Transition to Parenting

The Transition to Parenting program is a FREE, nine-week, group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program for pregnant and parenting mothers with babies up to 18 months of age. It is for moms who have been feeling one or more of the following: depressed, sad, anxious, worried, angry or overwhelmed.

During this nine-week series led by registered nurses, participants will learn skills to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by changing thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Participants will receive a workbook with information and skill building activities to do each week. The program and workbook are offered in English. 

Treating depression and anxiety in pregnancy and parenting supports baby's healthy brain development and life-long physical and mental health.

How to Register

Please call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or chat live at york.ca/NurseChat to see if you are eligible for this program.

Health Connection

Telephone: 1-800-361-5653
TTY: 1-866-512-6228
Email: childfamily@york.ca
Live Chat: Click the button at bottom right of this page to chat live with a registered nurse

 

Where can I go for help?
  • Talk to your health care provider
  • Call a 24-hour crisis line or hotline:
    • Community Crisis Response Service: 1-855-310-COPE (2673) Text 1-855-310-2673 from 7am to midnight   Live chat support 7am-midnight at cope.yssn.ca 

  • Additional supports: 

    • York Region Public Health Connection 1-800-361-5653, TTY: 1-866-512-6228 ; eChat: york.ca/nursechat ; email: childfamily@york.ca  

    • Health Connect (formerly Telehealth Ontario) 811, TTY: 1-866-797-0007 

    • Connex Ontario 1-866-531-2600,  ConnexOntario.ca/chat ,  Text "CONNEX" to 247247 

  • York Region offers support for families through the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program
How can I take care of myself?
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Rest and take breaks
  • Connect with helpful family members/ friends
  • Allow yourself to ask for help
  • Take time for exercise
  • Take moments for yourself
  • Self-care plan

Your family benefits when you take care of yourself. Time for yourself will give you more energy and patience to provide loving and responsive care.

How can family and friends help?
  • Accept and acknowledge the person’s feelings
  • Offer help in house chores or baby care
  • Encourage the person to rest or exercise
  • Help the person to think positively or focus on positive thoughts
  • Provide support in getting assessment and treatment
  • Partners may need to be aware of their own feelings and self-care

Your acceptance and support means a lot to the person who is struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression/or perinatal mood disorders.

Related Resources

External Resources