Mama & Mentor | Understanding Maternal Mental Health
Introducing Aliza Shupac and MamaCare: A Beacon of Mental Health Support for Mothers & Couples
Aliza Shupac, a psychotherapist and registered social worker, founded MamaCare to provide accessible and specialized support for mothers and couples. Located in Toronto, MamaCare offers a range of virtual services, including individual counseling, couples counseling, dietician services, and soon-to-be-introduced doula services. MamaCare's mission is to address the gaps in maternal support and perinatal mental health, offering a holistic approach that integrates parenting support with mental health services.
MamaCare stands as a beacon of support for mothers and couples, addressing the unique challenges of perinatal mental health and the transition to parenthood. With a holistic approach, a commitment to specialized care, and a focus on effective communication and shared responsibilities, MamaCare is dedicated to helping mothers, couples, and families thrive. As Aliza Shupac and her team continue to grow and expand their services, their mission remains clear: to provide the support and care that every mother deserves.
Challenges and Gaps in Maternal Support
MamaCare was born out of Aliza's personal experiences with fertility challenges and motherhood. As a practicing psychotherapist, Aliza struggled to find adequate support during her own journey. The therapists available to her were not specialized in perinatal mental health, highlighting a significant gap in accessible, specialized support for mothers. This inspired Aliza to create MamaCare, aiming to fill this void by offering specialized perinatal mental health services and couples therapy.
Aliza emphasizes the importance and the need for support during the postpartum period. “Struggling as a new mom is normal. But, just because something is normal doesn’t mean you need to suffer alone and in silence. You might feel alone at times, but you’re not.” Aliza says. “The power of connecting with other postpartum moms is very important. Find local groups in your areas where you can actually meet other mothers and get that peer peer connection.”
Communication and Mental Load in Parenting
The concept of mental load revolves around the often invisible yet extensive responsibilities that primarily fall on mothers within households, though not universally. This burden includes managing numerous tasks and logistics, such as scheduling appointments, handling childcare needs, and organizing household routines. It results from a lack of awareness and acknowledgment of these responsibilities by other household members, particularly partners. This imbalance is exacerbated when mothers take on more during periods like maternity leave and then continue to shoulder these responsibilities even as they transition back to paid work. Addressing this imbalance requires making these tasks visible and actively redistributing them within the household, a process emphasized in resources like Eve Rodsky's book "Fair Play." The goal is to achieve more equitable sharing of mental load, fostering greater understanding and support among all household members.
Effective communication and understanding between partners are crucial in reducing resentment and improving relationships. Aliza emphasizes the importance of validating each partner's experiences, defining problems, and inviting solutions to foster better communication to reduce stress and improve relationships by making the invisible work visible and valued.
Normalizing the Spectrum of Postpartum Experiences
A common misconception is that postpartum experiences fall into two extreme categories: severe depression or pure joy. In reality, the postpartum period encompasses a wide continuum of emotions and challenges. Many mothers find themselves struggling, yet do not meet the diagnostic criteria for postpartum depression. These mothers often feel isolated and believe something is inherently wrong with them for not enjoying every moment of motherhood. Aliza emphasizes the importance of normalizing these feelings, recognizing that the journey through motherhood is inherently difficult and complex.
Many new mothers are taken aback by the intensity of their feelings and the myriad challenges they face, often comparing themselves to an unrealistic ideal of maternal bliss. They might think, "I'm a bad mom because I'm not enjoying every second of this." Such thoughts can lead to unnecessary guilt and shame, further complicating their emotional well-being. Aliza underscores that it is entirely normal to find motherhood difficult and to have moments, or even long periods, where joy feels elusive.
Seeking support during these times is crucial, even if a mother does not have a formal diagnosis of postpartum depression. The pressure to appear constantly joyful can prevent mothers from acknowledging their struggles and reaching out for help. By normalizing the full range of postpartum experiences, MamaCare aims to create an environment where mothers feel comfortable seeking the support they need, without feeling judged or inadequate. This approach helps mothers understand that their challenges are a normal part of the transition to parenthood and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Seeking help postpartum can mean reaching out to friends or family, joining support groups, or talking openly with a partner. Self-care, realistic expectations, and using resources like books or apps designed for mental health can also provide valuable support during this time.
The Dedicated Staff at MamaCare
MamaCare's strength lies in its exceptional team of professionals, each carefully selected for their expertise, empathy, and commitment to maternal and perinatal mental health. At the helm is founder Aliza Shupac, a seasoned psychotherapist and registered social worker with over a decade of experience. The therapists at MamaCare are chosen not only for their professional credentials but also for their lived experiences as mothers, ensuring they genuinely understand the challenges their clients face. Each therapist undergoes rigorous training in evidence-based modalities that are proven to be effective in treating perinatal mental health issues. This combination of personal experience and professional expertise enables them to provide nuanced and empathetic care.
A key figure in the team is the client care coordinator, often referred to as the "therapist matchmaker." This role involves conducting in-depth consultations with new clients to understand their specific needs and preferences, then pairing them with the most suitable therapist. The client care coordinator continues to provide support throughout the therapy process, ensuring that each client’s experience is positive and effective.
The diversity of the staff at MamaCare reflects the wide range of backgrounds and experiences that mothers bring. This diversity is crucial for providing culturally sensitive and relevant care. Each team member brings a unique perspective, enriching the collective ability to support clients from various walks of life.
Rewards and Success Stories
For Aliza, the greatest reward comes from seeing mothers and couples thrive after receiving support from MamaCare. Success stories include improved relationships and family dynamics, leading to happier and healthier families. Aliza cherishes moments when mothers, who initially feel overwhelmed and inadequate, leave feeling confident and capable, positively impacting their children and families.
Core Values and Mission of MamaCare
At the core of MamaCare's mission is the belief that a mother’s mental health is deeply intertwined with the well-being of her children and family. MamaCare embraces a holistic approach, recognizing that maternal mental health cannot be separated from the broader context of parenting. By integrating mental health services with parenting support, MamaCare provides comprehensive care that addresses the diverse needs of mothers at every stage of their journey. This approach reflects MamaCare's commitment to supporting mothers in every aspect of their lives, ensuring they have the resources to nurture their families both mentally and emotionally.