New Urquhart Program Launches to Support Perinatal Mental Health

A new initiative in Saint John, New Brunswick, aims to address the mental health challenges faced by parents during the perinatal period, encompassing experiences before, during, and after childbirth. The program, known as the Urquhart Program, was launched by Sarah Weaver in January 2024 and seeks to provide essential support to families navigating mental health issues related to childbirth.

Weaver, a registered nurse with experience in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital, identified a significant gap in perinatal mental health services. Her observations of parents dealing with traumatic birth experiences inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in counselling psychology. “Parents tend to feel a lot of guilt,” Weaver explained. “They often think, ‘I should have done this, I could have done this,’ which can exacerbate their feelings of loss.”

The program is particularly designed for parents like Cami Ramsay, a mother of three whose daughter, Emory, faced severe medical challenges at birth. Ramsay described her struggles with mental health following Emory’s traumatic entry into the world. “I would cry every day… it was extreme sadness and a lot of grieving, even though my baby was still here,” she shared, reflecting on her journey to seek help after Emory was a few months old. Emory, now five years old, continues to require surgeries and additional care.

Gentle Path Counselling Services, where Weaver offers her services, extends its reach beyond Saint John to include the St. Stephen and Sussex areas. The program is named in honor of one of the centre’s founders, Judy Urquhart, and aims to provide specialized care to families grappling with the emotional aftermath of childbirth.

While continuing her work at the hospital, Weaver is in the process of securing funding for the Urquhart Program to make it accessible to all parents. “Eventually, my goal is for people to not have to pay for this service,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of offering free sessions to those in need.

The program has garnered early support from medical professionals, including Dr. Alana Newman, a neonatologist at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Dr. Newman noted that the effects of a traumatic birth experience can linger longer than anticipated, impacting parental confidence and the ability to bond with their newborn. “There’s going to be ongoing effects on the parents’ confidence in taking care of their baby,” she explained.

Another parent, Nicola Sleep, expressed her wish for such a program to have existed during her own experience when her son was born prematurely at 30 weeks. “I couldn’t find anyone that would understand what I was going through,” she recalled. Sleep’s search for support four years ago yielded little, making the Urquhart Program a vital resource for parents experiencing similar challenges today.

In addition to direct support, the Urquhart Program emphasizes education about trauma and its effects. Weaver is collaborating with Horizon Health to raise awareness and provide valuable information to the community. The program not only serves parents who have experienced trauma but is also open to all families, recognizing that mental health can be an issue regardless of the circumstances surrounding childbirth.

The Urquhart Program stands as a beacon of hope for families in Saint John and surrounding areas, addressing the critical need for perinatal mental health support and fostering a community of understanding and care.