Nearly 50% of young women report negative healthcare experiences.  And that is more and more visible in postpartum care.  In this episode of The Fifth Wave, Avis Favaro explores why new mothers often “fall off a cliff” once the baby arrives, what the six week check up does and doesn’t cover, and how major gaps in Canada’s healthcare system are putting maternal physical and mental health at risk.  Leading voices, Dr. Graeme Smith, psychologist Dr. Naomi Giberson and Nestwell Health co-founder Ellen Cohen unpack the consequences of inadequate postpartum care:  missed diagnosis, untreated mental health concerns, inequitable access to support and overwhelmed clinicians.  They also highlight innovative solutions, from interdisciplinary virtual clinics to female led models that proactively support mothers before crisis hits.  

Key takeaways: 

• Postpartum care in Canada is inconsistent and often insufficient, with many mothers receiving only a six week check up.  If that.  This leads to missed issues like iron deficiency, hypertension, diabetes follow up and mental health concerns.
• Mental health needs are critical and under-recognized.  In Nova Scotia, 31% of women experience postpartum depression or anxiety, with real impacts on mother baby bonding and long term child development. 
• Women-led interdisciplinary models like Nestwell are emerging to fill dangerous gaps, but unequal access means many families still cannot get the wrap-around support they need.  System level change is essential.  

The thing you really NEED to know:
Postpartum care isn't something that’s “nice to have”.  It’s an essential medical care that protects mothers, babies and future pregnancies.
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Guest Info/CTAs/Resources (pertaining to the episode)

• Dr. Graeme Smith, Professor of Maternal and Fetal Medicine and head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen’s University; editor- in- chief of The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; The Postpartum Health Record
• Dr. Naomi Giberson, licensed psychologist and co founder and COO of Nestwell Health; LinkedIn Profile
• Ellen Cohen, co founder and CEO of Nestwell Health;    LinkedIn Profile
• Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO, IWK Foundation; LinkedIn Profile
• The MotHERS Program

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.