grieving husband's letter to mums battling postnatal depression in memory of wife
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One in ten women will be affected by postnatal depression within a year of giving birth.
That's a lot of women who, in that vulnerable and exhausting period after childbirth , will struggle with crushing lows and feelings of not being "worthy."
It's a number which new dad Kim Chen, from British Columbia, has tragic firsthand experience of.
It's been two months since police detectives knocked on Kim's door to give him the devastating news he'd been dreading.
His wife's body had been found in a nearby river, weeks after she disappeared shortly after giving birth to their son.
Florence was believed to be suffering from postnatal depression when she went missing, and was said to be seeking treatment at the time of her death.
(Image: Facebook)
Now, two months after the shattering news, Kim has penned a moving message to other mums who might be battling postpartum depression.
"It felt like half a year had passed since that day, but in fact it had only been two months.
"You are NOT a bad mother."
"For all the new moms experiencing low mood or anxiety, please seek help and talk about your feelings. You are NOT alone.
Kim also touched on struggling to breastfeed, which seems to have had an impact on his wife.
"Do not EVER feel bad or guilty about not being able to 'exclusively breastfeed', even though you may feel the pressure to do so based on posters in maternity wards, brochures in prenatal classes, and teachings at breastfeeding classes.
(Image: Facebook)
"Apparently the hospitals are designated 'baby-friendly' only if they promote exclusive-breastfeeding.
"I still remember reading a handout upon Flo's discharge from hospital with the line 'Breast Milk Should Be the Exclusive Food For the Baby for the First Six Months'.
"I also remember posters on the maternity unit 'Breast is Best'.
"While agreeing to the benefits of breast milk, there NEED to be an understanding that it is OK to supplement with formula, and that formula is a completely viable option. "
His words struck a chord with other mums.
"You feel less a mom when you try and try your best to breastfeed and it becomes so much of an issue that the guilt is debilitating when you wish to do it exclusively," one admitted.
(Image: Moment Open)
"I had my first child in 1958 and I just could not breast feed," another mum revealed.
"After days being at home my husband said, 'please give up that idea and get some formula for the baby', and so I did and have never regretted it."
If you or someone you could be struggling with postnatal depression, please do seek help.
You can talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor. Additionally, PANDAS can help.
Their helpline is 0843 28 48 401 and is open from 8am - 7pm, seven days a week.