POST NATAL DEPRESSION SUPPORT
ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL REPORT
2014
FUNDING RECEIVED FROM THE NLDTF
THANK – YOU!
We start off with some wonderful news! The
National Lotteries Development Trust Fund has
come through for us once again and we have
received our much needed funding. The PNDSA can
operate for another year and we are so excited to get
going with some of the projects that have been
placed on hold due to financial constraints.
PNDSA HEAD OFFICE MOVES
Due to our constant battle with reliable
funding, we had to move out of our lovely
Claremont offices into an equally lovely space
in Bergvliet, Cape Town. We are getting very
good at limiting the clutter and moving
forward with the essentials - never a bad thing!
Our new address is
2 Hiddingh Road, Bergvliet, Cape Town, 7945
All other contact details remain as before.
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
Dr Bavanisha [Bavi] Vythilingum
PNDSA Chairperson
Bavanisha is a Psychiatrist in
private practice and an honorary
senior lecturer at UCT. She
previously held the position of
the head of the Woman’s Mental
Health Unit at UCT. Her clinical
research interests are in the field
of Women’s Mental Health. She
is a mom who also had PND.
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
Linda Lewis
Support Group Adviser
Linda holds a Masters degree in Research Psychology from
the University of Cape Town, specialising in postnatal
distress. For the past 15 years she has worked exclusively in
the area of perinatal wellness, facilitating support groups
and seeing women on an individual basis. More specifically,
her expertise lie in the area of emotional distress, both
during and after pregnancy, as well as managing fertility
difficulties, pregnancy loss or terminations. She has recently
written a book based on her Masters thesis called When
Your Blessings Don’t Count -A guide to recognising and
overcoming Postnatal Distress. In her book she shares her
own experience of PND as well as that of many other women
who have overcome PND. She is married, has two children
and lives in Cape Town.
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
Colleen has been with PNDSA
since its inception in 1997. She
currently manages the office. Is
married to Rob and has two boys,
Chris (19) and Stuart (12). She is a
keen runner.
Colleen Knutsen
Office Manager
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
Lynne Isaacs
Public Advisor
I am who I am today because of my post-natal
journey of self-discovery. I’m married with 2
sons, 15 and 11 and experienced PND after the
birth of my first child. Personal growth and
development is my passion so I freelance as a
workshop facilitator, specialising in adult
education and training. I work in both the
education and corporate environments. I
unwind and relax when I’m close to the sea and
when I cook. A good read helps me escape from
reality and all things mundane.
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
Delphine is a qualified CA(SA) and CFA and has over 16 years
financial services experience of which the past 13 have been gained
directly in the field of investment management. While her
professional interests lie squarely in investments, Delphine is also
actively involved in various industry development and mentorship
bodies but in particular is interested in promoting the greater
participation of women in financial services and especially in
investments. As a mother and wife and operating in a highly maledominated industry Delphine is especially concerned about
understanding the challenges and obstacles facing professional
women, especially full-time working mothers. Delphine has taken a
special interest in the long-term sustainability of PNDSA especially
from a financial standpoint and also through her business network,
in assisting to promote the awareness of both PND and PNDSA.
Delphine Govender
Financial Advisor
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
Qhama Cossie
Professional Representative
I work primarily as a Psychiatrist at Valkenberg
Hospital and have an interest in community
psychiatry and undergraduate training of
medical students. I’m married (to the most
wonderful wife in the world) and we have one
child. My interests are road running and
reading…. with an interest in African literature.
CURRENT 2013-2014 PNDSA BOARD
INTRODUCED
Alison Sampson
Professional Representative
KZN Representative
Alison Sampson is a Clinical Psychologist
working in private practice. She has a special
interest in supporting new Mothers in distress.
She is the mother of two adult sons. My
qualifications are Masters Degree in Clinical
Psychology (University of Natal, Durban
1984). Since 1986 registered with the Health
Professions Council-PS 0017639. Working in
Private Practice with a special interest in
Postnatal Depression.
PNDSA STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
Cape Town
“Farewell Alneré “
It is with a very heavy heart that we say “so long, farewell”
to our friend and colleague, Alneré Turck . Al has worked
with us as our PR and Marketing Manager for the last 6
years. Other work commitments have meant she has had to
leave us so she can pursue other avenues. We will miss your
exuberance and fighting spirit so much. Board meetings,
Baby Expo’s and office time will not be the same without
you!! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into the
PNDSA over the last few years. We are going to miss you so
very much!!
