Jul
18
2018

Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018

As someone who suffered from postpartum depression after delivering my first born, I am glad that efforts are being taken to address this issue to new moms. Today, I attended Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018 where not only we discussed Infant Health, we also talked about postpartum depression as well. What was once considered a taboo subject was discussed openly in a very relax manner.

You can read about me overcoming my postpartum depression in this post I wrote back in 2012 → Am I Ready To Be A Mother

Tollyjoy Baby Day was first launched in the year 2015 in Malaysia to celebrate the babies we love. This was a joined partnership with OrphanCARE Foundation.

For many couples, lives get more exciting and emotional the moment they know they will be welcoming a newborn baby. But once the baby is born, a jumble of powerful emotions can overwhelm the parents. A moment of tremendous joy can turn to fear and anxiety. For some mothers, this wonderful experience may be eclipsed by frequent mood swings, unidentifiable sadness/crying spells or persistent anxiety following the birth of her child.

Clinically known as postpartum depression, the condition manifests in a range of symptoms which can impact the well-being of both mother and child.

Recognising the urgent need for increased awareness on maternal and infant mental health, Tollyjoy Corporation have partnered with OrphanCARE Foundation to host this practical session for parents in conjunction with Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018.

Launched as a signature initiative with OrphanCARE Foundation in June 2015, Tollyjoy Baby Day is specially dedicated to appreciate babies and acknowledge the significant journey that parents go through in caring and providing for their children. It is also a day to celebrate the importance of family love and care for every child, including the less fortunate.

The event got into a great start with this ice breaker activity of sketching a baby. We were given a paper plate to be placed on our heads and we need to try to draw a baby as best as possible. It was hilarious and good fun trying to draw a baby without being able to see it.

My attempt at sketching a baby won me a prize! I won a Tollyjoy hamper :-P

“Since 1971, Tollyjoy has supported mothers and the little ones in their beautiful journey together. Tollyjoy Baby Day is a demonstration of this, as we reiterate our commitment to provide only the best to address the needs of both parents and babies.

For Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018, we shine the spotlight on the importance of ensuring good mental health for mothers and their infants. As parents ourselves, we understand the struggles some mums may be going through and the extra support they need, particularly if they are dealing with postpartum depression. By helping mums cope, we also help provide a more stable, happier environment where baby can thrive and flourish,” said Ms Grace Ng, Manager of Tollyjoy Corporation

Ms Jessie Foo, Clinical Psychologist at KIN & KIDS gave an eye-opening discussion on managing postpartum depression and the importance of infant mental health.

Postpartum depression is a condition linked to the chemical, social and psychological changes of having a baby. Whilst its exact cause(s) remains unknown, the condition can manifest in a range of symptoms:
Trouble connecting with your new baby
• Anxious and worry
• Panic attacks
• Feeling incapable
• Feeling guilty
• Feeling violent or aggresive
• Suicidal thoughts

If postpartum depression goes undetected or untreated, it could lead to postpartum psychosis where an effected person starts hearing voices or become delusional. There is even risk of the mother harming her child or herself.

Postpartum depression doesn’t necessarily begin right after birth or even with the first child. Symptoms can gradually develop within the first year, or after having the second or third child. It’s also a difficult condition to recognise, as some mothers are able to do the things needed to care for their baby but still suffer from postpartum depression. Furthermore, it carries with it certain stigmas and so, many mothers choose not to seek proper treatment for fear of being judged. This can lead to a prolonged and/or worsening condition which can affect the relationship between a mother and infant as well as with the rest of the family,” shared Ms Jessie Foo.

Foo added that more severe forms of postpartum depression may also impair the mother’s ability to function properly, leading to neglect and triggering stress in infant. This leaves the baby with an inadequate feeling, causes prolonged crying and results in limited physical contact between mother and child.

“Stress in infancy and early childhood can have a long-term impact on the child’s development into adulthood. Many studies show the strong correlation between a loving mother-infant bond and a child’s healthy emotional, social and cognitive providing a safe, stable and loving environment from infancy will go a long way in shaping a child’s future and pave the way for success later in life” concluded Foo.

Commenting on the event, Ms Shereen, Trustee of OrphanCARE Foundation said, “OrphanCARE is pleased to once more be part of the Tollyjoy Baby Day as it is aligned to what we stand for – to celebrate babies in all possible ways and to support a parent’s journey. This year’s event is very significant as we raise awareness on the importance of mental health for babies and mothers. The prevention of mental health must start from young. It is important for parents to interact with their babies and ensure that their environment is always cheerful. In addition, mothers suffering from postpartum depression must be given the support and encouragement to manage it well.”

A fun game of Make Your Baby Smile saw mothers with their adorable babies smiling away happily :-)

Tollyjoy Baby Day 2018 concluded with a sharing session where parents, guests and members of the media learnt more about how to help mothers cope with the condition while caring for their precious ones.

The VIPs of today – Babies, toddlers and the children of tomorrow.

We mingled and share our stories with our new found friends over lunch before calling it a day.

About the Author: Merryn Tan

9 Comments + Add Comment

  • //

    Great event. This is such a good support group for those depressing mums.

