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On today’s special bonus episode of the Perinatal Wellbeing Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by a panel of amazing guests, including Anneke Van Den Berg, Gabrielle Griffith, Laine Halpern Zisman, Lisette Weber, and Olivia Scobie. Together for this roundtable discussion, we delve into our pivotal roles in supporting our local communities across Ontario.

We explore the everyday hurdles and obstacles individuals in these regions face to access vital perinatal mental health services. This candid conversation promises to shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and indispensable support networks that underpin the journey toward perinatal wellbeing.

Please donate to the Climb here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/healthy-start-healthy-future-inc/p2p/COTDCanada/team/team-ontario-virtual/

Highlights:

0:50 – Introductions
9:33 – What barriers do you see when trying to access perinatal services?
16:01 – Cultural norms and expectations.
20:58 – The importance of educating professionals and caregivers on intrusive thoughts.
32:12 – Accessibility of perinatal services.
36:38 – When personal biases influence the care we provide and the impact on service users.
55:46 – The system for help is broken, and organizations like PWO can better support people.
1:05:51 – Survivors of trauma: Lack of trauma-informed care, how not to retraumatize.
1:18:04 – What is needed for change to occur and make perinatal services more accessible?

You can find our guests on Instagram below:

Gabrielle Griffith @yourqueerdoula
Lisette Weber @togetherwaterloo
Laine Halpern Zisman @queerconceptions
Olivia Scobie @perinatalmentalhealthtrainings
Anneke van den Berg @anneke.m.vandenberg

Please check our directory for supports in Ontario https://www.perinatalwellbeing.ca/ontario-directory.

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode, please email me so I can help you find support in your area or online.

You can look for an individual therapist at www.psychologytoday.com.

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, free online support groups, and a provider directory.

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