PNDSA STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
Gauteng
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Rica Gibson
Gauteng Representative
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Port Elizabeth
Lynette Dean is a Counselling Psychologist in Port Elizabeth.
She obtained her BA Degree through UNISA before going on to NMMU
(Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University), formerly UPE, to do her
Honours and Masters Degrees. She obtained both her Honours and Masters
Degrees, cum laude.
She specializes in women's wellness, which includes infertility therapy and
post partum depression. Her special interest in assisting couples who
struggle with fertility issues comes from her own struggle with infertility.
Lynette Dean
She is able to personally identify with the emotional turmoil the couple’s
Port Elizabeth Representative
experience. She is also interested in Surrogacy and Egg Donation.
In addition to working at various hospitals, assisting the Smile Foundation
and mothers who have premature babies, Lynette is also in a private
practice.
She is married and has an adult daughter who is a special needs teacher.
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Gauteng Committee
PNDSA Gauteng Committee Members, taken at our recent workshop.
From left to right; Mara Zanella, Ana Frawley, Rica Gibson, Kirsten Miller, Feroza Arbee, Carina
Marsay, Sally Baker and absent is Meryl da Costa
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Gauteng
Over the last 6 months the Gauteng committee has grown to include Dr Carina Marsay, a Psychiatrist
practicing at Sterkfotein Psychiatric Hospital and Meryl Da Costa a councillor from SADAG, who
assisted with PNDSA Gauteng some years back. They bring with them a passion and wealth of
experience that can only benefit the already committed and dedicated team. We have been involved in
the Baby City Baby Expo, where the committee members assisted in manning the stand and using their
skills in the area of PND. Some of our members have been involved in radio interviews coving the topics
of post natal depression and its effects.
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Gauteng
We held another workshop mid- September with 5 of our
committee members leading with talks on various topics
relating to PND. It was held in a rotation style, where the
delegates were divided into small moving from talk to talk,
allowing for intense and meaningful group discussions. The
talks ranged from recognising the signs, to screening moms
for PND, including how to manage PND from a professional
point of view to the various medications available to moms
while pregnant and breastfeeding, and Ana, our resident
midwife dealing with Bonding and Attachment. It was well
attended and the feedback was positive. AKESO has once
again been incredibly supportive in giving us the use of their
venue for free and discounted catering. We are extremely
grateful for their partnership.
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Gauteng
October sees Dr Feroza Arbee representing PNDSA on Great Expectations on 28th October.
Also in October Kirsten Miller will be sharing her personal journey at the Donald Gordon
Community Awareness Talk on PND and at the end of October at the next Baby City Baby
Expo we have been approached to speak at their Expert Lounge.
We meet again in the next couple of weeks to plan ahead for 2015 and to see where PNDSA
Gauteng can get involved and make a difference in the lives of women dealing with PND.
Our other aim is in making healthcare professionals aware of PND and how to support and
assist Moms suffering with it.
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
KZN
Our core PNDSA group has continued this year to work with vulnerable Mothers, who are
identified in Lindsey Watkey's Clinic and then benefit from psychological assessment,
therapy and where necessary, psychiatric intervention. Some problems have been
experienced with Mothers from Townships who struggle with transport-and may not follow
through. We have seen an increase in angry Mothers, who are not coping with the demands
of baby care and are irritable and act out towards their children. This aspect encourages us
to strive to support them and develop their parenting skills(many woman did not receive
good parenting themselves-)
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
KZN
Our professional group congratulates Hayley Asbury on the birth of
her long awaited daughter! We visited the family at home and all are thriving.
As a group we have had the challenge of non-attendance at meetings and we are now
focusing on a project based development .We are delighted to have been allocated funding
towards an outreach into the areas around Pinetown. This project will be based at The
Crompton Hospital Well Baby Clinic and be organised with backup from the PNDSA team
in Cape Town. We will be relying on support on finances and your experience. I remember
Linda's words at the last Board meeting."Just get in there and start something!' This new
direction will involve Lindsy Watkeys, Bonny Chamu and Alison Sampson. We continue to
affirm our goals that awareness of PND through education, reduces distress in suffering
Mothers and gets them the support that they really need.
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Cape Town
Support Groups
Linda continues to run psychotherapy groups for mothers of young children who are
wanting to experience a safe space where they can negotiate both the shadow and the light
side of motherhood. Women need to commit to at least ten sessions which, most of the
time, becomes far longer. Some women have been part of the groups for up to seven years not because they are still depressed, but because the group provides an opportunity to take
a deep breath and process their lives with an anchor of support from all the other group
members. At present Linda is running 2 groups from her home.
