My Why
Discussing perinatal mental health is so important to me as this period can be the most difficult time in a new mother or mother to be’s life. By shedding light on this topic, we can promote awareness, provide support, and ultimately foster healthier outcomes for families during this critical stage. It is my passion to advocate for mental well-being during the perinatal period, recognizing the profound influence it has on the overall health and wellbeing of both parents and their children.
As a mother of two, I deeply understand the challenges that the perinatal period can bring. My wish is that other women feel that that can open up and talk to others about their struggles, without having to wear the mask of being the “perfect mother” all of the time.
Motherhood can be a complex journey filled with a range of emotions including comparison to others, experiences of shaming, overwhelming guilt, the constant flux of change, disruptions to familiar routines, and the persistent sense of not meeting one's own expectations or standards. If we can have more open conversations about the challenges of the perinatal period and normalize seeking support when we need it, we can prevent tragic outcomes such as Flora’s from occurring.
This year is the 3rd annual Flora’s Walk for Perinatal Mental Health in support of the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative (cpmhc.ca) a non profit organization working to improve perinatal mental health care in Canada.
The Why Behind the Walk - About Flora
Flora’s lifelong dream was to be a mother. At 44 years old, after years of fertility treatments, Flora, a single mom by choice of Toronto, Ontario, finally and happily became pregnant. Flora experienced anxiety throughout her pregnancy. Her family noticed her calling the hospital weekly requesting extra ultrasounds to make sure that her baby was okay.
After the birth of her daughter, Flora experienced physical health complications that required her to be hospitalized and separated from her baby.
Flora’s family recalls noticing extreme changes in her mood. They worked hard to get Flora help. They tried enrolling her in a perinatal mental health program but Flora didn’t want to see a health care professional because she was afraid Amber would be taken away from her. Flora’s family managed to speak with a doctor over the phone on Thursday and made an appointment for Flora to see the doctor in person on Monday.
Tragically, on the Friday, the next day after her family spoke with the doctor, Flora passed away. As a result of undiagnosed and untreated postpartum psychosis, Flora tragically died by suicide two months after baby Amber was born.
Team Durham Region
In lieu of a walk, Team Durham Region has chosen to host Flora’s Flow, a yoga event on May 5th 12:30 -2:30, located at 351 Frankcom Street, Ajax (HER Fit Camp).
Your donation of $35 or more will provide you 1 ticket to Floras Flow on May 5. Please contact herfitcampdurham@gmail.com for your ticket to the event once you have made your donation
Click Here to DONATE HERE & Join us at Flora’s Flow
Hope to see you there!