Getting started
Why are we conducting this survey?
Congratulations to you on the birth of your new baby! We know that this time can be very busy for new parents, but we would like to hear from you about your pregnancy and your early parenting experiences. Answering these questions will help the Public Health Agency of Canada improve the health and wellbeing of parents and families across the country.
The Parental Experiences Survey collects information from Canadian parents on their experiences, knowledge and behaviours regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and access to and use of health care services. The survey aims to paint a more comprehensive picture of new parents and their infants. The results from the survey will help inform national recommendations for maternal and newborn care as well as improve the mental health and well-being of parents and families across Canada.
Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.
Although voluntary, your participation is important so that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible.
Other important information
Authorization and confidentiality
Authorization and confidentiality Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Record linkages
To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce the response burden, Statistics Canada may combine the information you provide with other survey or administrative data sources.
Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about record linkage:
Email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-877-949-9492
Mail:
Chief Statistician of Canada
Statistics Canada
Attention of Director, Centre for Population Health Data
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6
Eligibility
Is there a child living in this household who was born between December 31, 2023 and April 29, 2024?
Would you say:
- Yes, there is one child who meets this definition
- Yes, there is more than one child who meets this definition
e.g., twins
- No, there are no children who meet this definition
[Since you indicated that you have more than one child living in your household who was born between December 31, 2023 and April 29, 2024, we are asking you to please think about the child who was born first when responding to each question.]
What is this child's first name?
Did you give birth to [First name of child/your new baby]?
In which province or territory did you give birth?
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
What is your postal code?
- Postal code
Example: A9A 9A9
In which province do you currently live?
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
What is your gender?
Gender refers to current gender which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.
Is it:
- Male
- Female
- Or please specify
Partner
What is your marital status?
Is it:
- Married
For Quebec residents only, select the "Married" category if your marital status is "civil union".
- Living common law
Two people who live together as a couple but who are not legally married to each other.
- Never married and not living common law
- Separated and not living common law
- Divorced and not living common law
- Widowed and not living common law
What is your partner or spouse's gender?
Gender refers to current gender which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.
- Male
- Female
- Or please specify
- Specify your partner or spouse's gender
Were you living with your partner or spouse at the time of [First name of child/your new baby]'s conception?
How long have you been living with your partner or spouse?
- Number of months
OR
- Number of years
We are interested in hearing from both you and your partner or spouse on your early parenting experiences. This is the first national survey in Canada to include the perspective of both parents.
What is the first and last name of your partner or spouse?
Please provide your partner or spouse's contact information so that we can invite them to take part in the survey too. They can expect to receive the invitation to complete their survey via email. If you do not want to provide their contact information, we would still like you to complete the survey yourself.
Please note that you and your partner or spouse's answers will be kept strictly confidential and not shared with each other at any point.
Pregnancy history
The first set of questions in this survey ask about your pregnancy history. This includes how any past pregnancies ended. For example: premature birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, or an abortion. Your answers are very important, regardless of whether or not you have had these experiences.
Are you currently pregnant?
[Including your current pregnancy and your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]/Including your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]], how many times have you been pregnant?
Count all pregnancies, including miscarriage, abortion or termination, tubal or ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or live birth.
- 1 time
- 2 times
- 3 times
- 4 times
- 5 times
- 6 times
- 7 times
- 8 times
- 9 times
- 10 or more times
When you gave birth to [First name of child/your new baby], did you give birth to one baby or more than one?
e.g., twins.
- One baby
- More than one baby
i.e., twins, triplets, or more
Were all babies live births?
Including the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], how many times have you given birth to a live baby? If you gave birth to more than one child in a single pregnancy, include all live babies.
How many pregnancies ended in a miscarriage?
Include any pregnancy losses before 20 weeks gestation and any pregnancies that ended in a tubal or ectopic pregnancy. A tubal or ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy outside the uterus or womb, like in the fallopian tube or abdomen.
How many pregnancies ended in the birth of a stillborn baby?
Include any pregnancy over 20 weeks gestation where the baby stopped growing before birth, but do not include if this was due to an abortion procedure.
How many pregnancies ended in an induced abortion or termination?
Pregnancy intention
The next questions ask about your circumstances around the time you became pregnant with [First name of child/your new baby].
How planned was your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]?
Was it:
- Highly planned
- Quite planned
- Neither planned nor unplanned
- Quite unplanned
- Highly unplanned
Did you use any fertility medications or medical procedures to help you get pregnant with [First name of child/your new baby]?
Height and weight
How tall are you?
