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According to the French National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the most common type affecting men. What are the signs that need to be taken into account?
Here’s what you need to know.

Although the risk of getting prostate cancer before the age of 50 is rather unusual, it gradually increases in incidence as men age. In fact, almost 80% of deaths attributed to prostate cancer start after the age of 75! Although it occurs relatively late in life and progresses rather slowly, early diagnosis can make a big difference.

The most common symptoms are: frequent urge to urinate—particularly at night—, difficulty in doing so, weak urine flow, the feeling of never having completely emptied the bladder, etc. Other symptoms should also alert you, such as the presence of blood in the urine or in the semen, a burning sensation when urinating, painful ejaculation, or persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis.

What should you do if you experience these symptoms? There are several screening tests that can be carried out to detect prostate cancer. The first, a digital rectal examination (DRE), assesses the volume of the prostate to see whether or not there is an abnormal lump. The second, PSA analysis, is carried out by taking a blood sample; if the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, is abnormally high, this could indicate the presence of cancer. Finally, it is also possible to detect an irregularity during an ultrasound scan.

Unfortunately, these tests are not 100% reliable, and opinions are divided as to whether they should be used systematically. Some health organisations, for example, recommend combining these methods for annual screening. The most important thing is to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recommendations.

If cancer is suspected, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with a biopsy or MRI of the prostate. Although this disease is a slow-moving condition, it is still preferable to detect it early so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. In some cases, the progress of the disease is simply monitored, while in others, rapid treatment is recommended, with surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or, on rare occasions, chemotherapy—treatments that may also require psychological support.

How can this cancer be prevented? Besides age, there are a number of risk factors to watch out for, such as family history and ethnicity. In fact, the risk of developing this disease is twice as high in men of African descent, whereas it is very low in individuals of Asian origin.

Lifestyle may also be a risk factor. Overweight or obese people are more likely to be affected by prostate cancer. Some scientific studies have also determined that an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical exercise both contribute significantly to the development of this disease.

Urology check-ups, nutritional advice, psychological support… Bon Pasteur Clinic can help! Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our specialists by calling 401 95 00 or sending a WhatsApp message to 5 835 38 86.

Your doctor says that you should undergo a cataract surgery…

What should you expect in the days following the operation? What precautions should be taken? Dr. Li Yim, an ophthalmologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, has accepted to answer all our questions.

What to expect in the days following the surgery?

Although a cataract surgery is generally painless, discomfort or pain may occur during the hours following the operation. However, they should pass quite quickly. Bleeding in the white part of the eye is also often observed, and it usually lasts 5 to 7 days. Vision will be blurred after the procedure, but will gradually return to normal within 2 hours, after a local anaesthesia.

It is also normal for the pupil to remain dilated for 12 to 24 hours. Finally, an increased sensitivity to light, or the impression of ‘seeing flies’ or floating bodies, may happen in some cases. Everything should settle within four weeks.

What precautions should be taken in the evening after the procedure?

It is normal to feel a slight irritation in the eye with each blink. You can therefore take a little paracetamol to ease the discomfort. Apart from this, the eye shield must be kept on until morning. On the first night, no eye drops are applied so as to let the eye rest.

And the next day?

You can remove the eye shield as soon as you wake up. Make sure not to rub your eye! You can nevertheless clean your eye using a cotton pad soaked in previously boiled, warm water, but without exerting any pressure!

You can start your eye drop treatment – Pred Forte and Exocin – ahead of the post-operative visit. Make sure to shake the bottles well before use, then squeeze one drop from each bottle into each eye, waiting 5 minutes in between; you should repeat the process every 4 hours, during waking hours. The duration of treatment depends on the prescribed medication: it is advisable, for example, to stop Exocin after 1 week, but to continue Pred Forte for a whole month.

Are there any special precautions to take?

Of course. During the first week, avoid rubbing your eyes. You should also be careful not to let dust, shampoo or soap into your eye. Moreover, avoid wearing makeup or applying cream in the eye area for two weeks.

You can, however, resume your activities: there are no dietary restrictions, and you can even watch TV and read your book the day after the operation! Make sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

Listen to your body: after your postoperative visit, if you experience pain, more redness, a decrease in your vision, a feeling of veil on the eye, or if you see flashes of light or floating bodies, do not hesitate to contact your ophthalmologist.

For more information, call us on 401 95 00 or send us a WhatsApp message on 5 835 38 86.

