations, we determine appropriate referrals.”
Experts highlight the prevalence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, affecting up to one in five women. Dr. Neda Askari, a psychiatrist with the Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Program, expressed concern that many individuals with these conditions go untreated, leading to negative impacts on maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, infant development, and family well-being.
The community-based approach of the program aims to make mental health care more accessible and less intimidating for patients. By integrating mental health services into the existing clinic setting for prenatal and postpartum care, patients can receive comprehensive medical and psychiatric care in one location, avoiding the need to navigate separate healthcare systems.
Sadaf emphasized the positive impact of this integrated approach, stating, “Having this access is a privilege. Every mother should have this support available. It truly makes a difference in enjoying motherhood, which in turn allows children to enjoy their childhood.”