By Isiaq N. Oluwamayowa and Muyiwa Adekojede
In honour of World Maternal Mental Health Day on May 4th, the Rotaract Club of Medilag Golden, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Lagos and postpartum support, carried out a project on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Akerele Primary Health Care Center in Surulere.
The aim of the project was to educate and enlighten pregnant women and nursing mothers on how to deal with postpartum depression and also providing strategies and coping mechanisms.
The guest speaker, Mr. Deji Kuminiyi spoke extensively on the topic and reassured mothers that postpartum depression is not fatal and it is common amongst women. According to mdsmanual, 1 in 10 women experience postpartum depression after birth which can last for 6 months.
He also suggested some coping mechanisms that can help mothers with post-partum depression such as getting enough sleep, exercising for 20-30 minutes daily, speaking up to people they trust, asking for support whenever necessary, and bonding with their babies.
As a way of supporting the mothers, the Rotaract Club of Medilag Golden donated supplies like baby wipes, pegs, diapers, standing fans, and detergents.
Esther Kolade, president of The Rotaract Club of Medilag Golden, expressed gratitude to sponsors and club members for the opportunity given by Rotary International to change lives, educate people, and provide solutions to community needs at the event.
