Re; Public health says new postpartum program will provide better support, Stoney Creek News, Dec. 15

After reading this article, I was concerned that a much-needed program would be cut by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

I cannot understand how the ministry could make such a drastic change to the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program. As I understand the article, the public health nurses will no longer be required to make contact with new mothers who have been deemed “low risk.”

It also seems a new screening tool will be used to assess new mothers to determine what support they may require.

As a mother of two small children, I was privileged to be provided a public health nurse following the birth of both my children. I assume I was rated low risk, as I did not present with maternal alcohol abuse, maternal history of anxiety and depression, concerns about parenting, etc. I know today that I would not have been able to cope with “life as a  new mom” if it were not for the public health nurse.

I was identified after my first child with postpartum anxiety. I was treated quickly and able to carry on with my role as a new mom. At the start of my second  pregnancy, I was identified due to my first postpartum experience and referred to the Women’s Health Clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

This program was amazing. I was followed from the beginning of my pregnancy to one-year postpartum. I truly believe I owe my “sanity” to this health care team.

I am fortunate to have met with the public health nurse in my first pregnancy. This led me to the support I required to be a good mom and healthy woman. From this initial screening interview at the onset of my second pregnancy, through the birth and subsequent postpartum  period, things were much easier, as the needed support was already in place.

I am a strong believer that I owe a lot to the public health nurse and the women’s health clinic at St. Joseph’s. From this support and education, I was able to enjoy my children and feel healthy.

I disagree with the potential change for the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program to not capture “low risk” mothers. As a mom of two, working full-time in the health care system, I know these types of programs are essential. A cutback would be horrible, as so many mothers would benefit from a supportive program.

Danielle P.
Dundas, ON