    • //

      Yes it really is. As someone who suffered from postpartum depression once, I know how difficult it is to get through these dark period if we are alone, without support.

  • //

    That is why kacang ma is good for ladies in confinement. Those motherwort leaves are an anti-depressant. I see many little girls at the event – where’s yours? LOL!!!

    • //

      Oh, I learn a new thing today that kacang ma is anti-depression. Too bad it is not easily available here. I had lots of black vinegar pork knuckle and ginger chicken during my confinement but I suffered from postpartum depression after my confinement, second month onwards…

  • //

    It’s a positive step forward to be more open in discussing mental health issues. Actually, opening discussion on all subjects that are usually taboo is a positive step. We can’t possibly hope to understand issues if we never bring them out into the open.

    • //

      Totally agree. We need more open discussion on ‘taboo’ subjects to help people cope. Parenting especially. A baby is never born with an instruction manual hence it is tricky to understand and get them functioning correctly esp if we are a first time parent.

  • //

    In this increasingly stressful world, parents regardless of mum and dad need more support. Ha :D

    • //

      Haha. Correct. Dads go through postpartum depression too and it is more difficult for them to seek help as they don’t want to appear weak :(

  • //

    A meaningful event to support new mothers. Hopefully it will reach more new mothers especially those without family support to let them know that they have the community support.

Leave a comment

Join ME for updates & giveaways!

About Me

MeHome is where MY heart is.
I am a mother to two boys; Ethan and Ayden and a wife to Darling William. I'm a stay at home mum who blogs to break the monotony of life and to avoid feeling jaded. Would love to get to know all the Super Mommies and Daddies and Babies or Singles out there with the hope that we can learn more from each other. Most of all, I am a happy person, and I hope YOU are too.

Click here to learn more about me ^_^

My Latest Video

Watch my videos      

Easy Tong Sui Recipes

Resipi Kuih Muih Tradisional

Our Hotel Reviews Collection

SUBMERRYN ON BERNAMA TV

SUBMERRYN ON TV3, MHI

Ayden and Mummy demo making CNY snacks

SUBMERRYN ON MHI

Submerryn and Mummy doing LIVE Peranakan Cooking Demo

Submerryn NTV7 Breakfast Show

Submerryn talks about coping with physical changes during pregnancy

Submerryn ON TV3, MHI

CNY Ang Pow lantern making demo and playing with snakes

Submerryn ON TV2 Hello On Two

CNY Ang Pow lantern making demo

Submerryn On TV3 KidsNews

Crafting with Ethan on KidsNews

Submerryn On Bernama Radio24

Submerryn In The Star Metro

Submerryn In The Star, In.Tech

Moms who’ve banked on their hobbies and build successful businesses

Submerryn In The Star, Metro

Tossing Lou Sang

Submerryn In Sin Chew

Family holiday trip

Thailand: Impiana Kata Noi

Thailand: Impiana Patong

Thailand: Novotel Hua Hin Cha-Am

Thailand: Swissotel Kamala

Thailand: Novotel Sukhumvit

Thailand: Novotel Ploenchit

Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit

Thailand: Novotel Karon

Thailand: Novotel Surin

Thailand: Holiday Inn Mai Khao

Holiday Inn Resort Mai Khao and Activities for the Family

Thailand: Vana Nava Water Jungle

Thailand: Plearnwan Hua Hin

Thailand: Santorini Park Cha-am

Thailand: Asiatique Sky Bangkok

Indonesia: Holiday Inn Bali

Holiday Inn Resort Bali and Activities for the Kids

S’pore: Shangri-La Singapore

S’pore: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa

S’pore Skyline Luge Sentosa

S’pore Universal Studio

Universal Studio Singapore

S’pore River Cruise

Singapore River Cruise

S’pore S.E.A Aquarium

S.E.A Aquarium, Sentosa, Singapore

S’pore Hotel Jen Tanglin

Klang Valley: Impiana KLCC

Port Dickson: Lexis Hibiscus

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson and Activities for the Family

Port Dickson: Thistle

Thistle Port Dickson

Penang: Golden Sands Resort

Golden Sands Resort, Penang

Penang: Holiday Inn Resort

Holiday Inn Resort Penang and Activities for the Kids

Penang: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Batu Feringghi Beach, Penang

Pahang: Swiss-Garden Kuantan

Pahang: Bukit Gambang Safari Park

Bukit Gambang Resort City

Melaka: Holiday Inn

Melaka: Hotel Equatorial

Equatorial Hotel Melaka

Melaka: Estadia by Hatten

Estadia by Hatten

Melaka: Novotel

Novotel Melaka

Melaka: Philea Resort & Spa

Johor: Pulai Springs Resort

Pulai Springs Resort, Johor Bahru

Johor: The Crystal Crown Arch

Johor: Dinosaur Alive Water Park

Johor: Legoland

Legoland, Johor

Johor: Hello Kitty

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Nusajaya Johor

Perak: The Haven Resort Hotel, Ipoh

Perak: Lost World of Tambun

Perak: Swiss-Garden Beach Resort

T’ganu: Resorts World Kijal

Archives