Hope for mothers struggling with postnatal depression
The mothers said their aim is to break the silence on the issue of PND stigma
WHAT used to be known as postnatal depression is now being referred to as perinatal distress (PND). It can occur both before and after birth and take the form of both traditional depression and heightened anxiety.
PND is a recognised medical condition caused by hormonal fluctuations as well as psycho-social stressors associated with the huge life and body changes that come with having a baby.
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According to the World Health organisation, PND is the most common complication of childbirth affecting 15 per cent of women (with many more undiagnosed because of fear and stigma
Mums’ Support group is a Durban North based support group for any mother who are having a hard time bonding with their babies. The group was started in October of 2016 by Alexandra Wallis who struggled with her transition into motherhood after each of her two children were born.
“I felt I had no one to talk to about what I was going through. There was nowhere safe that I could openly and honestly talk about how I was feeling,” said Wallis.
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The mothers said their aim is to break the silence on the issue of PND stigma by creating a safe, non-judgemental space for moms who are struggling.
Motherhood is hard at the best of times and there are many contributing factors such as: shift in priorities, high stress environments, pace and pressure of life, financial pressure and social media.
“As a medical professional myself, I had an idea of what PND looked like. I though it looked like someone crying all the time and not being able to get out of bed. It doesn’t always manifest in that way. For me it was anxiety, rage and irritability. I wish there were more awareness about this,” said Christie Roberts (37) first time mom to Luca (2).
“Over the last year we’ve journeyed with several moms from a place of fear, shame and despair to one of hope, new identity and freedom,” says Wallis.
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Mother, Shannon van Heerden, to Max who is 7 months old opened up and told Northglen News: “After having Max I was desperately lonely and spiraling down what felt like a one-way street. From the moment I walked through the door of Mum’s support I felt supported and heard. I no longer felt alone. I had several hands reaching out to me. It was a lifeline in a rough sea for me.”
Mums’ Support hosts a WhatsApp group that provides support almost 24/7, a private Facebook group where moms can air their concerns, weekly face to face support meetings and monthly Saturday morning social gatherings.
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