While it should only cause a temporary discomfort, gastroenteritis—an infection of the digestive tract—can sometimes have harmful consequences in infants and young children. Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, loss of appetite… How to prevent it? Dr Alleesaib, a paediatrician at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, explains.

We all know about gastroenteritis. An unpleasant episode to get through, it usually resolves after a few days. However, while it occurs as a minor disease in adults, it can quickly become dangerous in babies and young children. ‘The diarrhoea caused by gastroenteritis is the leading cause of infant mortality in Africa’, says Dr. Alleesaib. An appalling fact, which is most often attributable to a limited access to clean water.

‘We see gastroenteritis increasing with each climate change, during cyclonic periods, torrential rain or thunderstorms’, she continues. The reason is that water can be contaminated with two viruses mainly responsible for gastroenteritis in toddlers: norovirus and rotavirus. How do we protect our babies? The first preventive step consists in an oral vaccine given to full-term babies at 6 and 10 weeks of life to fight rotavirus.

‘Gastroenteritis is extremely contagious. So, make sure to boil the water that you give to the child, to wash your hands carefully, and also to clean every surface, which could have been contaminated—namely by a diaper leak or an infected person’, says the doctor. The bonus for breastfeeding moms is that breastfeeding has proven to be the best remedy and even has a protective effect against the risk of rotavirus diarrhoea, especially in infants under 6 months.

How do we know when a child is infected? ‘The baby will pass out more than 10 liquid stools per day, will be prone to crying and whining, will have colic, vomiting and fever sometimes… It will also lead to weight loss and loss of appetite’, says Dr. Alleesaib. The main danger of gastroenteritis remains the risk of dehydration, which is a real emergency since the consequences can quickly become serious: neurological, renal, cardiovascular complications and, in more serious cases, death.

There are many signs, which can suggest dehydration. ‘The child will have dry skin, fewer tears; their diapers will not be wet, their eyes will be sunken, their fontanel hollow…’, adds the doctor. The only solution is to keep the child hydrated. Breastfeeding, as the ultimate means of rehydration, must therefore be continued. ‘For children feeding on formula, a formula which is adapted to gastroenteritis and lactose-free is recommended so as not to make diarrhoea worse’, she says. You can also give your child rehydration drinks until urine production gets back to normal.

As for breastfed infants suffering from gastroenteritis, their mothers should drink plenty of water and avoid fried and spicy dishes. ‘If the baby has started diversification, you may opt for starchy foods such as pasta, dry roti, cassava, rice or bread’, says the doctor. Foodstuffs which will harden the stool or slow down intestinal transit, such as mashed carrot, banana, or apple, are also favoured. However, any food that is rich in fibre, especially green vegetables, are to be avoided.

If you think your child is suffering from gastroenteritis, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our professionals by calling 401 95 00 or sending a WhatsApp message on 5 835 38 86.

Did you know that it was a woman who invented the first real computer program in 1843? In a field which has essentially been dominated by men, many women have nevertheless brought much progress! Now in 2023, women inclusion in the digital world is put forward. And this is particularly important to us at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, since the Head of our IT department… is a woman!

Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamarr, Evelyn Boyd Granville… Many women left their mark in the IT industry through their discoveries, until they almost were forgotten. And yet, the IT world would never have been what it is now, without them! Today, with the ongoing battle for gender parity at work, more and more women are entering the IT sector, which has been restricted to men so far.

This is the case of Bhavna Beedasee, Information Technology Manager at the Clinique Bon Pasteur. While she is surrounded by women in her working environment, she and her colleague Christopher are the only two members of the IT team. The perfect parity! She has an exacting job since she must ensure that the Clinic’s operations are always running optimally.

‘It represents a huge challenge because we must remain alert. It happened that people called me in the middle of the night to solve computer problems’, says Bhavna. A job, which therefore requires much availability, flexibility and responsiveness—requirements that are far than being disheartening! ‘I love my job. I enjoy finding solutions to problems and learning more every day. I am constantly trying to improve myself and be a leader for others’, she explains.

In 2023, she is dealing with a major challenge: the full automation of the Clinic’s operations through the Hospital Information System. According to Bhavna, this is a logical initiative since we live today in a typically digital world. Through such process, the Clinic will actually depend less on paper, but will also be able to devote itself totally to its patients and to its core business: listening and caring with uttermost humanity.

Bhavna has not always been passionate about computers! She was particularly interested in science, but a scholarship in Computer Science led her on a new path. It was a fortunate coincidence since she discovered her true passion therein. Today, at the head of the Computer Department of the Clinique Bon Pasteur, she is happy to see more and more women taking an interest in this field. ‘I think it was above all a huge lack of confidence that prevented women from giving it a try, because they were told it was a man’s world’, she says.

