Just a few minutes after giving birth in a restaurant, a 21-year-old mom allegedly stabbed her own newborn to death. The suspected Indonesian mother killed her defenceless baby after she cut her umbilical cord with the same knife.
Postpartum Depression Murders: How Common Is It?
Suspected Indonesia mother killed her baby with the same knife used to cut her umbilical cord
The mom was bleeding in a restaurant kitchen when a witness found her. Reports say she was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital.
Upon investigation, authorities found the dead newborn in a trash bin, stuffed inside a bag.
A day later, the Indonesian mother, who works as a domestic worker, was placed under arrest while at the hospital.
Authorities plan to conduct a DNA test to confirm if the suspect is indeed the newborn’s mom.
There is presently no explanation as to why the suspected Indonesian mother killed her own child
There have so far been no updates as to what the suspected mom’s motives were. However, it is possible that she was suffering from a mental health condition like postnatal depression.
Suspected Indonesian mother killed her own baby. Why would a mum do such a thing? Image source: Pexels
What loved ones should look out for when it comes to postnatal depression
First off, it helps to distinguish postpartum blues from full-blown depression. The former lasts anywhere from a few days to a week. The latter lasts longer and interferes with a mom’s ability to care for her baby and herself.
Here are signs husbands, friends and close family should watch out for in a new mom:
- Depressed mood
- Extreme mood swings
- Constant crying
- Struggles with bonding with the baby
- Change in appetite or eating habits (eating too much or too little)
- Change in sleeping habits (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Lack of interest and reduced enjoyment in activities she used to love
- Distancing herself from family and friends
- Extreme fatigue or loss of energy
- Irrational fears of failing as a mom
- Feeling worthless or inadequate
- Inability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions
- Irritability
- Easily angered
- Extreme anxiety and sudden panic attacks
- Having disturbing thoughts of harming herself or the baby
- Persistent thoughts of suicide or death
Research has shown that if a mom receives constant support from a loving partner, then they’re more likely to overcome postpartum depression.
For hubbies, even the simplest things can greatly help them get past this dark time.
Here are some suggestions from Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW, the Founder and Executive Director of The Postpartum Stress Center.
1. Know the right words to say
Don’t tell her how she should feel or that she will “get over all this.” Instead, acknowledge her feelings are real and valid. Tell her you love her, that everything will be fine even if it feels like it won’t. Encourage her to take the steps she needs to get better. Reassure her that you will be there every step of the way. It’s okay to make mistakes.
2. Know when to keep silent
Don’t force her to talk when she isn’t ready. Sometimes simply sitting together in silence without judgment, without TV or conversation can mean the world to her.
3. Offer to do practical things
Shield her from having to socialize. Help out with household chores. Order (or cook) her favourite food. These simple things can help relieve her of the pressure of having to resume routine when she still needs time to recuperate.
Be patient and loving. It may not be an easy journey, but work together to get past it for the love of your children, who are counting on both of you to give them the best care.
Sources: Channel News Asia, Mayo Clinic, Psychology Today
Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore