Are you – or someone you know – driving innovation in women’s health research? Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the PWHR Mid-Career Excellence in Women's Health Research Award by Monday, March 31!

This national award honours mid-career researchers across Canada who are making significant contributions across the four Canadian Institutes of Health Research pillars: Clinical Research, Biomedical Research, Health Systems & Services Social and Cultural, Environmental & Population Health.

Awardees will be honoured at a special PWHR event, where they will have the opportunity to present their research and engage with leading experts and peers. Recipients will also be invited to showcase their work at their home research institute, further amplifying their contributions and impact.

Apply today or share this opportunity with an inspiring researcher!

As Women's Health Research Month wraps up, our work continues.

Our latest seminar "Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice for Better Perinatal Outcomes," part of the PWHR 2024-2025 Seminar Series, explored how social determinants shape maternal and infant health – and highlighted groundbreaking research that’s driving real change.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass shed light on the stark inequities Black women face in pregnancy-related near misses and maternal deaths. Tackling anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in healthcare is urgent, and demographic data is key to driving change.
• Dr. Isabelle Malhamé introduced the GEM Hub, a research justice initiative co-creating knowledge mobilization activities to improve pregnancy and postpartum care to prevent maternal "near miss" and mortality – ensuring that those with lived experience are at the heart of research and solutions.
  
• Mary Ann Forbes & Dr. Patti Johnston highlighted the critical need for Inuit-specific birthing resources in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. They explored historical birthing practices, the emotional toll of out-of-community births, and the role VR technology can play in providing culturally relevant prenatal information. The importance of informed consent and addressing fears of child apprehension was a key takeaway.
  
• Dr. Saraswathi Vedam, Gabrielle Griffith & Bhavya Reddy from the Justice & Equity in Perinatal Services Hub emphasized the power of person-centered measurement and participatory research to create rights-based, respectful care. The RESPECT study reinforced the need for accountability systems to combat mistreatment and promote dignity in perinatal services.
  
• We can do better. Research that centers marginalized voices, aims to dismantle systemic barriers, and co-creates solutions that prioritize equity and justice is showing the way.
  

This March marks the second year of Women’s Health Research Month (WHRM), an initiative led by the BC Women’s Health Foundation to celebrate the impactful research improving the health and lives of women and newborns across British Columbia. It also highlights the critical need for increased funding in women’s health research.

Throughout the month, Dr. Lori Brotto, Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute, and Cally Wesson, President and CEO of the BC Women’s Health Foundation, have been vocal advocates for these important efforts, speaking on platforms like CTV Morning Live and Global News Morning.

New Postpartum Digital Hub

A major milestone this year is the launch of postpartumcare.ca, a new online resource created to support new parents experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. Developed through community engagement and rigorous research methods, this platform offers clear, reliable, and region-specific resources tailored to new parents in BC.

This new digital tool will also make it easier for parents to access the information and support they need during the postpartum period, marking a significant step forward in supporting mental health and well-being.

Across Alberta, a dedicated group of Indigenous grandmothers is  working alongside University of Alberta researchers to ensure traditional knowledge and cultural teachings are passed down to the next generation. 

Through the Grandmothers’ Wisdom Network, they are creating digital stories and a cultural booklet to guide Indigenous mothers, pregnant women, and their children – both on and off-reserve – through pregnancy, childbirth, and early-life care. 

• Why it's important: Cultural connection from pregnancy onward strengthens family bonds and enhances well-being across generations.
• Sacred teachings: Colonialism disrupted the transfer of traditional knowledge, impacting Indigenous health and identity. Grandmothers play a vital role in restoring this wisdom and fostering kinship, which promotes healthy early-life environments.
  
• A lasting impact: Beginning in spring 2025, Indigenous mothers will receive culturally-rooted resources to guide them through pregnancy, childbirth, and early-life care.

A newly published set of clinical practice guidelines is the first in Canada to focus specifically on the diagnosis and treatment of mood, anxiety, and related disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.

Published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders (PMADs) recognize perinatal mental health as a public health priority. These guidelines provide critical recommendations for early identification and treatment, ensuring individuals receive the care they need throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey.

• Why it matters: Only 20% of Canadians affected by PMADs receive the care they need.
• Comprehensive support: Treatment recommendations include lifestyle changes, peer support, therapy, and medication based on symptom type and severity.
• For patients & families: The complementary Seeds of Hope guide offers practical, accessible information for those navigating perinatal mental health challenges.