Before my first daughter was born, I looked forward to days as a new mother of rocking her to sleep, writing while she napped, and sharing a close bond built on babywearing and breastfeeding. My first month of motherhood completely erased those rosy ideals. Although my postpartum body fit back into my high-waisted jeans, I was exhausted from night feedings, dealing with aching and sore breasts from engorgement, and couldn’t put her down for longer than a few minutes at a time before she’d wake up and cry for me.
I knew what postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis were; I’d written a paper about those topics in a university psychology class. Like so many other moms, I blissfully thought, “Not me.” Over and over again, even as Sunshine’s fussiness pushed me into tears too, I told myself how I felt “wasn’t that bad.” I was okay. I could do this.
I wish I’d asked for more help.
I did do it; I did survive those early months of exhaustion, night feedings, and colic. And I did it four more times, without regrets, although my memories of tears and exhaustion blend with my memories of joy and baby cuddles. I also remember feeling alone during my first two pregnancies and postpartum, and only finding my community after my third baby, and especially for my fourth and fifth babies. I’ve come to recognize that this community is absolutely crucial for moms–and too many moms don’t have it.
When Professional Help is Necessary
However, even when a mom does have an awesome community around, sometimes she needs professional help. Postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are difficult. It may take more than just a supportive spouse and a supportive friend to pull a mom through those. Unfortunately, in the current climate of wait lists in BC’s healthcare systems, some moms cannot access timely help. That’s the story of Jenna Dorman, a Vancouver mother who died in late 2024 following a severe postpartum mental illness.
What breaks my heart most about Jenna’s story is that it was entirely preventable. She could still be here with us today if she’d had access to the right supports. I’ve walked through depression; I know how dark and hopeless it is and how hard it is to see the light, to keep going. Moms like Jenna deserve all the support they need to get through that. Her baby deserves that too.
Maternal Mental Health Challenges in BC
Here in BC, nearly 1 in 4 women experience mental health challenges during pregnancy or the postpartum period. (I am one of those four, and many of my friends are too.). Unfortunately, moms routinely face waitlists of 3–6 months to access programs or perinatal specialists, and no mother-and-baby inpatient care. For those experiencing postpartum psychosis, a psychiatric emergency, these gaps can be fatal. Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the first year postpartum.
Dr. Katherine Seligman, FRCPC, Anesthesiologist at BC Women’s Hospital and Principal Investigator, PREDICT Study, says, “The postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable transitions in a person’s life, yet our systems of care can fall short when it matters most. Early identification of perinatal distress must be matched with accessible, coordinated support beyond the hospital setting. Initiatives like In Her Circle help ensure families can access timely care in the weeks and months that follow.”
In Her Circle seeks to make a difference
In Her Circle is a Vancouver-based, community-led fundraising movement working to close gaps in postpartum mental health care. Launched in 2026, following the loss of Jenna Dorman, the campaign is grounded in lived experience and a shared commitment to ensuring that all families can access timely, compassionate care when it matters most.
This May, In Her Circle aims to raise $16,000 to fund one year of weekly, drop-in postpartum support through the Pacific Post Partum Support Society (PPPSS). This program is accessible to any postpartum mother in BC, regardless of immigration status, with no waitlist.
Pacific Post Partum Support Society provides professional, peer‑based support, education, and resources for parents and families across BC who are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety challenges. Through accessible, low barrier programming (including weekly drop‑in support groups), PPPSS helps to ensure that no one has to face perinatal mental health challenges alone.
Clare Zeschky, Executive Director at the Pacific Post Partum Support Society, says, “Peer support can be a lifeline for parents navigating perinatal mood challenges. It can be a place of understanding, connection, and hope. Our new weekly drop‑in group exists to ensure there is always a soft place to land: no barriers, no waitlist, just community and support. Support through In Her Circle helps keep that door open, offering timely care when it is needed most.”
To support In Her Circle this month:
- join movement classes hosted at Vancouver studios including RIDE Cycle Club, ALL Method Studio, YYoga, and Jaybird Kingsway
- browse the silent auction featuring local businesses and experiences
- give direct, tax-receiptable donations supporting Pacific Post Partum Support Society programming
To learn more, visit inhercircle.ca or follow @in.her.circle on Instagram.
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