Agbatutu Emphasizes Need for Support Groups to help First-time Mothers Cope with Postpartum Depression

By Ode Williams

The Rotary Club of Sapele Urban in District 9141 has identified the need to sensitise the general public and curb the rise of postpartum depression among mothers.

The Rotary Club of Sapele Urban, during her weekly fellowship presided over by the President, Rtn Adanma Anthionia Eguvwebere, held on the 21st of July 2023 at Richards continental Hotel Ireto, featured an enlightening talk on Postpartum Depression given by the Club Facilitator, an astute health practitioner,

Dr Eseoghene Agbatutu who addresses Rotary’s theme for July, Maternal and Child Health, and Mental Health which the Rotary International President, Gordon Mclnally has listed as one of Rotary’s priorities for the year.

The speaker expressed, postpartum depression as a depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood and fatigue. She identifies three stages of postpartum depression as Postpartum Blues, Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis, with varying degrees of seriousness ranging from mild to severe. Postpartum depression negatively impacts the mental health of the mother, child and family members—treatment range from anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs, psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and support group participation.

Eseoghene reiterated, the need for a support group system to be provided, especially for first-time mothers. She further urged the Chair, Women in Rotary for the District (9141), Rtn Judith Nwachukwu, who was present at the fellowship to use her position to mobilise the women for this purpose.

Amongst other who also in attendance are Assistant Governors from Zone 8 and 10, Rtn Happy Tosan Mene and Rtn Julius Eguvwebere, President Daniel Aghwana from RC Sapele Gateway, President McDonald Atake from RC Sapele City Centre, club members, visiting Rotarians, Rotaractors and invited guests.

The high points session ended with a sumptuous meal financed by the club’s Project Chair, Rtn Festus Oseni. Rotarians all over the globe have been charged to create hope in the world this Rotary Year.