- Feet
- Inches
OR
- Centimetres
Just before your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby], how much did you weigh?
- Weight in kilograms
OR
- Weight in pounds
How much weight did you gain during your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]?
If you are unsure, give your best estimate.
If you lost weight during your pregnancy, enter "0".
- Weight gained in kilograms
OR
- Weight gained in pounds
OR
- Don't know
Health before and during pregnancy
The next section deals with health problems that you may have had before or during your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby].
During your pregnancy, did you have any physical health problems that required you to take medication for more than 7 days or stay in a hospital overnight?
Include any health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, whether or not they were related to the pregnancy.
Exclude the hospital stay for the labour and birth of [First name of child/your new baby].
When did the health problems start?
Select all that apply.
Was it:
- Before your pregnancy
- During your pregnancy
From which type of healthcare provider did you receive most of your prenatal care?
e.g., visits for check-ups
- Obstetrician or gynaecologist (OBGYN)
- Family doctor or general practitioner (GP)
- Midwife
- Nurse or nurse practitioner
- Other
- Specify other healthcare provider
- Had more than one main provider
- No health care provider
- Don't know
Which types of healthcare provider did you have?
Select all that apply.
- Obstetrician or gynaecologist (OBGYN)
- Family doctor or general practitioner (GP)
- Midwife
- Nurse or nurse practitioner
- Other
- Specify other healthcare provider
During your pregnancy, was there ever a time when you felt that you needed health care for yourself, but you didn't receive it?
Why didn't you receive the care you needed?
Select all that apply.
Was it because:
- The wait time for an appointment or at the Emergency Room was too long
- The care available was not helpful
- You didn't know how or where to get care
- You were too busy
- You had trouble finding or affording transportation
- You couldn't afford to pay
- You didn't have anyone to take care of your other children
- Language barriers
- Other
Labour and birth
Now, some questions about your labour and the birth of [First name of child/your new baby].
What was the expected or due date for the birth of [First name of child/your new baby]?
Indicate the baby's due date even if you had a caesarean section planned for a different date.
- Year
- Month
- Day
OR
- Don't know
How many weeks pregnant were you when you gave birth to [First name of child/your new baby]?
What was [First name of child/your new baby]'s actual birth date?
How much did [First name of child/your new baby] weigh at birth?
- Kilograms
OR
- Pounds
- Ounces
What was [First name of child/your new baby]'s sex at birth?
- Male
- Female
- Indeterminate
Where was [First name of child/your new baby] born?
Was it:
- A hospital
- A birthing centre
- A private home
- Other
Did you travel to another city, town or community, to give birth to [First name of child/your new baby]?
In kilometers or miles, how far did you travel to give birth?
If you are unsure, give your best estimate.
- Distance in kilometers
OR
- Distance in miles
Did you have your partner or spouse with you during the birth of [First name of child/your new baby]?
What type of birth did you have?
Select the response that describes how your baby was born regardless of what was planned.
Was it:
- A vaginal birth without forceps or vacuum extraction
- A vaginal birth with forceps or vacuum extraction
- A planned caesarean birth
- An unplanned caesarean birth
Did you go into labour before the caesarean?
How were your babies born?
Remember that these questions refer to your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby].
Select response that describes how your babies were born regardless of what was planned.
Was it:
- Vaginal birth for all
- Planned caesarean for all
- Unplanned caesarean for all
- 1 or more vaginal and 1 or more caesarean
Did you go into labour before the caesarean?
[Did your previous pregnancy/Did any of your pregnancies], before the pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby], end in a caesarean birth?
Did you use your preferred method of pain management during labour[ and the birth of/ with] [First name of child/your new baby]?
This could have been a medication-free or medication-based method.
Which of the following medication-free methods did you use to cope with pain during labour[ and the birth of/ with] [First name of child/your new baby]?
Select all that apply.
Did you use:
- Breathing exercises
- Hands-on methods such as massage, stroking, or acupressure
- Position changes or movement, including walking around
- Immersion in a tub or pool, or a shower
- A birthing ball
- Sterile water injections
- Other
- Specify other medication-free method
OR
- I did not use any medication-free methods
Which of the following pain medications did you use during labour[ and the birth of/ with] [First name of child/your new baby]?
Select all that apply.
Did you:
- Receive epidural or spinal anaesthesia
- Receive pain medication such as Nubain™, fentanyl or morphine
- Breathe gas through a mask or mouthpiece, such as nitrous oxide
- Use pain medications, but not sure what
- Other
- Specify other pain medication
OR
- I did not use any pain medications
Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with pain management during [the birth of [First name of child/your new baby]/your labour and birth]?
