On Sunday December 10th, 2017 we held a Family Day for pregnant women and families in Banyumanik under the theme of Mums with Great Mental Health Make Great Families. The aim of the day was to increase awareness of the importance of good mental health of pregnant women.
Considerable attention has been placed on the physical health of pregnant women, but their mental health is just as important. The psychological health of a pregnant woman can adversely affect the early life of her baby. A mother who is both physically and psychologically healthy can help raise healthy children.
According to WHO, 10% of pregnant women and 13% of mothers globally experience periods of depression. In Indonesia, it is reported 1 in 4 pregnant women have experienced depression, and up to 20% of these women experienced depression in the first 3 months following birth.
FMCH Indonesia partnered with the Mother and Child Health Clinic (Puskesmas) in Ngesrep to raise awareness of good mental health among pregnant women through games, talks and gymnastics in a friendly, family atmosphere. There were over 400 participants including pregnant women, toddlers, teenagers, and representatives from the local government agencies in Banyumanik. Everyone joined in the singing and dancing, particularly Helga Dyah, the FMCH Indonesia Programme Manager and Butet Nur Akmalia, the Health Co-ordinator.
The day started at 6:15am with gymnastics coached by Mr. Eko from our partner, USG, followed by breakfast. Everyone enjoyed soup, stew, soybean milk plus cakes, satay and fruit. After eating, the Banyumnik local government health director, Dr SigitSuroso, the Ngesrep Clinic head, Dr Ahnaf, and Helga Dyah welcomed everyone and began the day by cutting a ribbon and releasing ballons into the sky. Participants then enjoyed a talk about mental health, delivered by Agung PrasetyoS.Psi, M.Pd, owner of the Katakana clinic.
For the rest of the day, families had fun playing games and learning about good family health including shopping games to learn about good nutrition, as well as a photo booth to capture the moment. There were also free health check-ups and prizes for the participants. MrsJangliPerbalan won first prize of a Sanken washing machine.
Friday, December 15th, 2017 representatives of Yayasan Balita Sehat Indonesia (Aris Gunawan and Citra) visited directly the flood and landslide areas of GunungKidul Yogyakarta. Relief sent by YBS Indonesia had been received a few days earlier by Karang Taruna Sendang 7 which coordinate the assistance of the residents and donors. With their help YBS provided biscuits, baby gear, school supplies, sanitary napkins, and medicines as well as other items of them such as wearable clothing and dry food, to victims.
