A Burnaby support group for mothers' struggling with postpartum depression is temporarily closing due to lack of funding, even though demand for services is increasing.
The Pacific Post Partum Support Society is based in Burnaby but runs eight support groups across the Lower Mainland and a help line for pregnant women or new moms experiencing depression and anxiety.
"Our phone calls for (the Fraser Health region) have pretty much doubled what we did last year," said society director Sheila Duffy. "That's significant. The need is there for sure."
The non-profit society relies on a patchwork of funding and has been forced to close the Burnaby group and one of three Vancouver groups. Each group typically includes eight people maximum and there is often a wait-list.
The group meets once a week for two hours.
"It is peer support, but they are led by facilitators that are trained in postpartum issues," Duffy said. "We are all mothers, too, so it's kind of modelled on peer support."
The Burnaby group, which also helps women in New Westminster, had been shut down since Jan. 1 and was operating on a one-year grant from the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. Duffy said the society was hoping that Fraser Health would be able to provide some funding, but the health authority is also facing budget constraints.
Duffy said the society will also have to cut back on other activities, like going out in the community and giving talks where moms meet.
"We're hoping these are temporary cuts. We're trying to find ways to increase our donations," Duffy said. "As a small non-profit, it's always challenging to sustain funding."
According to Duffy, there can sometimes be a two-month wait for women to get support from other services, and that's when the Pacific Post Partum Support Society can help.
"It's really crucial there is support in place right away, when women need it, and we're able to fill that gap," she said. "We do over 4,000 calls a year. The need is growing, the demand for services is growing."
In the meantime, the society is still encouraging women to call the support line at 604-255-7999 for help and referrals to other services.
The society is also asking the public for donations. Go to www.postpartum.org for more information on how to donate.