This is regardless of whether you used medication-free methods, medication-based methods or both.
Were you:
- Very dissatisfied
- Somewhat dissatisfied
- Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
- Somewhat satisfied
- Very satisfied
During [the birth of [First name of child/your new baby]/the labour and birth of [First name of child/your new baby]], to what degree did you feel any of the following emotions?
- Helpless
- Extremely
- Somewhat
- Not at all
- Supported
- Extremely
- Somewhat
- Not at all
- Overwhelmed
- Extremely
- Somewhat
- Not at all
- Fearful
- Extremely
- Somewhat
- Not at all
- Happy
- Extremely
- Somewhat
- Not at all
- Traumatized
- Extremely
- Somewhat
- Not at all
- Grateful
- Extremely
- Somewhat
- Not at all
Did you experience any health problems during labour or birth that required you personally to [stay longer in the/[be admitted to a] hospital?
e.g., severe bleeding, high blood pressure, preeclampsia
Exclude health problems experienced by [First name of child/your new baby] during labour or the birth.
How long did you stay in the hospital or birthing centre after [First name of child/your new baby] was born?
- Less than 12 hours
- 12 hours to less than 24 hours
- 1 to 2 days
- 3 to 4 days
- 5 to 6 days
- 7 or more days
After the birth, was [First name of child/your new baby] admitted to an intensive care or special care unit?
e.g., Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Including the day of the birth, how long was [First name of child/your new baby] in the intensive care or special care unit?
e.g., Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Less than 24 hours
i.e., less than 1 day
- 1 to 2 days
- 3 to 4 days
- 5 to 6 days
- 7 to 13 days
- 14 or more days
- My baby is still in the intensive care or special care unit
Experience of health care during pregnancy and birth
The next section is about your experience while receiving health care during your pregnancy, labour, and birth.
The following question is about how you were treated during pregnancy. Some people have only one care provider involved in their care and others interact with several providers or people. Think about who was involved in your care during pregnancy. Options might be a family doctor, obstetrician, midwife, nurse practitioner, nurse or medical specialist. If you are not sure who to rate among multiple providers, think about the person who stands out most.
Your answers describe your conversations or experiences with a:
- Obstetrician or gynaecologist (OBGYN)
- Family doctor or general practitioner (GP)
- Midwife
- Nurse or nurse practitioner
- Other
- Specify other healthcare provider
Overall while making decisions about your pregnancy or birth care:
- You felt comfortable asking questions
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
- You felt comfortable declining care that was offered
Note: if you did not decline any care, consider if you think you would have felt comfortable had you wanted to decline care
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
- You felt comfortable accepting the options for care that your care provider suggested
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
- You felt pushed into accepting the options your care provider suggested
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
- You chose the care options that you received
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
- Your personal preferences were respected
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
- Your cultural preferences were respected
Note: if you did not have cultural preferences, consider if you think you would have felt respected if you had
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Agree
- Strongly agree
Some people report difficult interactions with health care providers during pregnancy, labour, birth or after birth. During your pregnancy or birth care, you felt that you were treated poorly by your care provider because of:
Select all that apply.
- Not applicable; you were not treated poorly
- Your race, ethnicity, cultural background or language
- Your sexual orientation or gender identity
- Your financial situation
- A difference of opinion with your caregivers about the right care for yourself or your baby
- Your weight or body size
- Your preference for a caesarean birth
- Your preference for natural birth
- Your mental health status
Health postpartum
The next section deals with physical health problems that you or your baby may have had in the months following the birth. We will start with some questions about your baby.
Does [First name of child/your new baby] have a primary health care provider such as a midwife, doctor, paediatrician or nurse practitioner?
Since the birth, how many times has [First name of child/your new baby] had a health problem requiring a visit to the emergency room?
- Never
- 1 time
- 2 times
- 3 times
- 4 or more times
Since the birth, how many times has [First name of child/your new baby] had a health problem requiring an overnight hospital stay?
Exclude a hospital stay for the birth.
- Never
- 1 time
- 2 times
- 3 times
- 4 or more times
Since the birth, was there ever a time when you felt that you needed health care for [First name of child/your new baby] but you didn't receive it?
Exclude a hospital stay for the birth.
Why didn't you receive the care you needed?
Select all that apply.
- The wait time for an appointment or at the Emergency Room was too long.