For her, this emerging parity holds many advantages. ‘Women mostly operate with patience and know how to handle many challenges’, she continues. Such are essential qualities to shape the digital world of tomorrow! To girls and women who would like to get started, Bhavna’s advice is not to hesitate. ‘Today, working in IT is not like working behind a screen and programming! IT pertains to almost every field, from medical to aviation, and offers countless opportunities’, she adds.

Words that will hopefully inspire more than one!

Orthopedic surgery

Specialising in the surgical treatment and correction of various deformities and injuries, orthopedic surgery definitely covers a large spectrum. Yet, some of the more common conditions are a daily reality for most self-respecting orthopedic surgeons. We come back on the question with Dr. Panchoo, orthopedic surgeon at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

What usually leads a person to consult an orthopedic surgeon?
The reasons for consultation in orthopedic surgery are diverse. We treat, for example, osteoarticular injuries, fractures, osteoarthritis, bone deformities, and neck or back pain. In my practice, patients most often come to see me for lower back, neck or shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis, knee injuries resulting from sports activities, fractures and sprains.

What are the most common reasons for a surgery?
In general, surgery is performed to control pain, to correct deformation and, most importantly, to improve the patient’s quality of life. In orthopedics, we must first make the difference between surgical emergencies and so-called ‘cold’ pathologies – which do not necessarily require an immediate intervention. All emergencies require surgery, and it is up to the orthopedic surgeon to examine the patient and determine if there is an emergency or not.

There are, however, some well-defined indications for surgery. For example, the majority of neck and back pain are due to herniated discs. To treat them, we start with a conservative treatment, which consists in medication, a lot of rest and physiotherapy sessions. In 90% cases, patients respond favourably to this type of treatment. Surgery is only indicated whenever conservative treatment has failed, or in the presence of any neurological deficit.

The same applies to osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: we recommend surgery to such patients, for whom the conservative treatment has not had the desired results, in order to improve their quality of life. Displaced, intra-articular or open fractures usually require surgery.

In such cases, how does the intervention take place?
For fractures requiring surgery, we perform an open reduction, followed by internal fixation with implants. Such may vary and depend on the location of the fracture. For example, a fracture of the forearm will require screwed plates, while an intramedullary nail will be recommended in the case of a femur fracture.
As far as disc hernias are concerned, the surgical procedure is, again, variable and may require a simple discectomy – which consists of removing the hernia to relieve the compression it causes – or a lumbar fusion.

Advanced stages of osteoarthritis of the knee or hip – where some wear and tear due to loss of cartilage has been detected – can be treated by arthroplasty, i.e., the fitting of a prosthetic knee or hip. Such prostheses exist for most joints: shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle…

For patients with shoulder pain, this most often results from a tearing of the rotator cuff in the elderly, or from instability in younger patients. The surgical treatment consists of arthroscopy: the specialist examines the affected joint using a tiny optical device, which is inserted through a small incision.

Finally, meniscal and ligamentary lesions of the knee can also be treated by arthroscopy, followed by ligament reconstruction.

How does post-operative follow-up work?
Any surgical procedure requires post-operative follow-up. One must understand that surgery obviously involves risks: risks of infection, bleeding, neurovascular deficiency, etc. Monitoring is therefore essential since it helps detect complications early enough, and also keep an eye on the patient’s recovery and progress.

Moreover, rehabilitation holds a very important place in the field of orthopedic surgery. We work closely with physiotherapists to ensure smooth progress in the treatment. They must follow the orthopedic surgeon’s instructions regarding the exercises to be performed and the patient’s mobility.

Are any precautions to be taken following such a procedure?
Once again, every procedure comes with its share of precautions! Depending on the operation and the recommended treatment, the specialist will explain to the patient what actions and precautions to take, so as not to hinder the smooth running of the post-operative follow-up.

One thing is certain: in most cases, extensive rest is prescribed! With the patient’s well-being in mind, the orthopedic surgeon will then advise on resumption of work or sports activity.

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, often associated with ageing. It is thought to be caused by the ageing of the joints, but can affect individuals of any age, and more particularly athletes and people suffering from obesity. On this World Osteoarthritis Day, we tell you more.

