Ingrid Papau is one of our volunteers helping with childcare so that mums can focus on their 10-week Postnatal Depression Recovery Course. Without her help, mothers would struggle to spend those few precious hours discussing their needs and their journey towards recovery. Ingrid shares her story about why she chose to volunteer with Mothers Helpers…
“It feels like a lifetime ago that I was attempting to talk to the receptionist at the medical centre with tears streaming down both checks, in reality it was only eight weeks ago. With gratitude in my heart I feel far removed from the post natal anxiety and depression that covered several weeks following my daughters birth. This was not a new experience for me, I had been through a severe bout of PND six years earlier after having my son. Equipped with a tool-belt of self-care and resilience skills, PND the second time round was a shallower valley to walk down, and shorter in it’s duration. I wasn’t completely in the clear of PND when it occurred to me I wanted to help other mums struggling with this season of their lives. I came across the website for Mothers Helpers and thought what better way to take my eyes off my own suffering, than to assist other mums.
“I enquired to see if an assistant facilitator was needed in my area. There were no openings for that role however they were in need of someone to help with childcare. As long as I could shine some light into someone’s distress I wasn’t worried what role I volunteered in. Having walked through what I had previously experienced I knew I could bring hope. And hope, which is that eager expectation that good is around the corner, that we will be feeling better soon, is the light that mums need. The Ten week Mothers Helpers course provides relevant course material and support, to aid mothers experiencing stress or PND. Meeting weekly I ventured out with my baby at my side to assist the mums with theirs, hoping that they can focus better on the session they’re attending. I sometimes thought my being there was pointless and I felt I wasn’t helping much at all. As the weeks progressed the course facilitator continued to allow me space to share my own journey with PND. When I spoke I saw hope fill other mummies eyes. Seeing other woman encouraged by the fact I was feeling so much better in my recovery brought me tremendous joy! I felt privileged to have the opportunity to hear other womens’ stories and to share my own. Giving two hours of time a week was a small price to pay in comparison to the reward, fulfillment and healing I received in volunteering with Mothers Helpers.”