- The care available was not helpful
- You didn't know how or where to get care
- You were too busy
- You had trouble finding or affording transportation
- You couldn't afford to pay
- You had no one to take care of your other children
- Language barriers
- Other
Overall, how would you rate [First name of child/your new baby]'s current health?
Is it:
- Excellent
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Please describe [First name of child/your new baby]'s behaviour in the past 4 weeks.
- [First name of child/Your new baby] cries
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Often
- Always
- [First name of child/Your new baby] has feeding difficulties
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Often
- Always
- [First name of child/Your new baby] has difficulty sleeping
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Often
- Always
- [First name of child/Your new baby] is difficult to soothe
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Often
- Always
The next section deals with health problems that you personally may have had in the months following the birth.
Do you have a primary health care provider such as a doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner?
Since the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], how many times have you personally had a health problem requiring a visit to the emergency room?
- Never
- 1 time
- 2 times
- 3 times
- 4 or more times
How soon after the birth did this occur for the first time?
- 1 to 7 days
- 8 to 30 days
- More than 30 days
Since the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], how many times have you personally had a health problem requiring an overnight hospital stay?
- Never
- 1 time
- 2 times
- 3 times
- 4 or more times
How soon after the birth did this occur for the first time?
- 1 to 7 days
- 8 to 30 days
- More than 30 days
Since the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], was there ever a time when you felt that you needed health care for yourself, but you didn't receive it?
Why didn't you receive the care you needed?
Select all that apply.
- The wait time for an appointment or at the Emergency Room was too long
- The care available was not helpful
- You didn't know how or where to get care
- You were too busy
- You had trouble finding or affording transportation
- You couldn't afford to pay
- You had no one to take care of your other children
- Language barriers
- Other
General health
The following question is about health, which refers not only to an absence of disease or injury but also physical, mental and social well-being.
In general, how is your health?
Would you say:
- Excellent
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Infant feeding
The next few questions are about your first contact with [First name of child/your new baby] and your experiences feeding [her/him]. The term "breastfeeding" in this section refers to feeding directly at the breast, also known as "chest-feeding", or the feeding of expressed breastmilk.
How soon after the birth did you first hold [First name of child/your new baby]?
Would you say:
- Immediately or within the first 5 minutes
- 6 minutes to less than 1 hour
- 1 hour or more
When you first held [First name of child/your new baby], was it skin-to-skin?
That is, [First name of child/your new baby] was naked against your skin. This could include baby wearing a diaper or hat, but no sheet or clothing between you.
Would you say:
The first time you held [First name of child/your new baby] skin-to-skin, how long did they stay skin-to-skin with you?
Would you say:
- Less than 1 hour
- 1 hour or more
- Don't know or don't remember
Was [First name of child/your new baby] breastfed or given breastmilk even for a short time?
How long after the birth was [First name of child/your new baby] first offered the breast?
Indicate the first time [First name of child/your new baby] was offered the breast regardless of whether your breastmilk had come in at that time.
Would you say:
- Within one hour
- Between 1 to 2 hours
- More than 2 hours
- Never, [First name of child/your new baby] was fed with expressed breastmilk
- Don't know or don't remember
[While in the hospital after [her/his] birth/In the first 3 days of life], did your healthcare providers offer [help, or help you to start breastfeeding after birth/teach or show you how to prepare, give and store baby formula]?
What feeds did [First name of child/your new baby] receive [while in the hospital after [her/his] birth/in the first 3 days of life]?
Select all that apply.
- Breastmilk at the breast
- Expressed breastmilk in a bottle
- Expressed breastmilk in a cup, spoon or other feeding device
- Formula in a bottle
- Formula in a cup, spoon or other feeding device
- Water
- Other
What were you feeding [First name of child/your new baby] at 1 week of age?
- Breastmilk only
- Breastmilk and water only
- Mostly breastmilk with some formula
- About half breastmilk and half formula
- Mostly formula with some breastmilk
- Only formula or other milk
i.e., no breastmilk
How old was [First name of child/Your new baby] when any food or liquid other than breastmilk was first added to [her/his] feeds?
Exclude any supplementation that only occurred during the first week after birth, e.g., formula or water in the first week.
If you are unsure of the age, give your best estimate.
- Age in weeks
OR
- Age in months
OR
- Your baby was supplemented with formula since birth
- You have not added any food or liquid other than breastmilk
Are you still breastfeeding or giving breastmilk to [First name of child/your new baby], even if only occasionally?
For how many weeks or months did you breastfeed or give breastmilk to [First name of child/your new baby]?
- Number of weeks
OR
- Number of months
In the first six months after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth, did you experience any challenges with feeding [her/him]?