When it comes to the joints, osteoarthritis unfortunately knows no limits: it can affect the neck and the back, the fingers, the shoulders, the elbows, the ankles, the wrists, the hips, or even the knee. Also known as ‘rheumatism’, it represents a progressive degradation of the cartilage, leading to chronic pain, difficult movements, stiffness – especially in the morning – and, sometimes, swelling. If the pain seems to calm down at rest, it may resume with any movement of the joint.

Although the risks are higher in athletes, people suffering from obesity, and certain occupations, such as farming, heredity can also be a significant risk factor. Less cited risk factors also include certain damaging habits. Wearing high heels would increase, for example, the risk of knee osteoarthritis, as would joint injuries, or menopause and its hormonal shake-up!

How to relieve such unpleasant pain? An optimal lifestyle with a maximum of sport should be adopted. If you think that leaving the painful joint at rest is the right thing to do, you have got it wrong! Indeed, if the latter is not used, the cartilage may deteriorate further. Except when acute pain is felt, regular physical activity would even have a pain-killing effect on the affected part, provided endurance sports such as cycling, walking or swimming are given precedence. Diet should also be taken into account to reduce the inconvenience caused by osteoarthritis.

Specialists actually recommend a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as pulses, olive or rapeseed oil, fruit and vegetables – which are also rich in antioxidants to fight cell aging and in fibre –, and… Cayenne pepper! Conversely, other foods should be avoided in case of osteoarthritis: meat – in particular red meat –, cold cuts, sugar, alcohol, fried foods, and even certain vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil or soybean oil.

Over and above a healthier lifestyle, you can seek help with many professionals to make your daily life easier. Physiotherapy is a good example. Thanks to the various treatments and exercises it offers, it not only helps relieve pain, but also delays joint degeneration!

To make an appointment with one of the physiotherapists at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, contact us on 401 95 00.

Physical pain, dizziness, lung problems, psychiatric disorders, osteoarthritis… Is there anything that physiotherapy does not treat? With the aim of improving the patient’s physical condition, physiotherapy uses various means to design the best solution for each individual’s problem. Let us learn more on this paramedical discipline with Nazeema Gajra-Bolaky, physiotherapist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur and at the Nehru Hospital on behalf of the Ministry for Health.

First of all, we often speak about various disciplines without being able to differentiate them. What is the difference between physiotherapy, kinesitherapy, osteopathy and chiropractics?

Physiotherapy and kinesitherapy both refer to the same thing. In both cases, the therapist is a medical assistant, who is qualified by a state diploma. Osteopathy defines the manipulation of joints, and the profession is not necessarily endorsed by a state diploma. An osteopath can be a doctor, a physical therapist, a midwife, or a non-professional health provider. Lastly, chiropractics focuses on the spinal column.

So, what exactly is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy uses a wide range of therapeutic methods such as electrotherapy, cryotherapy (treatment by the cold), heat therapy, hydrotherapy (treatment by water), as well as various rehabilitation exercises. It aims at improving physical health and restoring motor skills using physical techniques and no medication. It helps maintain health and is therefore recommended for treating certain disabilities, which can affect any of the neurological, sensory, motor or cardio-respiratory systems. It applies to a wide range of disorders such as strokes, sprains, fractures, back pain, incontinence, or post-surgical rehabilitation.

When does one need to consult a physiotherapist?

It is somehow the key question, which everyone raises. To make it clear, I would say that it becomes necessary to consult if you have difficulties to make certain movements – for example, if it becomes more and more difficult to climb such stairs, which you have been used to go up with ease –, if you suffer a pain, which does not go away, or a recent or long-standing pain, which has become so strong that you cannot make certain movements or activities. It is also advised to consult after a surgical intervention, a fracture, a neurological problem or if you have expectorations – which we commonly call ‘phlegmes’ in Mauritius – and if you have difficulties breathing.

Are there counter-indications to such treatments?

Yes, it depends on the patient’s pathology or medical history. For example, electrotherapy cannot be used on an epileptic person, on anyone carrying a pacemaker or on the belly of a pregnant woman. It is best to check with your physiotherapist. Depending on the situation, the treatment can also be adapted: for example, if you have broken ribs, respiratory physiotherapy will be used without vibrations on the ribs.

How does a session go about?

First, the patient should be referred to the physiotherapist by a physician. After he has explained his problem, the physiotherapist will examine him and detail the course of the treatment before starting. The course of the session and the number of recommended sessions will depend on the patient’s pathology.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact us on the 401 9500.

As your pregnancy is coming to full term, you realise that Mother Nature is being temperamental: your delivery will thus have to be scheduled. What are the reasons behind such a decision? How to get prepared? Here is the answer in three parts.

