Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Namibian police in Omusati Region is still looking for the woman who allegedly murdered and dumped her new born baby boy last Saturday.
The body was discovered by a woman who was collecting empty disposed tins around the Ogongo settlement.
“We have not been able to arrest the suspect yet and no one from the community has come forth with any information regarding the incident. The suspect is still on the run, ”Basson said.
Postpartum psychosis
Registered Psychological Counsellor Diemut Amushila said women who suffer from postpartum depression usually have thoughts of self-harm or harming their newborn.
“The lady could be suffering from a rare mental condition known as Postpartum psychosis (PPP). It is classified by two main symptoms, hallucinations and delusions whereby a person’s sense of reality and how they understand the world around them is distorted . Other common symptoms are, one experiences rapid fluctuating moods, depersonalization, thoughts of self-harm or harming their newborn, “ said Amushila.
Amushila added that experts estimate Postpartum psychosis to affect one in 500 mothers after giving birth.
“It can happen to anyone who gives birth, but the odds of having it are higher for people with certain mental health conditions such as bipolar 1 disorder, schizophrenia and pepression,”Amushila said.
Furthermore she said PPP disrupts one’s ability to tell what’s real and what isn’t, causing irrational judgment and these disruptions can be so severe that they can cause serious damage to self or individual.
“The severity of this condition may be frightening or worrying however if you have a loved one experiencing this it’s important to act fast in getting them medical attention to prevent self harm or infanticide. Sadly most people aren’t aware that they have a medical issue. However,the good thing is that PPP is temporary and treatable with professional help, but it is an emergency and it is essential that one receive immediate help,”’she added.
Veronica Theron, who is attached to the office of First Lady Monica Geingos, said lack of sexual education and knowledge could be some of the reason that cause baby dumping
“Reasons for baby dumping range from abject poverty, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy due to a lack of sexual education and knowledge, lack of psychological and psychosocial support from the family members and father. Factors such as the misuse of alcohol and drugs, lead to risky sexual behaviour,” said Theron.
Moreover she added that making provision in the law for legal abortions and raising awareness on sexual reproductive health and rights would assist in combating baby dumbing and abortions.
“Educate the public, adolescents and youth on alternatives such as adoption, foster care, kinship care, institutional care and awareness raising on when and where to report rape and incest, and provisions in law for legal abortions,” added Theron.
