Editorial
Help new mothers get over postpartum depression
Every expectant woman anticipates happiness and excitement following childbirth, but occasionally the unexpected can occur, as some mothers exhibit weird behaviour in the first few weeks following baby delivery.
While mood swings, anxiety, and trouble sleeping can persist for up to two weeks in some new mothers, more severe and persistent forms of depression affect other mothers.
Some of these new mothers isolate themselves from their loved ones and friends, cry a lot, lose their appetite or eat more than they should, get tired easily, and have trouble falling asleep.
Additional symptoms include a decrease in interest in activities the person enjoyed before having the baby, trouble bonding with the child, being extremely agitated, and harbouring the feelingthat she is a bad mother.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a disorder that may be diagnosed with persistent thoughts of death or suicide, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty thinking properly, intense anxiety, and panic attacks, according to specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Karen Renee Zu.
It is regrettable and depressing that some mothers must deal with these postpartum problems, which exacerbate their conditions, in spite of the many difficulties they confronted during pregnancy.
The Spectator wants mothers to get help from the proper health authorities and not to take their health problems lightly.
We also agree with Dr. Zu’s recommendation that the condition should not be ignored because failing to do so will make it more difficult for the mother to properly care for her child and handle other responsibilities.
We advise new mothers to seek medical attention as soon as they notice these symptoms, which can last for a long period after giving birth, in order to prevent any major health consequences.
Mothers’ health is especially important since they have a major role in the growth of the country as well as the families, communities, and children they raise.
Medical science states that there is no one cause for PPD, but rather that a combination of genetics, physical changes, and mental problems may contribute. As such, mothers should lead healthy lifestyles, incorporate exercise into their daily routines, and set reasonable goals in order to prevent feeling under pressure.
A family history of PPD, especially if it was severe, increases the chance of acquiring it again, according to genetic study. As a result, those with such a history should take efforts to prevent recurrence.
To reduce the stress that comes with caring for a newborn, we strongly advise husbands, other caregivers, and family members to assist new mothers. In order to rebuild their strength, the new mothers should also make time for relaxation.
It is crucial for those dealing with emotional difficulties to be sociable and ask for support from trusted friends when necessary. If you feel ill after giving birth, you should also consult an obstetrician-gynaecologist immediately.
Let us help new mothers get over postpartum depression.
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
