18
2018
Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018
As someone who suffered from postpartum depression after delivering my first born, I am glad that efforts are being taken to address this issue to new moms. Today, I attended Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018 where not only we discussed Infant Health, we also talked about postpartum depression as well. What was once considered a taboo subject was discussed openly in a very relax manner.
You can read about me overcoming my postpartum depression in this post I wrote back in 2012 → Am I Ready To Be A Mother
Tollyjoy Baby Day was first launched in the year 2015 in Malaysia to celebrate the babies we love. This was a joined partnership with OrphanCARE Foundation.
For many couples, lives get more exciting and emotional the moment they know they will be welcoming a newborn baby. But once the baby is born, a jumble of powerful emotions can overwhelm the parents. A moment of tremendous joy can turn to fear and anxiety. For some mothers, this wonderful experience may be eclipsed by frequent mood swings, unidentifiable sadness/crying spells or persistent anxiety following the birth of her child.
Clinically known as postpartum depression, the condition manifests in a range of symptoms which can impact the well-being of both mother and child.
Recognising the urgent need for increased awareness on maternal and infant mental health, Tollyjoy Corporation have partnered with OrphanCARE Foundation to host this practical session for parents in conjunction with Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018.
Launched as a signature initiative with OrphanCARE Foundation in June 2015, Tollyjoy Baby Day is specially dedicated to appreciate babies and acknowledge the significant journey that parents go through in caring and providing for their children. It is also a day to celebrate the importance of family love and care for every child, including the less fortunate.
The event got into a great start with this ice breaker activity of sketching a baby. We were given a paper plate to be placed on our heads and we need to try to draw a baby as best as possible. It was hilarious and good fun trying to draw a baby without being able to see it.
My attempt at sketching a baby won me a prize! I won a Tollyjoy hamper
“Since 1971, Tollyjoy has supported mothers and the little ones in their beautiful journey together. Tollyjoy Baby Day is a demonstration of this, as we reiterate our commitment to provide only the best to address the needs of both parents and babies.
For Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018, we shine the spotlight on the importance of ensuring good mental health for mothers and their infants. As parents ourselves, we understand the struggles some mums may be going through and the extra support they need, particularly if they are dealing with postpartum depression. By helping mums cope, we also help provide a more stable, happier environment where baby can thrive and flourish,” said Ms Grace Ng, Manager of Tollyjoy Corporation
Ms Jessie Foo, Clinical Psychologist at KIN & KIDS gave an eye-opening discussion on managing postpartum depression and the importance of infant mental health.
Postpartum depression is a condition linked to the chemical, social and psychological changes of having a baby. Whilst its exact cause(s) remains unknown, the condition can manifest in a range of symptoms:
• Trouble connecting with your new baby
• Anxious and worry
• Panic attacks
• Feeling incapable
• Feeling guilty
• Feeling violent or aggresive
• Suicidal thoughts
If postpartum depression goes undetected or untreated, it could lead to postpartum psychosis where an effected person starts hearing voices or become delusional. There is even risk of the mother harming her child or herself.
Postpartum depression doesn’t necessarily begin right after birth or even with the first child. Symptoms can gradually develop within the first year, or after having the second or third child. It’s also a difficult condition to recognise, as some mothers are able to do the things needed to care for their baby but still suffer from postpartum depression. Furthermore, it carries with it certain stigmas and so, many mothers choose not to seek proper treatment for fear of being judged. This can lead to a prolonged and/or worsening condition which can affect the relationship between a mother and infant as well as with the rest of the family,” shared Ms Jessie Foo.
Foo added that more severe forms of postpartum depression may also impair the mother’s ability to function properly, leading to neglect and triggering stress in infant. This leaves the baby with an inadequate feeling, causes prolonged crying and results in limited physical contact between mother and child.
“Stress in infancy and early childhood can have a long-term impact on the child’s development into adulthood. Many studies show the strong correlation between a loving mother-infant bond and a child’s healthy emotional, social and cognitive providing a safe, stable and loving environment from infancy will go a long way in shaping a child’s future and pave the way for success later in life” concluded Foo.
Commenting on the event, Ms Shereen, Trustee of OrphanCARE Foundation said, “OrphanCARE is pleased to once more be part of the Tollyjoy Baby Day as it is aligned to what we stand for – to celebrate babies in all possible ways and to support a parent’s journey. This year’s event is very significant as we raise awareness on the importance of mental health for babies and mothers. The prevention of mental health must start from young. It is important for parents to interact with their babies and ensure that their environment is always cheerful. In addition, mothers suffering from postpartum depression must be given the support and encouragement to manage it well.”
A fun game of Make Your Baby Smile saw mothers with their adorable babies smiling away happily
Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018 concluded with a sharing session where parents, guests and members of the media learnt more about how to help mothers cope with the condition while caring for their precious ones.
The VIPs of today – Babies, toddlers and the children of tomorrow.
We mingled and share our stories with our new found friends over lunch before calling it a day.
Great event. This is such a good support group for those depressing mums.
Yes it really is. As someone who suffered from postpartum depression once, I know how difficult it is to get through these dark period if we are alone, without support.
That is why kacang ma is good for ladies in confinement. Those motherwort leaves are an anti-depressant. I see many little girls at the event – where’s yours? LOL!!!
Oh, I learn a new thing today that kacang ma is anti-depression. Too bad it is not easily available here. I had lots of black vinegar pork knuckle and ginger chicken during my confinement but I suffered from postpartum depression after my confinement, second month onwards…
It’s a positive step forward to be more open in discussing mental health issues. Actually, opening discussion on all subjects that are usually taboo is a positive step. We can’t possibly hope to understand issues if we never bring them out into the open.
Totally agree. We need more open discussion on ‘taboo’ subjects to help people cope. Parenting especially. A baby is never born with an instruction manual hence it is tricky to understand and get them functioning correctly esp if we are a first time parent.
In this increasingly stressful world, parents regardless of mum and dad need more support. Ha :D
Haha. Correct. Dads go through postpartum depression too and it is more difficult for them to seek help as they don’t want to appear weak :(
A meaningful event to support new mothers. Hopefully it will reach more new mothers especially those without family support to let them know that they have the community support.