Meals for Mum program rolls out in Toowoomba to help combat perinatal depression

Sadly, depression is the leading cause of death for women during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth. A new program launching in Toowoomba today is hoping to change that statistic.

Melissa Whittley developed post-natal depression after losing her baby Ari at 17 weeks' gestation last year. She also experienced PND after her first two children Will, 5, and Halle, 3. She almost died after Ari was born. Melissa is raising money for the White Cloud Foundation, which provides meals for Mums with PND. Melissa with her children Will 5 and Halle 3 also her husband Jason. Pic: Adam Head

For some new or expecting mums, bringing life into the world is a joy.

But for others, it can mean falling into a deep, black hole of depression.

Aiming to support Toowoomba mums through what can be a difficult time, the White Cloud Foundation’s Meals for Mums program will be rolled out from today through healthcare facilities including the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service.

It means new and expecting mums across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs region will have access to a clinically proven and highly successful program already operating in some of Queensland’s largest maternity hospitals.

White Cloud Foundation chair Professor Adam Scott said the Meals for Mums program delivered practical mental health care to new and expecting mothers through the home-delivery of 14 free nutritious meals and access to support directly over the phone.

“Sadly, Queensland has the highest rate of peri-natal depression in Australia, and depression is the leading cause of death for women during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth,” Professor Scott said.

“At White Cloud Foundation, we are determined to change this statistic.

“We know a little support when a mother is struggling can make a big difference. Nutritious meals and practical help can mean a lot for not just new mums but the whole family.”

Professor Scott said the foundation knew that through its well-established program, working with other hospitals.

Mum of two Melissa Whittley knows all too well how important it is to have support during and after pregnancy.

“After my first two babies were born, I experienced post-natal depression which I describe as feeling like you’re in a big black hole – you feel very isolated and alone,” she said.

“I would cry for no reason, I felt claustrophobic, I wanted to run away, I refused to eat, I didn’t want to get out of bed, and I tried to push my loved ones away. I found it hard to bond.

“Fortunately, I had an amazing support network of family and friends, but not all families are so lucky, and this where White Cloud Foundation’s Meals for Mums program can make a real difference.”

The service is also available for mothers who have lost babies before, during and after birth.

For more information, head here.