Ikosa guides mothers navigating baby blues

Morna Ikosa’s book, ‘Unmasking Post Natal Depression’, is a valuable resource for mothers and their extended families during a period saturated with the awe of new life, but also fraught with pervasive anxiety.

The author shares her personal experience of postnatal depression, a medical condition caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, making a new mother feel unsettled and even troubled after her baby’s birth.

The condition can cause some mothers to struggle with negative thoughts or experience difficulty dealing with the responsibility of caring for a newborn, often while balancing demanding careers, maintaining marriages and raising older children.

While the exact cause of postpartum depression isn’t fully understood, experts believe hormonal changes after childbirth, sleep deprivation, difficult pregnancies or birth experiences, a history of mental health issues, or a lack of social support may contribute to the condition.

Ikosa’s book is thus a valuable guide to help affected women and their families by providing practical ways to better understand this challenging period.

She details the insomnia that descended after the birth of each of her three children, as well as the restlessness, fear and paranoia that gradually began to degrade her mental health.

She shares how she turned to her faith to guide her through, as well as her family, and books like ‘Mind Over Mother’ by Anna Mathur, alongside other research.

In ‘Unmasking Post Natal Depression’ Ikosa talks to experts, including a nutritionist, psychologist, psychiatrist, lactation practitioner and midwife, who offer their insights to help guide women as they navigate what is essentially a major life change.

She also explores the role of medications like antidepressants in treating brain chemistry changes, as well as alternative treatments which can greatly help manage the condition.

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

“This book seeks to empower people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and fear, with tools that will show them there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Ikosa says in the preface of the book.

“It explores the link between spirituality and science and how it relates to the mind. I hope it resonates with readers who see a reflection of their struggles, or who recognise the signs of someone in need of support.”

The author shares biblical insights and other Christian resources, as well as interviews with those who have experienced the condition – lifting the shroud of shame and secrecy so often associated with mental health challenges, particularly those experienced by mothers.

Ikosa’s book also includes the perspectives of husbands, often the silent, stoic witnesses to their wives’ struggles, who equally suffer without the support and skills to share their own vulnerabilities.

She details the feelings of inadequacy, powerlessness and stress men may experience during the postnatal period, emphasising that when partners and husbands are in a healthy mental space they are better able to support and protect their families.

This is particularly pertinent as modern fathers are increasingly more practically involved in the daily routines of raising children and maintaining the home than traditional fathers in the past.

In addition to detailing Ikosa’s experiences and the ways she coped, the book starts a much-needed conversation about the various manifestations of postnatal depression. It encourages women to share their personal challenges and empowers society to better support mothers.

‘Unmasking Post Natal Depression’ further provides insightful prompts and space for women to reflect at the end of each chapter.

DEBUNKING THE ‘STRONG BLACK WOMAN’ NARRATIVE

Ikosa also delves into the pressures and unrealistic expectations placed on the modern African woman.

“In many African cultures, depression and other mental health issues are not openly addressed. The narrative of the ‘strong black woman’ has prevented many from fully expressing their emotions, being met instead with phrases like ‘suck it up’… or ‘your foremothers did it, so can you. Stop complaining, you are spoiled’, among others,” she writes.

“This issue is further compounded by the failure to acknowledge the rich diversity within African cultures and the varying degrees to which these issues are recognised and addressed.”

Ikosa believes there is a pressing need for the dialogue around mental health to become more inclusive and supportive, especially recognising the unique pressures and challenges faced by new mothers across different African societies.

Bringing the focus back to basic wellness principles, ‘Unmasking Post Natal Depression’ advocates using nutrition and exercise to achieve well-being, as well as investing in a solid spiritual foundation, and seeking the support of family and loved ones.

Ultimately, the book is an edifying resource, not just for women, but for all members of the family and extended society.

Through Ikosa’s account, they can better empathise with what mothers go through and what it takes to get back to a place of health and wellness to embrace the beauty of bringing a new life into the world.

‘Unmasking Post Natal Depression’ will be launched at 17h30 on 9 August at the Garden Inn Hotel in Windhoek.

Entry to the event alongside a book is N$650. For more information, email micommunicationscc@gmail.com or contact 085 555 5139.

Ikosa is an accredited chartered public relations practitioner, boasting nearly two decades of experience in brand management, strategic communications, digital marketing, public relations, stakeholder engagement, and reputation and issues management at both executive and middle management level.

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