Were you able to get the help you needed to resolve the infant feeding challenges?
Which of the following sources did you use to help you with the challenges you experienced with infant feeding?
Select all that apply.
Did you use:
- Your health care provider
e.g., doctor, nurse, midwife
- Home visits from a public health nurse
- A health clinic
e.g., community or hospital clinic
- Community programs
- A lactation or breastfeeding consultant
- An in-person breastfeeding support group or peer support group
- An online breastfeeding support group or peer support group
- A health hotline or toll-free number
- A website or online resources, including social media
- Your partner or spouse
- Your family or your friends
- Other
OR
- You did not seek any help
Why were you not able to get the infant feeding help you needed?
Select all that apply.
Would you say:
- You didn't know how or where to get this kind of help
- Help was not readily available
- Help that was available was not effective
- You didn't have confidence in the help available
- You were too busy
- You had trouble finding or affording transportation to services
- You couldn't afford to pay
- You were afraid of what others would think of you
- Language barriers
- Other
How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the infant feeding support you received from the following people?
- Your health care providers
- Very dissatisfied
- Somewhat dissatisfied
- Somewhat satisfied
- Very satisfied
- Your partner or spouse
- Very dissatisfied
- Somewhat dissatisfied
- Somewhat satisfied
- Very satisfied
- Your family and your friends
- Very dissatisfied
- Somewhat dissatisfied
- Somewhat satisfied
- Very satisfied
Parenthood and family life
The transition to parenthood, whether first-time or again, is a unique experience filled with change and new emotions. The first question in this section asks you about your feelings about parenthood.
To what extent do you agree with the following statements?
- You are excited about being a parent
- Strongly disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Strongly agree
- You feel confident in your abilities to be a parent
- Strongly disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Strongly agree
- Being a parent is stressful
- Strongly disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Somewhat agree
- Strongly agree
Many people experience changes in their relationship with their partner or spouse following the birth of a baby. The next question is about the impact of the birth of [First name of child/your new baby] on your relationship.
We know it might be uncomfortable to share information about your relationship, but please remember your responses will be kept confidential and are important for understanding the experiences of Canadian parents.
Comparing your relationship with your partner or spouse now to your relationship just before you became pregnant, to what extent has there been a change in each of the following relationship areas?
- Feeling satisfied with your relationship
- Much more
- More
- The same as before
- Less
- Much less
- Feeling close or emotionally intimate with your partner
- Much more
- More
- The same as before
- Less
- Much less
- Arguing with your partner or spouse
- Much more
- More
- The same as before
- Less
- Much less
- Feeling satisfied with the overall quality of your sex life
- Much more
- More
- The same as before
- Less
- Much less
- Being committed to your relationship
- Much more
- More
- The same as before
- Less
- Much less
Social support
The next question is about your current relationships with friends, family members, co-workers and community members.
Family members include a partner or spouse.
Please indicate to what extent each statement describes your current relationships with other people.
- You have close relationships that provide you with a sense of emotional security and wellbeing
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
- There is someone you could talk to about important decisions in your life
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
- You have relationships where your competence and skill are recognized
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
- You feel part of a group of people who share your attitudes and beliefs
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
- There are people you can count on in an emergency
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
Mental health
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions, including feeling down or anxious. The next questions are about your emotional and mental health. We understand it might be difficult to discuss some of these topics. Should you need them, a list of resources is available by pressing on the Help button.
Remember that all the information you provide is strictly confidential and is important for understanding the experiences of Canadian parents.
In general, how is your mental health now?
- Excellent
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
During your pregnancy or after the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], did you experience any challenges with your emotional or mental health?
When did these symptoms first begin?
Would you say:
- Before pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- During the first trimester of pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- During the second trimester of pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- During the third trimester of pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- Less than a month after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
- 1-3 months after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
- 4-6 months after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
- More than 6 months after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
Are these symptoms still ongoing?
How long did these symptoms last?
Would you say:
- Less than 2 weeks
- 2 to 4 weeks
- More than 1 month to less than 3 months
- More than 3 months
The next set of questions asks you to think back to a two-week period during your pregnancy or after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth when you were feeling the worst in terms of your mental or emotional health.
When was this two-week period when you were feeling your worst?
- Within the last two weeks or you are still feeling this way
- During the first trimester of pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- During the second trimester of pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- During the third trimester of pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- Less than a month after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
- 1 to 3 months after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
- 4 to 6 months after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
- More than 6 months after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth
Thinking back to this time, how often did you feel any of the following?