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Cape Town
Adjusting to Motherhood Project
Khayelitsha
Linda Lewis and her domestic worker, Gloria Mbovu
have started a support group in the Khayalitsha
area. The first group ran on Sat the 26th April. About
20 ladies gathered together and chatted about the up's
and downs of motherhood and the challenges of
raising children.
It was a really uplifting and positive experience.
A core group of mothers are providing a solid base to
which others can join.
PNDSA BRANCH NEWS
Cape Town
One of the first topics discussed was "What is a
"perfect mother" " which was very emotional for some
in terms of what they hadn't received from their own
mothers but how they can change that for their own
children now.
The group meets on a monthly basis. The next group
will be meeting in the New Year at the Hempe Street
Creche / Day Care, 36/64 Hempe Street, Makhaza from
10am -11h30am.
ADJUSTING TO MOTHERHOOD KHAYELITSHA
GROUP
NATIONAL NEWS
BABY EXPO’S
Staff from Head Office in Cape Town and our
incredible new Gauteng Branch joined forces to
represent the PNDSA at the Mama Magic Baby
Expo in Gauteng in May this year.
The Expo ran over four days and we distributed
over 2 500 pamphlets. At the beginning of
August we were given the opportunity to
exhibit at the Cape Town Baba Indaba.
Mamma Magic Coca Cola Dome
September 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
BABY EXPO’S
These expos give us a wonderful opportunity to speak to moms-to-be and new
moms about PND and also make some valuable professional connections. The
networking between ourselves and other organisations and businesses is always
worth while. Opportunities such as increases in helpline calls, providing
pamphlets for hospitals, baby groups and clinics to speaking opportunities and
media exposure. We would like to thank both the organisers of Mama Magic
and Baba Indaba for their generous support of the PNDSA and for assisting us in
getting our message out there!
Expo Bear....the most travelled bear in South Africa
NATIONAL NEWS
BABY EXPOS 2013 - 2014
Mamma Magic Coca Cola Dome
September 2013
Mamma Magic DICC Durban
August 2013
Baba Indaba Sandton
October 2013
Parent Expo – Crawford
June 2013
Soweto Baba Indaba
August 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
Alneré Turck presented a PND talk at the Mom's Circle Group at Cape Town
Medi-Clinic. The young mom's braved some cold and wet Cape Town weather
and we spent a lovely morning together chatting about motherhood and all the
adjustments that come with it.
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
Sally Baker from our Gauteng Branch did a radio interview on Talk 702 about
PND and did a fantastic job dispelling the myths around PND and explaining
the various symptoms and treatment options.
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
Our very own support group leader and Board Member, Linda Lewis, featured in
an article entitled "Bundle of joy can mean a world of woe for new moms" in the
Sunday Times in July. The Times ran a special feature on SA's Mental Health
Crisis and we were fortunate to be able to shed some light on PND and how
moms can receive help.
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
In March this year, our PNDSA Chairperson Dr Bavi Vythilingum did an
interview for Parent 24 with Ntombi Mlangeni.
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
This was followed by another interview between Jennifer Sanasie and Linda
Lewis in June for News 24. Both interviews were filled with information on PND
from both a personal and professional prospective. These interviews can all be
viewed on You Tube. These are valuable tools which can be used in any group
for educational purposes. We will be putting all the links on our website under
the "Media" tab.
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
Interview between Jennifer Sanasie and Linda Lewis in June for News 24.
NATIONAL NEWS
TALKS AND MEDIA
GSH WORKSHOP JUNE 2014
Written by : Lynette Dean, PNDSA Port Elizabeth
“I was fortunate enough to be invited by
Headoffice of PNDSA to present a workshop in
Cape Town in June. The workshop was based on a
group we launched in Port Elizabeth, at St.
George's hospital, sometime ago.”
GSH WORKSHOP JUNE 2014
“The group is called "Friend for Life" and is made up of a group of mothers who
have had children born with special needs, including hearing difficulties, Down
Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and also moms that have had infant loss, shortly after
birth. These mothers are then trained by me in basic counselling skills. These
mothers are then called on to be "buddy" moms for new mothers who give birth
to babies with similar conditions to their own, to offer emotional and practical
support. The course was run over 3 mornings, totalling 12 hours, with an
evaluation at the end.”
GSH WORKSHOP JUNE 2014
“I presented the workshop at Groote Schuur Hospital. We had about 20 GSH
Staff members attending from various departments including Neonatal ICU
Staff, Social Workers, Psychologists and Occupational Therapists.”
