Be aware of postpartum depression signs, family members urged
KUCHING: Family members must be aware of the signs or indications of postpartum depression in mothers.
In giving this reminder, federal Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said one of the indicators of this condition is a sudden change in behaviour.
“We cannot take this matter lightly. The husband must be aware of the situation because we do not want it to affect other family members,” she said when asked to comment about the tragedy in Pasir Gudang, Johor where an 18-month-old boy died after his mother slit his throat.
Nancy was met by reporters after attending an event at Borneo Cultures Museum here yesterday.
She pointed out that while postpartum depression was not a new thing, it would still be a worrisome subject if left unattended, posing danger to the mothers and their newborns.
“Although medication can help mothers to mitigate it, strong support from family members is far more important. The degree of depression may differ from one person to another; regardless, we still have to be very careful.
“This person (suffering from postpartum depression) cannot be left alone with the children as this can be dangerous. At that point, she may not have the capability to think in the right state of mind.
“That is why it is important for family members to be with the mother,” she added.
Asked whether her ministry had any plan to carry out a campaign to raise awareness of postpartum depression, Nancy said she preferred collaborative efforts, which she deemed as being more effective.
“We’ll see what kind of reminders that we can do. Nonetheless, we welcome initiatives that come from advocacy groups,” she added.
On Sunday, Malay Mail reported that a mother, 32, was remanded for seven days after she allegedly slashed her 18month-old son’s throat.
The woman was said to have snapped a photo of the toddler in a pool of blood, and sent it to her husband via WhatsApp.