- You felt able to laugh or see the funny side of things
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You were able to look forward to things with excitement
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You blamed yourself unnecessarily when things went wrong
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You felt anxious or worried for no good reason
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You felt scared or panicky for no good reason
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You felt overwhelmed
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You were so unhappy that you had difficulty sleeping
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You felt sad or miserable
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- You were so unhappy that you cried
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
- The thought of harming yourself occurred to you
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
During this two-week period when you were feeling your worst, how often did these feelings or thoughts cause you problems with your day-to-day life?
e.g., doing your work, taking care of things at home, or getting along with other people.
Would you say:
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Please continue to think back to this same two-week period during your pregnancy or after [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth when you were feeling the worst in terms of your mental or emotional health. How often were you bothered by the following problems?
- Felt nervous, anxious or on edge
- Not at all
- Several days
- More than half the days
- Nearly every day
- Were not able to stop or control worrying
- Not at all
- Several days
- More than half the days
- Nearly every day
- Worried too much about different things
- Not at all
- Several days
- More than half the days
- Nearly every day
- Had trouble relaxing
- Not at all
- Several days
- More than half the days
- Nearly every day
- Were so restless that it was hard to sit still
- Not at all
- Several days
- More than half the days
- Nearly every day
- Became easily annoyed or irritable
- Not at all
- Several days
- More than half the days
- Nearly every day
- Felt afraid as if something awful might happen
- Not at all
- Several days
- More than half the days
- Nearly every day
Sometimes things happen during pregnancy, while giving birth or immediately afterwards that are unusually or especially frightening or traumatic. For example, you or your baby were seriously ill, or you or your baby almost died.
Did you experience this kind of event during your pregnancy, while giving birth or immediately afterwards?
Following this event, did you experience any of the following:
- Had bad dreams or nightmares about the event or thought about the event when you did not want to
- Tried hard not to think about the event or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of the event
- Were constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled
- Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings
- Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the event or any problems the event may have caused
At any time during your pregnancy or after the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], did you experience any of the following?
- Experienced unwanted thoughts, images or impulses that repeatedly enter your mind, despite trying to get rid of them
e.g., worries about dirt or germs, or thoughts of bad things happening
- Felt driven to repeat certain acts over and over
e.g., repeatedly washing your hands, cleaning, checking doors or work over and over, rearranging things to get it just right, or having to repeat thoughts in your mind to feel better
Have you ever been diagnosed with any of the following by a health care professional?
The diagnosis does not have to be pregnancy-related.
Select all that apply.
- Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Bipolar and related disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Alcohol or other substance use disorder
- Postpartum psychosis
- Other mental health disorder
- Specify other mental health disorder
OR
- No, you have never been diagnosed with any mental health disorder
How old were you when you were diagnosed with Schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with a bipolar or related disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with a major depressive disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with an obsessive-compulsive disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with a panic disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with a posttraumatic stress disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with an alcohol or substance use disorder?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with postpartum psychosis?
How old were you when you were diagnosed with [an other mental health disorder]?
Have you ever attempted suicide or tried to take your own life?
When was this?
Select all that apply.
- Before your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- During your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- After the birth of [First name of child/your new baby]
The following questions are about the use of health services for emotional or mental health.
During your pregnancy or since the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], did any health care provider ask you about your mental or emotional health?
Which type of health care provider was this?
Select all that apply.
- Obstetrician or Gynaecologist (OBGYN)
- Family doctor or general practitioner (GP)
- Midwife
- Nurse or nurse practitioner
- Other
- Specify other health care provider
At any time during your pregnancy or after the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], did you receive professional help for symptoms you were experiencing related to your emotional or mental health?
At any time during your pregnancy or after the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], did you visit the emergency room or stay in a hospital overnight because of your emotional or mental health?
Did you receive any form of treatment such as counseling or medication?
Which treatment did you receive?
Select all that apply.
Was it:
- Counseling
- Medication
- Other
In general, how much would you say the counseling helped you?
- A lot
- Some
- A little
- Not at all
In general, how much would you say the medication helped you?
- A lot
- Some
- A little
- Not at all
In general, how much would you say the [other treatment] helped you?
- A lot
- Some
- A little
- Not at all
During your pregnancy or since the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], was there ever a time when you felt that you needed professional care for a problem with your emotional or mental health, but you didn't receive it?
Why didn't you receive the mental health care you needed?
Select all that apply.
