Forum: Steps taken to ensure post-partum care and support for mums

Recent discussions on maternal mental health and post-partum care have highlighted the importance of ensuring new mothers receive adequate support during this critical period.

The Association for Breastfeeding Advocacy, Singapore, extends its condolences to the family affected by the tragic case in December 2023 (Mother found dead with baby at HDB block likely had undiagnosed post-partum depression: Coroner, Feb 11).

We also appreciate the perspectives on post-partum care and support for mothers shared by Ms Jewel Yi (Baby-friendly hospitals are not always mother-friendly, Feb 14), and empathise with her experience.

This highlights the challenges that some mothers face and reinforces the importance of providing mothers with the support they need.  

To provide mothers with a strong post-partum support system, we take a whole-of-society approach to foster collaboration between hospitals, healthcare providers and the wider community. 

Under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative established by the World Health Organisation, these hospitals support mothers who choose to breastfeed throughout their journey.

If exclusive breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula is a viable alternative. In such instances, mothers and families are taught safe formula preparation and feeding practices before discharge.

The emphasis is on supporting them in making informed feeding choices. It is important to acknowledge that mothers should not need to feel guilty for choosing the most appropriate feeding option for their baby that best suits their circumstances.

We regularly train healthcare professionals, in both maternity hospitals and primary healthcare settings, to provide emotional and practical support to new mothers.

We will strengthen these education efforts to ensure consistency in delivering the right support.  

Family members can help by being aware of any post-partum challenges that mothers may face.

In these cases, it would be advisable for mothers to seek the support they need, and consult their family doctor, obstetrician and paediatrician.

We encourage mothers and families to reach out to hospitals providing maternity and lactation services, and support groups such as Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (breastfeeding.org.sg), or to use maternal wellness resources available on Parent Hub.

We remain committed to advocating a nurturing, inclusive and evidence-based approach to post-partum care that prioritises the well-being of both mother and baby. More information at abas.org.sg is available.

Chua Mei Chien (Dr)

President
Association for Breastfeeding Advocacy, Singapore

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