The topics covered in the workshop were:
• Program introduction: how the group began
• The course outline
• Topics in the course included:
1. Understanding crises and reactions of families
2. Person-centred approach to counselling
3. Listening skills
4. Communication skills
5. Assertiveness
6. What to say, or not to say
7. Coping with siblings of special needs children
8. Reactions to the public
9. Stress Management, and relaxation: "Caring for the Carers"
Lynette meeting the PNDSA Board
It was lovely meeting up with the Cape Town PNDSA Head Office Staff and Board Members again.
NATIONAL NEWS
SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social Media has definitely changed the face of the world
we now live in. We have noticed a substantial drop off in
the number of calls we receive on our helpline and an
increase in the number of people visiting our website.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The EPDS Test which you can do on our website free of charge, has
proven to be an incredibly useful tool. We are receiving upwards of
5-10 scores on average per day. We now have a follow up email system
in place. On completion of the test, the mom receives an immediate
score and depending on the severity of the scoring, receives an email
with steps she should take.
Follow up mails are then sent out at regular intervals enquiring as to
their progress and whether they sought help or are still needing help.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our website receives between 800 and 1000 hits per month. We think
the anonymity of the website is easier for moms to deal with and are
finding the information they need there.
Researchers rank best online advice for postnatal depression
Researchers at the University of Sussex have identified the top five internet sites offering support for women struggling with
postnatal mental illness such as depression or anxiety.
Around 10-15 per cent of new mothers are diagnosed with postnatal mental illnesses, while around one in four women may have
significant post-birth distress without meeting the criteria for a disorder. Many women turn to the internet to seek advice and
reassurance over these conditions.
Health psychologists Donna Moore and Dr Susan Ayers sorted through thousands of web sites and whittled down their selection to
the top five sites for new mothers seeking information about postnatal depression and anxiety and the top five for healthcare
professionals looking for ways to support patients.
For mums they are:
www.panda.org.au
www.hapis.org.uk
www.postpartumhealthalliance.org
www.postpartum.net
www.pndsa.co.za
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Face Book Support Group is growing in leaps and bounds and
has finally started bearing fruit. We are nearing 800 Group Members
now with moms from as far afield as New Zealand, Ireland, Malaysia,
Kenya and many from the UK and Australia. Fear not, we have many
SA moms too who have been wonderful at supporting and offering
advice. It still amazes me that it is sometimes still so difficult
receiving help and support for PND even in very westernised wealthy
countries! For the first few months things were very slow in the
group but right now, it is difficult to keep up with all the posts! The
support and connectivity has been incredible! In this respect, Face
Book has been a marvellous tool connecting moms from all walks of
life and making it possible to feel like part of a greater global family
with one goal.......recovery.
SOCIAL MEDIA
“Doing a bit of research.....please let us know where you are from. Thanks! The
PNDSA Team.”
Birmingham, England
Farnborough, England
Melbourne, Australia
Singapore
Wirral, Merseyside, England
Joburg, SA
Ormskirk, England
London, England
Adelaide, Australia
Original from São Paulo, Brazil but settled in London
Pretoria, South Africa
Windhoek, Namibia
SOCIAL MEDIA
“Hi moms. Many of you have posted messages saying how much you appreciate this group.We would like to
share some of those messages at our up coming AGM. Due to confidentiality, we will not use your previous
messages but if you are happy for us to go ahead and use a message of thanks, please post a message below. No
names will be used, just the comments.”
“Without this group, I
“With the help and “Such a group didn't exist when I had my crash (2007). I
may not have found the support of this group, I suffered from severe PND and had only one person to
strength and
had finally worked up the talk to, who also had severe PND. My battle was an
encouragement to get courage to see my doctor incredibly lonely one. I really believe that the stigma of
through those dark days. and ask for help. Without PND can be blown out of the water if we all stand
A caring and selfless this group I would have no together. The work that this organisation does is
group of ladies willing to one to talk to because no invaluable: it can save families and lives. This Facebook
support and encourage one seems to understand. group would have given me such comfort in my darkest
you through your darkest Without this group, I hours. Thank you for giving of your time to manage it
of moments. Thank you would not have made the and for all at PNDSA for giving moms suffering from
for having a safe place for beautiful Friendships I this horrendous illness hope through realising that this
us to share x”
is a REAL condition.”
have !”
PNDSA
LOOKING AHEAD
CAPE TOWN COMMITTEE
CHIC MAMMAS / CHIC BABBAS
WARD WARRIORS
WOOLWORTHS MY SCHOOL CARD