Nearly Half of New Canadian Moms Face Postpartum Mental Health Challenges

Rowan Ashford

Published: February 10, 2026 10:22 AM ET

Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals that nearly half of new Canadian mothers and birthing parents experience mental health challenges after childbirth. The findings came from the 2024 Parental Experiences Survey, which gathered responses from 11,153 individuals who gave birth between December 31, 2023, and April 29, 2024. This group includes mothers who identify as women as well as transgender and non-binary birthing parents.

Postpartum Mental Health Challenges

The survey found that one in five (20%) respondents needed mental health care but did not receive it during their pregnancy or postpartum period. Among those facing mental health issues:

60% reported that their challenges began after childbirth.
25% indicated that issues started during pregnancy.
15% experienced challenges that predated their pregnancy.

Emotional Well-Being Queries

Additionally, 21% of mothers and birthing parents mentioned that no health care provider inquired about their emotional well-being during or after their pregnancies. Lucy Barker, a psychiatrist at Women’s College Hospital, emphasized the importance of proactive measures in mental health care.

Barriers to Accessing Care

The survey highlights significant barriers faced by individuals seeking mental health support:

54% cited long wait times as the primary obstacle to receiving care.
33% noted that the care available was not effective.
21% felt uncertain about how or where to find mental health services.
19% felt they were too busy to seek help.

Only 2% of those with mental health challenges resorted to emergency services or hospitalization for mental health issues.

Disparities in Mental Health Care

The survey also revealed that 30% of racialized mothers and birthing parents and 33% of recent immigrants were not asked about their emotional health. Among racialized respondents, only 29% received assistance for their mental health issues, while 41% of non-racialized individuals reported similar help.

According to Barker, addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to mental health care for everyone. Creating an environment where individuals are routinely asked about their mental well-being is essential for facilitating access to necessary support.

Future Developments

In December 2025, Health Canada approved Zuranolone, a new medication for treating postpartum depression. This drug targets gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain, which play a role in mood regulation. It is recommended for individuals experiencing moderate to severe postpartum depression, particularly when daily functioning is impaired.

The ongoing conversations and findings underscore the urgent need for improved mental health support for new mothers and birthing parents across Canada.