Would you say:
- No appointments were available or wait times were too long
- The care available was not helpful
- You didn't know how or where to get care
- You were too busy
- You had trouble finding or affording transportation
- You couldn't afford to pay
- Lack of support from partner or spouse or family members for seeking help
- You didn't have anyone to take care of your children
- You were afraid of what others would think of you
- Language barriers
- Other
Substance use
These next questions will ask you about substance use during and after your pregnancy. A reminder that all your answers are kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
The first section is about cigarette smoking.
Include ready-made cigarettes as well as those you make yourself.
Exclude e-cigarettes or vaping devices.
In the last two years, have you smoked any cigarettes?
During the last 3 months of pregnancy, did you smoke daily, occasionally or not at all?
- Daily
- Occasionally
- Not at all
The next section is about vaping or using e-cigarettes. "Vaping" involves using devices that heat liquid into vapour that you inhale.
Include:
- vaping e-liquid with nicotine and without nicotine i.e., just flavouring
- all e-cigarettes, vape mods, vaporizers and vape pens.
Exclude vaping cannabis.
In the last two years, have you used electronic vapor products even one time?
e.g., e-cigarettes, vapes
During the last 3 months of pregnancy, did you use electronic vapour products daily, occasionally or not at all?
- Daily
- Occasionally
- Not at all
How often did electronic vapour products you used contain nicotine?
- Always
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
The next section is about drinking alcohol.
For the purpose of this survey, a drink means:
- 341 ml or 12 oz. of beer or cooler (bottle, can, or draft)
- 142 ml or 5 oz. of wine
- 43 ml or 1.5 oz. of liquor or spirit (straight or mixed).
Include light beer.
Exclude de-alcoholised beer or coolers (0.5% alcohol) or mocktails such as Virgin Mary or Shirley Temple.
In the last two years, have you had an alcoholic drink?
After you realized you were pregnant, did you drink alcoholic beverages daily, occasionally or not at all?
- Daily
- Occasionally
- Not at all
How often did you have 4 or more drinks on one occasion?
- Never
- Less than once a month
- Once a month
- 2 to 3 times a month
- Once a week
- More than once a week
The next section is about the use of cannabis, also known as marijuana, herb, pot, or hashish. Include smoking a joint, bong or pipe, eating or drinking cannabis products, or vaping cannabis.
In the last two years, have you used cannabis (also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or MJ)?
After you realized you were pregnant, did you use cannabis daily, occasionally or not at all?
- Daily
- Occasionally
- Not at all
Experience of violence or abuse
The following set of questions asks about abusive and violent behaviours in relationships. Your answers are very important, regardless of whether or not you have experienced any of these behaviours. Remember that all the information you provide is strictly confidential.
In the last two years, have you experienced any of the following?
- Someone has pushed, hit, slapped, kicked, choked, or physically hurt you in any other way, or threatened to physically hurt you in any way.
- Someone has forced you into any unwanted sexual activity by threatening you, holding you down, or hurting you in some way.
- Someone has controlled or tried to control your daily activities.
For example: controlling your finances or who you could talk to or where you could go.
When did these incidents happen?
Select all that apply.
- Before your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- During your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
- Following your pregnancy with [First name of child/your new baby]
The next question is about things that may have happened to you before you were 16 years old in your school, in your neighbourhood, or in your family. Your responses are important whether or not you have had any of these experiences. Remember that all information provided is strictly confidential.
Before you were 16 years old, how many times did any of the following things happen to you?
- Seeing or hearing any one of your parents, step-parents or guardians hit each other or another adult in your home
- Never
- 1 or 2 times
- 3 to 5 times
- 6 to 10 times
- More than 10 times
- An adult slapping you on the face, head or ears or hitting or spanking you with something hard to hurt you
- Never
- 1 or 2 times
- 3 to 5 times
- 6 to 10 times
- More than 10 times
- An adult pushing, grabbing, shoving or throwing something at you to hurt you
- Never
- 1 or 2 times
- 3 to 5 times
- 6 to 10 times
- More than 10 times
- An adult kicking, biting, punching, choking, burning you, or physically attacking you in some way
- Never
- 1 or 2 times
- 3 to 5 times
- 6 to 10 times
- More than 10 times
- A parent or other adult caregiver saying things that really hurt your feelings or made you feel like you were not wanted or loved
- Never
- 1 or 2 times
- 3 to 5 times
- 6 to 10 times
- More than 10 times
- An adult touching you in a sexual way when you didn't want them to
e.g., touch the private parts of your body or make you touch their private parts, threaten, or try to have sex with you or sexually force themselves on you
- Never
- 1 or 2 times
- 3 to 5 times
- 6 to 10 times
- More than 10 times
Sociodemographic information
Now, some general questions which will help us compare the health and parenting experiences of people in Canada.
