BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF) is proud to support the launch of a groundbreaking new digital resource, Postpartumcare.ca, as part of Women’s Health Research Month this March. Created in partnership with leading women’s health organizations, including the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre (BCWH), BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF), and the University of British Columbia (UBC), this online platform offers British Columbians comprehensive support and information for postpartum individuals and their families. The website is the result of funded research to understand and address postpartum needs across the province, highlighting the impact of research in improving patient access to better care.
Prior to its launch, a SUPPORT study, led by Dr. Lori Brotto, Executive Director at WHRI and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UBC, and a dedicated team of students, with insights from BCWH clinical experts, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, useability, and satisfaction of the online resource in supporting mental health. Study findings exposed a critical need: new parents, often exhausted and overwhelmed, need easy access to clear, reliable and region-specific support. The study showed that engagement with Postpartumcare.ca, created in partnership with postpartum women in British Columbia, significantly reduced symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) after four weeks, with improvements maintained after a two-week follow-up, compared to a control group.
“Research is transformational—it improves the quality of care women receive and leads to better health outcomes,” says Cally Wesson, President + CEO of the BC Women’s Health Foundation. “The launch of postpartumcare.ca is proof that investing in research is a catalyst for positive change. Continued investment in research through our foundation during Women’s Health Research Month and beyond supports the women closest to us, ensuring that they—and generations to come—can benefit and receive the care they deserve. When we invest in research, we drive breakthroughs that change lives.”
Postpartumcare.ca was driven by the experiences of people with PPD and PPA working with relevant healthcare providers. It resulted in an accessible resource that equips new parents or those supporting families who are struggling with PPD and PPA symptoms, with expert guidance, evidence-based resources, support services, or simply reassurance that these feelings are valid. Postpartumcare.ca provides visitors with access to:
- Mood and anxiety tracker
- Educational materials on topics such as causes and diagnosis, and self-care
- Stories from parent peers, and peer support
- Links to BC-based resources
“It is amazing what a small investment in research can lead to in women’s health and I’m proud of this dedicated team of students, clinicians, patient partners, and digital health experts who had a vision for improved care of women struggling with postpartum mental health symptoms, and used that to vision to create this amazing tool,” says Dr. Lori Brotto, Principal Investigator of the study.
The development of this resource was made possible through the generous support of the Diamond Foundation and Gillespie Family Foundation, ensuring new parents have access to the information and support they need.
BC Women’s Health Foundation has celebrated its annual Women’s Health Research Month in March since 2023. The month explores groundbreaking solutions, ultimately envisioning a future with innovative treatments and accessible healthcare by supporting research that studies the unique needs of women in all life stages. This year, BCWHF is raising awareness of the continued need for women’s health research funding to reduce disparities through high-quality, high-impact research that will result in better health outcomes for women and newborns across the province. Future funding will enable BCWHF to continue to support the WHRI with critical research on endometriosis, menopause, and mental health.
