Important for relatives to recognise signs of postpartum depression, says Nancy Shukri

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri speaking to reporters in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: Family members must be aware of postpartum depression in mothers who have recently given birth, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said sudden changes in behaviour or speech could be an indicator that a mother was suffering postpartum depression.

"We cannot take this lightly. The husband especially must be aware of the situation because we don't want it to affect other family members," she told reporters after handing over childcare fee subsidies and launching a child safety campaign here on Monday (March 18).

Nancy was responding to the case of a mother arrested in Johor on Saturday (March 16) for allegedly killing her one-year-old son by slitting his throat at their home in Pasir Gudang.

ALSO READ: Johor cops arrest mother for allegedly murdering her one-year-old son (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/17/johor-cops-arrest-mother-for-allegedly-murdering-her-one-year-old-son)

The suspect, 32, has been remanded until March 23 to assist with the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

Nancy said postpartum depression was not new but could be worrying if left untreated.

"The degree of depression may differ from one person to another. Medication can mitigate the problem, but we still have to be very careful.

"This person cannot be left alone most of the time. It's important for family members to be with the mother," she said.

Nancy also said her ministry would consider carrying out a campaign to raise awareness on postpartum depression.

"We'll see what kind of reminders we can do," she said, adding that private initiatives were also welcome.