MOST people today have heard the term ‘baby blues’ used to describe a short period of depression which many women experience after childbirth. However, less are aware that as many as 10 per cent of all women develop Perinatal Distress, also known as Postnatal depression. It is rarely mentioned in books about pregnancy and childbirth or in ante-natal classes.

One Durban North mom is trying to change that. Alex Wallis is setting up a new support group aimed at mothers-to-be and mothers of babies who are experiencing perinatal distress (P.N.D).

The mother of two said she experienced P.N.D. after both her children and what made the situation worse was the fact that people simply shrugged it off.

“The symptoms of feeling anxious or low and despondent are often brushed aside and explained away by common postpartum experiences such as broken sleep. There’s also a lot of societal pressure on mothers who have given birth, people expect you to be happy and joyful that you have a little ‘bundle of joy’. Women are often reluctant to admit what they are going through. For some mothers the depression may be of such severity that they need psychiatric help and many need drug therapy.

“I decided to start this group after experiencing postnatal depression and anxiety after the births of both my children, and found to my dismay that there were no support groups for P.N.D. in the area. So I formed a new support group. I want to provide moms with a safe and friendly environment to share what they are going through with other moms who will understand how they feel. The support group is being run with the assistance of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group,” she said.

The first session will be taking place on Thursday, 15 September, and will include a short talk by local psychologist Bev Miles, who has a special interest in P.N.D.

For more information contact Alex on 083 788 0689 or email alwallis14 @gmail.com.