A tool to support new parents when they encounter emotional challenges during pregnancy and after was launched Monday morning. The Minister responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant, made the announcement at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center.
According to the Observatory for Children’s Education and Health, problems with sadness, anxiety or depressive symptoms during pregnancy are among the most common complications among future parents. It is estimated that between 10% and 25% of parents are affected and this rate has climbed to 37% since the start of the pandemic.
The new free tool available online called “You, Me, Baby” offers strategies, video clips and comics for parents to take care of themselves and to “take better care of their baby”.
This tool specifically targets the period from pregnancy until the child’s first birthday. It was developed by researchers and professionals in health and social services.
In a press release from Minister Carmant’s office, it is specified that the tool can in particular “serve as a clinical complement to other services offered in the treatment of postpartum depression and in the management of stress associated with parenthood.” It is reported that approximately 9,000 to 13,000 Quebec women were affected by postpartum depression in 2023. Among those diagnosed with postnatal depression, 30% to 60% would present symptoms in the prenatal period, but very few women tend to seek help.
“Toi, Moi, Bébé” is a project resulting from the Interministerial Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2026 which aims in particular to integrate digital interventions into mental health services. It is also part of the Perinatal and Early Childhood Action Plan 2023-2028.
