Barrie nurse launches virtual program for expecting mothers

Pre-natal and post-partum advice is priceless for first-time moms, and whether they look for guidance or support, the local Nurse on Fire program is available to help. 

The program is run by a registered nurse and Barrie resident Marsha Roett. She has been working primarily in labour and delivery departments and obstetrician offices since 2007, when she graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing (BScN) from York University.

For new moms who struggle to navigate the emotional roller-coaster during the pregnancy journey and post-partum recovery, Roett says it's not uncommon to face mental-health issues along the way.

“Mental health in pregnancy is a topic that is not talked about often, but it is very important,” she said.

While most expecting moms need help to build confidence, some are unaware of symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders associated with pre- and post-natal stages.

"Sharing my knowledge and experiences to help prepare families for the birth of their child brings joy to me and I'm happy I can be there for them," Roett said. 

Nurse on Fire classes aims to provide pregnant moms with a safe space to ask questions about everything from doctor appointments, to signs of labour and pain management options, to post-partum care.

Roett says she started her entrepreneurial journey after having the opportunity to assist a local doctor with online Zoom pre-natal classes during the pandemic.

“When the program was over, I decided to start my own online Zoom pre-natal classes because there is still a need for this service,” she said.

The classes are also a way to help families know what to bring to the hospital and how the delivery process goes.

“A single mom, a couple or a support person, everyone is welcome to attend the classes. We provide a great overview for everyone delivering in the hospital and what your support person can do before, during and after the baby is born,” she said.

Roett noted that family support is key to improving health outcomes for moms and babies. 

“I feel when families have some knowledge about what to expect when having a baby, post-partum care and life with a new baby at home, they are less nervous for the baby's arrival," she said. 

Roett says the 90-minute group session on Zoom will give moms and their support person a behind-the-scenes look at pregnancy, labour and delivery at the hospital.

She says she started all-virtual classes to allow people to enjoy the class in the comfort of their own homes. In future, however, she hopes to expand to provide both virtual and in-person classes.

As the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative (CPMHC) holds its first national walk-a-thon on World Maternal Mental Health Day on May 4, Roett highlighted the importance of increased support to address mental health during pregnancy.

“Donations raised will go to local non-profits, registered charities, perinatal mental health training scholarships for health-care practitioners and Flora's baby, Amber," Roett said. 

The walk is named after Flora Babakhani, a Canadian mom who tragically lost her life to post-partum psychosis on Jan. 14, 2022.

To learn more about the classes, click here.