UNAIR NEWS – The number of baby blues cases in Indonesia soars high. Kompas.com reported that four out of five new mothers experience the baby blues.

Counseling and family psychology expert of UNAIR Faculty of Psychology, Prof Dr Nurul Hartuni SPsi MKes stated that factors causing baby blues need to be further reviewed. Many factors cause baby blues.

“A comprehensive review on baby blues is required. The mother’s psychological condition before marriage until the delivery should concern the surrounding people. If it indicates the risk of baby blues, the husband or partners should see the expert immediately,” Prof Nurul advised.

Baby blues, a feeling of sadness and anxiety, occur in women after giving birth. In most cases, baby blues will last only for 14 days.

For mothers with a high risk of baby blues, doctors will advise husbands to fully support their wives. Husbands are advised to accompany them after the baby’s birth. Therefore, Prof Nurul highly supports the Mother and Child Welfare Draft Bill (RUU KIA) from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).

Once the bill is ratified, Prof Nurul considers it a policy tool that will support family welfare. Besides, the MCH Bill is one of the reinforcements for reducing the number of baby blues.

“The MCH Bill was made so that husbands could accompany their wives post-delivery. Psychologically, it is a good thing. Husbands’ companion becomes a particular psychological strength, cut down the case of baby blues, and improve mother and children’s welfare,” she said.

Benefits of MCH Bill

Paternity leave allows the husband to present the father figure in the family, especially for long-distance marriage couples.

“However, please note that the physical presence is not the only important thing. Fathers must be present in terms of psychological, economic, social, and spiritual. In that case, the father has truly run his role and function well,” said Prof Nurul.

Author: Fauzia Gadis Widyanti

Editor: Feri Fenoria