What is your date of birth?
What is your age?
Indigenous identity
Are you First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?
First Nations (North American Indian) includes Status and Non-Status Indians.
If "Yes", select the responses that best describes this person now.
- No, not First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
OR
- Yes, First Nations (North American Indian)
- Yes, Métis
- Yes, Inuk (Inuit)
Sociodemographic characteristics
The following question collects information to support programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural and economic life of Canada.
Are you:
Select all that apply.
- White
- South Asian
e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan
- Chinese
- Black
- Filipino
- Arab
- Latin American
- Southeast Asian
e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai
- West Asian
e.g., Iranian, Afghan
- Korean
- Japanese
- Other
Place of birth, immigration and citizenship
Where were you born?
Specify place of birth according to present boundaries.
- Born in Canada
- Born outside Canada
In what year did you first come to Canada to live?
If exact year is not known, enter best estimate.
Are you now, or have you ever been a landed immigrant?
A "landed immigrant" (permanent resident) is a person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities.
In what year did you first become a landed immigrant?
If exact year is not known, enter best estimate.
Of what country are you a citizen?
Select all that apply.
Are you a citizen of:
Is it:
- By birth
- By naturalization
i.e., the process by which an immigrant is granted citizenship of Canada, under the Citizenship Act.
Education
What is the highest certificate, diploma or degree that you have completed?
- Less than high school diploma or its equivalent
- High school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate
- Trades certificate or diploma
- College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (other than trades certificates or diplomas)
- University certificate or diploma below the bachelor's level
- Bachelor's degree
e.g., B.A., B.A. (Hons), B.Sc., B.Ed., LL.B.
- University certificate, diploma or degree above the bachelor's level
Main activity
In the year before [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth, did you work at a job or business?
Regardless of the numbers of hours.
In the year before [First name of child/your new baby]'s birth, what was your main activity?
If the main activity was "sickness" or "short-term illness", indicate the usual main activity.
Was it:
- Looking for paid work
- Going to school
- Caring for your children
- Household work
- Retired
- Maternity, paternity or parental leave
- Long term illness
- Volunteering or care-giving other than for your children
- Other
- Specify the main activity
Did you take a break from working for a week or more after the birth of [First name of child/your new baby]?
Include maternity or parental leave, sick leave, vacation or unpaid leave.
How long was this break or will this break be from working?
- Number of weeks
OR
- Number of months
Since the birth of [First name of child/your new baby], have you received maternity or parental benefits with the federal Employment Insurance program or Employment with the Québec Parental Insurance Plan?
What do you think was the main reason that you did not receive EI or QPIP benefits?
Was it because:
- You were working or expecting to return to work
- You were not contributing to EI or QPIP
e.g., self-employed, working outside of Canada
- You had not worked enough hours to qualify
- You quit or were dismissed from your job without an eligible cause
- You quit your job to attend school
- You were retired
- You were not looking for work or not available to work
e.g., leave of absence, sick, on vacation, out of the country
- You were receiving other payments
e.g., disability, welfare or severance payments
- You were waiting to receive benefits
e.g., serving waiting period, claim being processed
- You had already received all of the EI or QPIP benefits available to you
- Other
Have you performed any work for pay since [First name of child/your new baby] was born?
In weeks or months, how old was [First name of child/your new baby] when you returned to work?
- Age in weeks
OR
- Age in months
Household characteristics
Now a question about total household income. Please be assured that, like all information you have provided, your answer will be kept strictly confidential. There is an important relationship between health and income and your response is important for understanding the experiences of Canadian parents.
What is your best estimate of the total household income received by all household members, from all sources, before taxes and deductions, during the year ending December 31, 2023?
Income can come from various sources such as from work, investments, pensions or government. Examples include Employment Insurance, social assistance, child benefits and other income such as child support, spousal support (alimony) and rental income.
Capital gains should not be included in the household income.
- Less than $50,000
- $50,000 to less than $60,000
- $60,000 to less than $70,000
- $70,000 to less than $80,000
- $80,000 to less than $90,000
- $90,000 to less than $100,000
- $100,000 to less than $150,000
- $150,000 and over
Including yourself and [First name of child/your new baby], how many people live in this household?
In the last 12 months, were there times when the food for you and your family did not last and there was no money to buy more?
In the past 12 months, were you worried that you may not have stable housing that you own, rent, or stay in?
