Login / RegisterEat, Shop, Love for Moms coming to West 4th Avenue to help those with postpartum depression
Postpartum depression doesn’t generate a great deal of media attention, but it can have a devastating impact on families. According to the B.C. Reproductive Mental Health Program, about 80 percent of mothers experience the so-called “baby blues” three to five days after giving birth. This can involve rapid mood swings, feelings of helplessness, irritability, sleep problems, and crying for no apparent reason.
If this persists more than two weeks after giving birth, it could be a sign of postpartum depression, which can only be diagnosed by a doctor. Signs include feelings of being a terrible mother, frightening thoughts about harming oneself or the baby, irregular sleeping and eating, and withdrawal from family and friends. In extremely rare instances, a new mother may experience postpartum psychosis, which can include seeing or hearing things that are not there.
In advance of Mother’s Day, the Kitsilano 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association will hold a fundraising event called Eat, Shop, Love for Moms next Thursday (May 10). Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., more than 50 retailers and restaurants along West 4th Avenue between Fir and Balsam streets will donate part of their proceeds to the Pacific Post Partum Support Society.
BIA executive director Russ Davies told the Georgia Straight that the society approached his organization, whose members include several baby and children’s wear stores. “So it just made sense to partner,” he said. “But we’re also seeing fashion stores that really jumped to the opportunity. Of course, the restaurants have been terrific for us too. They’ve really embraced this project as well.”
The Pacific Post Partum Support Society’s telephone support line in the Lower Mainland is at 604-255-7999. Across the province, people can dial toll-free 1-855-255-7999. See the Eat Shop Love website to find out which businesses are participating.
Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight.
