Expectant Mothers Urged to Prioritise Mental Health in Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa

Expectant mothers are being encouraged to prioritise their mental health during and after pregnancy, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

This urging came from Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, who addressed mothers at the Grange Hill Health Centre in Westmoreland on Monday (November 24).

She emphasised that pregnancy and the post-partum period place mothers in “a vulnerable stage”, warning that unmanaged stress can negatively impact both mother and child.

“Whatever happens to you also will transfer to the baby. So if you are overly stressed and worried, it will affect the baby. When you’re feeling stressed out, talk to somebody… go through the journey with somebody… it is important,” the State Minister further underscored.

Ms. Lee reminded the mothers that the Grange Hill Health Centre continues to serve as a safe space where they can access support and care.

“If you don’t have a good friend to talk to, always feel welcome to come to your health centre and speak to a mental health practitioner or someone else here. We’re willing to listen and work with you,” she told them.

Ms. Lee also assured the women that the Ministry recognises the added strain caused by Hurricane Melissa and remains committed to supporting their well-being.

During the visit, the State Minister distributed maternal and care packages, and hygiene kits, noting that the gesture was intended to “bring some smiles” and reassure mothers of the Ministry’s support during this challenging period.

Speaking to JIS News at the field clinic at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, Ms. Lee explained that the intervention formed part of a wider maternal health outreach initiative targeting pregnant and lactating mothers affected by the hurricane.

“We are reaching out to our pregnant and lactating mothers because we know that a lot of them have been devastated throughout this [hurricane] period,” she said.

Additionally, Ms. Lee said the Ministry is “re-educating and briefing them on best practices as it relates to ensuring that both mother and babies are healthy”.

She also sent a message to women who stopped attending clinics after the hurricane, clarifying that services remain available and encouraging them to return for care.

“We just want them to know that our team is up and ready. Our field clinics are up and ready, our maternal health clinics all over are up and ready, and ready to serve them,” Ms. Lee assured.

Community Health Aides (CHAs) have been mobilised to help reconnect mothers with their health centres.

The outreach began on Friday, November 21 at the Black River Health Centre in St. Elizabeth, and will extend to Trelawny, St. James, and Hanover in the coming days.

“As we continue, we encourage our mothers that, no matter how stressed out they are or alone they may feel, we are here to serve them,” the State Minister declared.