Author: yaasine

While the baby blues, which is often associated with postpartum hormonal shifts, is rather common after birth, postpartum depression affects up to 20% of new mothers, the WHO reports. How to explain such phenomenon? What are the signs to watch for? How to cope? We asked Manon Luigi Monty, a Clinical Psychologist.

After experiencing hormonal upheaval and symbiosis with baby for nine months, it is completely normal to feel somewhat confused and even depressed. With fatigue and hormonal drop not helping, we even talk about a feeling of emptiness, which can last a few days or weeks: this is the famously called ‘baby blues’. Irritability, anxiety, vulnerability, sudden mood change, sadness… The symptoms are multiple, but clear up rather quickly.

‘Postpartum depression, however, appears as a real depressive syndrome. There are more symptoms and these are much more severe,’ explains Manon. Frequent unexplained tears, irritability, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, exhaustion, apathy, self-depreciation and incapacity to enter the parent role… Unlike the baby blues, such symptoms persist in time and require an actual treatment. Also keep in mind that postpartum depression does not only affect women! Up to 20% of new fathers are said to be also concerned.

Though it is difficult to determine the causes of postpartum depression with certainty, there are many factors, which can contribute to the outset of the disease. They are physical, hormonal, social, emotional, or psychological factors… ‘The arrival of a first child can cause great interior upheavals: an important identity change, grieving processes – of the former lifestyle, of the ideal child, of an idealized form of maternity,’ Manon continues. After a difficult delivery, some mothers may even suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Can one be prepared to it? According to the psychologist, a pre-childbirth follow-up would be necessary for such mothers, who have been feeling insecure since the beginning of their pregnancy, or have already suffered from depression or anxiety before or during pregnancy. Other risk factors, such as breastfeeding difficulty, low self-esteem, marital problems or previous trauma, should also be taken into account. ‘If the postpartum depression is not treated in a timely manner, it may cause father and mother alike, and also the child to suffer, as attachment disorders may develop between child and parent and impair the child’s cognitive, emotional and social development,’ says Manon.

As of the onset of symptoms, a whole process is to be put in place. Psychological counselling will help patients work on their distress and self-image in the aftermath of such an upsetting experience, and wherever appropriate, drug therapy may be used where there is a suicide risk. ‘In absence of psychotherapeutic support, the symptoms caused by the traumas will become incapacitating on a daily basis,’ the psychologist adds. One should not turn in on oneself, but talk about it openly.

If someone seems to present such symptoms in your circle, the first thing to do is to offer support, love, and listen. ‘Such an event must be interpreted as a reminder for the mother to take care of herself, both physically and psychologically. Suffering from postpartum depression does not make you a bad parent. Everyone may need some help sometimes,’ concludes Manon.

If you think you are suffering from postpartum depression, we have a whole team of professionals ready to help you get over it. Do not hesitate to contact them on 401 95 00 or to make an appointment with Manon Luigi Monty on 5 258 44 66.

Temperatures have started to drop and evenings are turning milder. Winter is beginning to show its face, no doubt about it! With it comes the onset of seasonal flu, which can be prepared for with the vaccines offered by the Clinic. Who are they for? When to get vaccinated? Dr Veeraragoo, a specialist in internal medicine, gives us more information.

What is seasonal flu?

The seasonal influenza virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. These viruses occur every year, mainly in winter, and affect all populations worldwide. They are unique in that they mutate continuously, which means that they are constantly changing and are never the same every year. While the symptoms may vary from person to person, some are quite common and are found in most infected people, such as headache, fever, runny nose, myalgia, weakness, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Flu is mostly harmless, but can lead to serious consequences, including hospitalisation or even death, in at-risk populations.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

The vaccine is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, especially for particular risk profiles. One of the target groups are elderly people as they are more likely to develop serious complications after being infected. Secondly, we also advise children between 6 months and 2 years of age to be vaccinated. As their immune systems are still immature, they tend to develop more intense forms of flu. Thirdly, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma or certain heart diseases are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Finally, pregnant women may also be at risk, as influenza can lead to complications such as miscarriage and premature delivery.

When is the best time for a vaccination?

As seasonal flu tends to occur in winter, it is advisable to get the vaccine before the weather turns cold. The ideal time would therefore be between February and March, but the vaccine will still be effective regardless of when it is given, as it protects the patient for 6 to 8 months. It should then be repeated every year at the same period.

How does it work?

The two vaccines offered at the Clinic, Influvac and Vaxigrip, are composed of inactivated viruses. This means that once injected, the virus cannot multiply in the body’s cells and cause flu. In other words, it wakes up the immune system and builds a response to future attacks. If the immune defence is actually activated, the person is fully ready to neutralise the real virus before it can do too much damage. As these viruses change every year, vaccines are continually updated according to the strains in circulation. The Vaxigrip vaccine, for example, is a tetravalent vaccine and prepares the immune system against four different subtypes of influenza A and B currently in circulation.

