Being happy and healthy means looking after our mental health and sexual health, which can be a bit awkward to talk about. However, there’s a strong link between the two that we can’t ignore. Sexuality: An Important Piece of Our Well-being Our sexuality encompasses a wide range of emotions, the intimacy we share with others, and our self-perception. It plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. When we’re confident in our sexual health, we often experience a higher sense of happiness. Having a good understanding of our sexual health can lead to improved mental health, and stronger relati ..read more

Pregnancy is a period filled with anticipation and the navigation of new physical and emotional realities. Whether planned or unplanned, there are numerous logistics to organize, health considerations to keep in mind, and appointments to keep. As you adapt to the approach of motherhood, it is critical to be aware of your own health and the health of your unborn child. Pregnancy complications can put both of you at risk, and it’s essential to be able to recognize and address them as quickly as possible in case they arise. At Atwell Centre: Pregnancy Support Options in Hamilton and Oakville, we ..read more

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection and describes any condition that is passed from one person to another during sexual contact involving the vagina, penis, mouth, or anus. Also sometimes referred to as STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), STIs are highly contagious and can affect people of any age, background, or sexual orientation. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, pubic lice, genital herpes, hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and more. All STIs can be managed with proper medication, but not all are curable. Becoming infected poses ..read more

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or are wondering about the possibility of an unexpected pregnancy, the process of pregnancy testing can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re not sure whether or not to trust the results you’ve gotten. If you receive a clear, positive result on a pregnancy test, it’s almost certain you’re pregnant (though it’s always best to have the results verified by a trusted healthcare provider). If, however, you receive a negative result but still have reason to suspect you might be pregnant (for instance, you still haven’t gotten your period), you may wonder wha ..read more

HAMILTON, ON: Atwell Centre, a Pregnancy Care and Health Centre in Hamilton, ON, is excited to announce that it has moved to 681 Main Street E. in Hamilton. Previously, Atwell Centre was located at 40 Wellington Street N. in Hamilton, sharing space with several other businesses. It had been a tenant in this building for 11 years.  With the move to 681 Main Street E., Atwell Centre has almost doubled the amount of space available for its staff and patients.  The new location, constructed in 1915, is two storeys and has 6257 square feet of space. Atwell Centre is the only organization ..read more

The decision to select adoption services is never an easy one, but for many pregnant mothers, it ultimately feels like the best possible choice for them and their unborn child. If you are currently exploring pregnancy options, adoption may be a process you wish to learn more about. Atwell Centre is not an adoption agency, but we do offer resources and advocacy for birth parents who are considering an adoption placement. Below is a brief overview of the adoption process in Ontario and the services our dedicated team can provide to support you every step of the journey. For further information a ..read more

Choosing a method of birth control is an incredibly important and highly personal decision. The choice is yours, but there are a variety of factors that may ultimately impact which birth control method you select. These include: Your age and medical history Your cultural and religious beliefs Your lifestyle Your tolerance of side effects Your sexual partner’s perspectives Your reproductive goals Whether you’re seeking protection against STIs The level of contraceptive effectiveness you are comfortable with Convenience and price Many birth control options (methods of contraception) exist, eac ..read more

Understanding consent and the role that it plays in healthy sexual relationships is critical for partners of all ages, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. Clearly confirming that you have your partner’s consent before engaging in sexual activity together is crucial every single time, no matter what. Use the information below to ensure that you fully understand what consent is (and is not) and to help you and your partner create healthy boundaries and a relationship based on trust and respect. If you have questions about consent or have experienced a situation where consent was not given (sex ..read more

Giving birth to a new baby is a life-changing experience, and as you begin to adjust to life as a mother, it’s natural to experience a spectrum of emotions. Negative feelings in the postpartum period are nothing to feel ashamed about. On the contrary, nearly one-quarter of all Canadian mothers who have recently given birth report such feelings. Below, we explore postpartum depression and some straightforward strategies for addressing it. If distressing thoughts are persistent and are impacting your daily life, seek support immediately. At Atwell Centre, we can offer guidance and connect you wi ..read more

Did you know that 61% of Canadian women will face an unexpected pregnancy in their lifetime? That means that more than half of the women you encounter every single day have had or will have this shared experience. But that doesn’t make it any easier. If you suspect you may have become pregnant or have recently received confirmation of an unplanned pregnancy, you’re probably experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. While your feelings and decisions in response to this information are entirely your own, it’s vital to know that you are not alone. Many resources exist in Hamilton and the surrounding ..read more