Taking Care of Yourself

Checking in with Yourself

Remember there are two people who need to be taken care of – your toddler and you. Each day ask yourself, have I:

  • eaten at least three meals today and also had healthy snacks in between if hungry?
  • done some physical activity, such as walking with my toddler in a stroller and playing with my toddler in a park?
  • taken a short break? Done something that is nice to do? When your toddler is asleep or your partner can take over, take a nap, read a book, take a bath, or sit in the garden.
  • talked with my partner, friends or family about my feelings?
  • met with a support group of people who understand my feelings? Your public health office can tell you about parenting support groups.
  • shared the responsibilities of taking care of our toddler with my partner? Make a plan with your partner so you can share the care of your toddler.

Feeling Blue

Are you sad, exhausted, moody or crying a lot? As many as one in five women in British Columbia will experience a major depression during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. Postpartum depression can happen to women of all ages, cultures and levels of education. For more information about postpartum depression, click here.

Living with Abuse

Intimate partner violence is a pattern of physical, sexual, or emotional violence. It uses power and control. You are not the only one at risk if your partner abuses you. Your baby is also at risk. Seek help and safety. When violence happens, get help. In case of emergency, call 9‑1‑1 or the operator and ask for the police.

Talk to your health care provider about your situation. She or he will put you in touch with the right resources. For a list of resources, click here.

VictimLINK is a province‑wide telephone help line for victims of family and sexual violence and all other crimes. VictimLINK operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides service in 130 languages. It will help you find information on the victim services closest to you. Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑563‑0808 For deaf and hearing‑impaired assistance (TTY): 604‑875‑0885.