Does the vaccine cause side effects?

The flu vaccine has been used for almost 60 years! It has been extensively studied and is therefore safe. However, it is possible to experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, runny nose, fever or loss of appetite within 48 hours of the injection. However, these symptoms are less severe. In very rare cases, a person may be unknowingly allergic to one of the components of the vaccine. This can lead to an allergic reaction of varying severity.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

The effectiveness of the vaccine depends on many factors: the health of the person, their age, but also the type of virus currently in circulation. As a general rule, the vaccine is 40-60% effective. This means that you can still get the flu, but your system’s immune response will be much faster because the body recognises the virus straight away. The virus, since it is already known to our immune system, will not proliferate, thus hindering contamination, which is usually through the airways. In addition, the vaccine remains effective against the strains that make it up. It is therefore possible for a person to be infected with a subtype not provided by the vaccine.

What are the necessary formalities for obtaining a vaccine?

At the Clinic, you will need a prescription from a general practitioner or other doctor before you can be vaccinated. The pharmacy will then deliver the prescribed vaccine to the patient. Medical advice is also required before the injection, as it is not recommended to be vaccinated if you have a fever, for example.

Besides vaccination, what are your recommendations for coping with winter and seasonal flu?

In order to limit the risk of contamination, especially for symptomatic cases, we would advise implementing the same precautions recommended since the advent of the pandemic: wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, social distancing, use of hydroalcoholic gel, etc. Furthermore, a healthy diet, made up of fresh fruits and vegetables and balanced meals, also ensures optimal immunity. It is equally advisable to exercise, as it oxygenates our system and boosts our immunity and mental health. Finally, if we suffer from comorbidities, we should do all the necessary check-ups. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in a diabetic suffering from flu can lead to serious complications. It is therefore wise to listen to your body and, above all, to take care of it.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact our pharmacy on 401 95 00.

Keeping the philosophy of the Sisters of the Bon et Perpetuel Secours who managed the Clinique Bon Pasteur during the last century, while bringing a touch of modernity, is the challenge that Dr. François Tadebois, director of the clinic, has accepted to take up. Thus, in his eyes, the establishment remains a family clinic, even if the infrastructure has seen significant improvements over the years, and even if there is still a long way to go…

Many might not know it, but the Clinique Bon Pasteur is the oldest private clinic in the country! Founded in 1932, it belonged to the congregation of the Bon et Perpetuel Secours. A beautiful picture of the Sisters smiling in front of the original building is hanging at the reception of the clinic today, as a reminder of these memories from the last century. The diocese took over until the clinic was sold in 1997.

It is said that the older the violin, the sweeter the music! Then, the rich history of the Clinique Bon Pasteur is the foundation that has inspired the philosophy dictating the clinic’s dynamics today. As Dr. Tadebois, director of the Clinique Bon Pasteur explains, the very philosophy of the clinic’s services today is imbued with the vision that the Sisters of the Bon et Perpetuel Secours developed back then.

“We bought the clinic from the diocese in 1997. Our goal since then, has been to perpetuate, through our services, the values developed since the clinic’s establishment: being a small family clinic, where people are comfortable and where a relationship of trust is established between the care provider and the patient”. These values remain, even if the new leadership of the clinic has gradually included a modern twist to it.

Thus, since 1997, a gradual enhancement has been seen: the working conditions of the staff have been improved, as well as the infrastructures and the medical services. For example, ophthalmic services are of a very good standard, as well as maternity services, or abdominal surgery. The operating theatre has also been significantly enhanced and is a center of excellence for cataract treatments, orthopedic surgery and other treatments. Radiology services have also been developed.

And the clinic’s progress will not stop there, because Dr. Tadebois has got loads of future projects: “We want to add services, review the consultations functioning, and further improve the operating theatre, in view of being equipped in terms of high medical technology”.
However, despite this vision regarding the development of the clinic, Dr. Tadebois remains very down to earth. The clinic keeps its hospitality and family atmosphere, and will always do. They thus do not have any plans of becoming an ultra-sophisticated structure where this basic philosophy will gradually vanish. “We are not here to rip off our patients, but to offer quality services, while preserving the family atmosphere and hospitality, that is felt as soon as someone walks through the door of the clinic’s reception».

And as a matter of fact, on this black and white picture at the reception, the Sisters witness this warm welcome every day, as a testimony that their philosophy has survived the test of time. Almost a century later, patients are still welcome with this sweet hospitality, enhanced by a high level of service. Today, they are thus always confident that their health are in good hands at Clinique Bon Pasteur.