Mental health intervention critical for expectant mothers
A 29-year-old woman of Samsam ward in Serowe has been arrested for concealment of birth.
Serowe Police Station Commander Poloko Oteng said the newly-born baby was found dumped in Sebinanyane ward in Serowe on September 10th 2023.
The baby girl was found by a passer-by who reported the incident. Fortunately, medical doctors confirmed the baby was alive when it arrived at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital.
The baby is still at the hospital for assessment, while the mother is in police custody to assist the police with investigations.
It is the third case of birth concealment recorded since the beginning of the year. One case was recorded last year.
The police boss encouraged women to seek help whenever they are troubled during pregnancy.
Meanwhile, founder of Post Natal Mental Health Society of Botswana, Portia Keatametse said Post Natal Depression Disorder is a common factor that contributes to women abandoning their new born babies.
Keatametse said women usually suffer the predicament when they are pregnant, which sometimes affects their mental being.
She urged pregnant women to seek therapy whenever they suspect depression. Keatametse said some mental health issues during pregnancy are not avoidable, but with assistance one can manage them.
Keatametse urged government to include mental health interventions during pregnancy under antenatal care. She said the norm is for pregnant women to only get physical check-ups, leaving their mental welfare unattended.
Serowe Police Station Commander Poloko Oteng said the newly-born baby was found dumped in Sebinanyane ward in Serowe on September 10th 2023.
The baby girl was found by a passer-by who reported the incident. Fortunately, medical doctors confirmed the baby was alive when it arrived at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital.
The baby is still at the hospital for assessment, while the mother is in police custody to assist the police with investigations.
It is the third case of birth concealment recorded since the beginning of the year. One case was recorded last year.
The police boss encouraged women to seek help whenever they are troubled during pregnancy.
Meanwhile, founder of Post Natal Mental Health Society of Botswana, Portia Keatametse said Post Natal Depression Disorder is a common factor that contributes to women abandoning their new born babies.
Keatametse said women usually suffer the predicament when they are pregnant, which sometimes affects their mental being.
She urged pregnant women to seek therapy whenever they suspect depression. Keatametse said some mental health issues during pregnancy are not avoidable, but with assistance one can manage them.
Keatametse urged government to include mental health interventions during pregnancy under antenatal care. She said the norm is for pregnant women to only get physical check-ups, leaving their mental welfare unattended.
