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Mental Health in Pacific Mothers. Sara Weeks Lotofale Pacific Island Mental Health Service Auckland District Health Board. How big is the problem?. Suicide is the leading single cause of maternal death in NZ and several other Western countries
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Mental Health in Pacific Mothers Sara Weeks Lotofale Pacific Island Mental Health Service Auckland District Health Board
How big is the problem? • Suicide is the leading single cause of maternal death in NZ and several other Western countries • Rates of PND appear to be higher in Pacific women in NZ • Lasting effects on children
Post partum illness world wide • Described historically • Culture bound syndromes • Failelegau • Kita • Post partum psychosis – 0.5% • Post natal depression – 10-20% • Third day blues – 80%
Contributing factors • Sexual or reproductive trauma • Lack of social support • Family relationships • Traditional practices
Outcomes • Impact on mother • Suicide • Infanticide • Quality of life • Impact on children • Cognitive • Behavioural • Emotional • Impact on family
What can we do? • Awareness • destigmatisation • Screening? • EPDS • Medication • Support and psychoeducation • groups
Lotofale Samoan Mothers’ Group • Slow open group • Two facilitators – both grandmothers • Confidentiality • Education and destigmatisation • Emotional distress and coping strategies • Infant mental health • Looking after yourself