What is perinatal mental health?

Perinatal mental health refers to mental health during the time surrounding conception, pregnancy, the first year following childbirth and beyond.

How can I contribute to the project?

The deadline to submit fabric for the quilt has passed but you can still contribute by sharing your story that will live on our website. When the quilt is on display, a QR code will be on display next to it so that viewers can easily find the stories connected to the project.

Can I share my story?

Of course! The goal of this project is to raise awareness. You can help spread the word by sharing your contribution with your own network.

Is there a deadline for submissions?

There is no deadline to submit your story. The deadline to submit fabric has closed. This will give us time to construct the quilt for the end of April 2024. 

Who is eligible to participate in the project?

Participation in the project is open to everyone! While the main focus is on birthing people, you may also share a story on behalf of someone else, such as a family member who has passed away.

How will the quilt be designed and assembled?

Carole will lead the design and assembly of the quilt with the help from volunteers.

Will my story be anonymized if I choose to share it?

It’s your choice if you’d like your name to be shared with your story or not. If you want your story to be completely anonymous, please ensure you note that in your submission. 

My story isn’t “that bad” – should I still participate?

Absolutely! Every story is valuable, and your experience is important. This project is about creating a space for all kinds of stories, whether they are challenging, uplifting, or somewhere in between. Your perspective adds richness and diversity to the quilt, contributing to a collective narrative that reflects the varied experiences of birthing individuals. Don’t hesitate to share your story, no matter how you perceive its intensity. 

I’m not really a writer! What do you mean by story?

Your story doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece! We welcome stories in any form that feels comfortable for you—whether it’s a few sentences, bullet points, or even a short paragraph. What matters most is your authentic expression of your experience. If you’re concerned about writing skills, don’t worry! We have an editor on our team who will ensure readability and consistency. They may reach out if they have any questions or to help enhance your story, ensuring it’s shared in a way that resonates with your voice and experiences. Feel free to share your thoughts, feelings, and memories related to your perinatal journey, and our editor will be there to support you in the process. Or give our story prompt form a try!

Where and how will the finished quilt be displayed?

The goal is to have the finished project on display at the IWK Health Centre, the children and women’s hospital where Carole gave birth to her son, and where the greatest number of perinatal patients can see it in Nova Scotia.  Alongside the quilt, there will be a poster featuring a QR code that links to the website, where you can read the stories behind the fabric.

We also plan to explore additional opportunities to display the quilt in new places around the world, and ideally, have it go on a tour! This way, we can raise awareness with a broader audience about the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by birthing people.

Why a quilt?

Quilting has historically been a way for women to come together, share stories, learn information, create community, and offer support. Connecting with each other while connecting fabric. The result is more than a blanket. It’s a documentation of how creative, resilient and resourceful women are.

How can I get involved as a volunteer in the project?

Once we’re in the construction period of the project we’ll be doing outreach on social media to recruit volunteers to help with quilting.