Flora’s Walk Sudbury on Sunday, May 25th is part of a national movement of remembrance and hope in memory of Flora, a young mother who suffered with an undiagnosed postpartum psychosis and tragically took her own life in 2022, months after her daughter was born. Flora’s story in heartbreaking, but through Flora’s Walk, her family is determined to bring awareness to the problems of perinatal and mood disorders, ensuring no parent suffers in silence.
Carolyn Marshall is the co-host of Flora’s Walk Sudbury. She is a multi-certified registered nurse who has worked in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit. Marshall specializes in prenatal education and for the past 3 years has been in private practice with The Mama Coach, providing new parents with practical solutions to routine challenges.
Flora’s Walk co-host Caroline Miller is a registered nurse psychotherapist and coach who through her private practice, Caroline Miller Counselling, specializes in helping her patients with issues around perinatal mental health and birth trauma.
Understanding perinatal mental health
Perinatal mental health is more the “baby blues.” It’s a vast spectrum, ranging from mild anxiety to severe depression. For some, it’s fleeting moments of sadness or feeling emotionally drained. For others, it’s persistent low mood and overwhelming anxiety. Marshall says, “Maybe it looks like crying more than usual, feeling disconnected from your baby, or wondering why the joy you expected isn’t there. It might even show up as intense worry, panic attacks or the fear that something terrible will happen.”
The important thing to know is that you’re not alone. In fact, 1 in 5 women will experience a perinatal mood disorder, while 1 in 10 fathers will experience symptoms as well. Marshall says, “Mood disorders are not always hormonally based. The stresses of a newborn, including sleep deprivation can often push people over the edge when they’re already feeling highly stressed.
When it’s starting to cause problems in your daily life, that’s when you may need some help. It’s very important to tell someone if you’re not feeling like yourself because there is a way to get through it and you don’t have to do it alone.”
Postpartum psychosis is the most severe and dangerous perinatal mood disorder. It can trigger hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions, making reality feel like a nightmare. For Flora, the struggle became unbearable and the diagnosis was repeatedly missed. Her story is a tragic reminder of why urgent support and awareness are so critical.
Flora’s Walk
Imagine a peaceful Sunday stroll through the beautiful Laurentian Conservation Area (BioSki Lodge), the perfect setting for pregnant and new moms to enjoy a tranquil escape. Flora’s Walk on Sunday, May 25th is a time for community, connection, and support. Marshall says, “The walk will begin with a maternal mental health proclamation. The event brings people together to raise funds and awareness for perinatal mental health.
Join Flora’s Walk and make a real difference. There are many ways to participate. With 70% of the funds staying in Greater Sudbury, community support directly helps local parents. “Caroline Miller and I will be using the funds to provide free monthly support groups, creating a safe place for moms to connect, heal, and thrive. Whether you donate, raise funds or volunteer, you’re bringing hope and community to those who need it most. I finad that moms no matter their age can relate to the emotions in the perinatal period and they want to help.”
For more information on how to participate visit: “Life with a Baby”/Flora’s Walk:
Flora’s Walk Sudbury Facebook; Flora’s Walk Sudbury Instagram;
Flora’s Walk Funds Wellness
Sudbury is an underserved area with limited access to perinatal mental health specialists. Diagnosis and treatment may be difficult to get. “Many parents do not seek help because of the stigma and financial barriers and lack of available services, while marginalized and low-income families are at higher risk for perinatal mental health issues and face greater obstacles in accessing care.
With the funds raised from Flora’s Walk, Carolyn Marshall and Caroline Miller are launching a free support group for mothers as a preventative mental health initiative. Marshall says, “This group will provide a welcoming space for moms to learn, connect, and receive support in a non-judgmental environment. Our goal is to reduce isolation and provide education and early
intervention strategies, ensuring that mothers have the tools they need to navigate the challenges of new parenthood before mental health struggles become overwhelming.” Perinatal mental health support focuses on the well-being of individuals, including mothers, fathers, and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Building a community of support
Carolyn Marshall and Caroline Miller want to connect parents and healthcare providers by making free mental health support available to parents who need it. This year, their fundraising goal is $30,000 and they’re expecting about 100 walkers to participate. Carolyn Marshall says, “Whether participating in the walk, volunteering, or simply helping us spread the work every effort helps make a difference, because no one should walk this journey alone.”
Join Flora’s Walk on Sunday, May 25th at the Laurentian Conservation Area (BioSki Lodge) beginning at 10am to raise funds, spread awareness, and take meaningful steps toward better support for parents. Go online here to learn more.