What are the reasons for a scheduled delivery?

In many cases, it is possible to schedule a vaginal delivery. It is generally induced when the breaking of the waters occur before labour has started, when the term has been critically exceeded, or when the life of the baby or the expecting mother is at risk. Otherwise, the most common reason for a scheduled delivery is caesarean section. C-section can be recommended by the gynaecologist for many reasons: when the baby is too big or the mother’s pelvis too small, in case of intra-uterine growth retardation, twin pregnancy, baby’s breech, shoulder or face-first position, or placenta praevia… The list is long! Sometimes, mothers also opt for a C-section for psychological reasons, such as fear of childbirth and pain, or fear of morphological changes after childbirth… Some maternal conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, can also lead to a caesarean section.

What is the procedure to follow when delivery is scheduled?

Once the date has been agreed upon with the gynaecologist, it is necessary to prepare the pre-admission at the Clinic. This is very simple! All you need to do is send a copy of your identity card and insurance card (if you have one) as well as the doctor’s report, to the following email address: info@cliniquebonpasteur.com . You can also send these documents on WhatsApp to the following number: 59190327. Once your pre-admission is registered, it is time to take care of yourself! Set time for physical activity, meditation, rest… You ought to be fit and ready for one of the most important days of your life!

How to prepare for the D-Day?

In case of a C-section, the mother-to-be is required to come on an empty stomach – this includes not smoking before the operation – and, if she wishes, to have the area above the pubis, where the incision will be made, waxed beforehand. When the delivery is to be induced, it is, on the contrary, advised to eat breakfast. Childbirth is always strenuous, so it is better to fill up your energy! Whether for a C-section or an induced labour, the mother-to-be is required to come to the Clinic in the morning, with her documents and previous ultrasounds in hand. Upon arrival, she will undergo an antigen test to ensure that she is Covid-19 negative.

For more information, do not hesitate to call the Pre-Admission Department of the Clinique Bon Pasteur on 401 95 00.

Here it is: you are expecting your first child and asking yourself a lot of questions… What is exactly the role of a paediatrician? Why is it important to have one? When to look for one? Dr. Alleesaib, paediatrician at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, is answering all your questions.

What is the role of the paediatrician?

The paediatrician is a specialist in children’s health, from birth to adolescence. Their work starts at the maternity ward. By liaising between the gynaecologist and the midwives, the paediatrician prepares to receive the unborn child in the best way, and can intervene in emergency whenever required, for example if the baby needs to be resuscitated.

How does the first medical examination take place?

The pediatrician’s first step is to make sure that the baby is breathing well and that the vital parameters are optimal. That first breath is essential, since it gets the machine started. The paediatrician also assesses the child’s health and vitality through a test called the Apgar Score. This test makes it possible, through various criteria, to predict how the child will grow and determine how to manage his health. The paediatrician will examine the child from head to toe, measure the circumference of his head, his height, his weight, and look for any abnormality. A blood test is then carried out to check for signs of hypoglycemia, blood sugar being the food which the brain needs the most. It is also the paediatrician who authorises, after examination, the discharge from the clinic.

Is it necessary to see the paediatrician after the discharge?

It is absolutely essential! The family meets with us again during the first week after birth: this allows us to re-examine the baby, check his weight and reassure the parents by answering all their questions. They are provided with an ‘emergency pack’, as we explain them what to expect in the coming months and how to respond, whether in addressing breastfeeding issues or possible diseases in babies. We then see the child at the age of 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, to make sure he is growing optimally and filling all the stages of child development, such as holding his head, smiling, tracking movement, sitting, walking, etc. The paediatrician can also administer the vaccines.

When and how to find a paediatrician?

It all depends on the parents. Some prefer to meet with their paediatrician when the mother is still in an early stage of pregnancy, while others prefer to wait. Sometimes it is through the family doctor or the gynaecologist that parents are put into contact with a paediatrician. Sometimes the future parents have full trust in their clinic and choose directly a paediatrician on their health providers’ list.

Is the role of the paediatrician limited to a physical diagnosis?

Of course not! Their work also encompasses the psychological sphere. During routine visits, the paediatrician also examines the child’s psychological development by asking parents specific questions. This allows him to detect possible disorders such as autism, hyperactivity or other syndromes. We then try to help and support the child the best we can, by referring him to specialists.

For more information or appointment with Dr. Alleesaib, contact us on 401 95 00.

 

 

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.