Cayman offers a good selection of experts who can help you in the first few days and weeks after giving birth, whether it's lactation advice, general newborn baby care, or if you are in need of mental health support.
For more information on pre and postnatal care in the Cayman Islands, see Cayman Parent's article, 'Bump, Baby & Beyond'.
Lactation Support
Nurturing Birth Experiences (part of RVC Rehab Services) offer lactation services to help mothers get off to the right start with breastfeeding. They offer in-home visits and work with mothers to address practical issues and help set realistic expectations for your baby and yourself. They will leave you with strategies to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Tel: (345) 916 8970.
The Cayman Islands Breastfeeding Support Group is a volunteer group which offers free support and education in breastfeeding to expecting and existing mothers. The group consists of experienced mothers who have breastfed, lactation consultants, nurses and midwives. They visit new mothers to offer free breastfeeding advice and support, and also offer telephone support. They will rent hospital-grade Medela pumps in emergency situations and provide reasonably-priced breast pumps for mothers returning to work. Email: cibreastfeeding@gmail.com for more information.
The midwives at the Women’s Health Clinic offer free post-natal care and home visits for HSA patients. Tel: (345) 244 2649 / 2710 / 2732. They can provide general and breastfeeding support after the birth of your child. These services are also offered at the following health centres on-Island:
The Health Services Authority (HSA) offers these services to the following health centres on-Island:
- Bodden Town Health Centre Available Monday and Thursday 8.30am-8pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8.30am-4pm and Saturday 8.30am-12pm. Tel: (345) 947 2299.
- East End Health Centre Available Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm and Saturday 8.30am-12pm. Tel: (345) 947 7440.
- West Bay Health Centre Available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 8.30am-4pm; Wednesdays 8.30am-8pm and Saturdays 8.30am-12pm. Tel: (345) 949 3439.
- North Side Clinic Available Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm; Saturday 8.30am-12pm. Tel: (345) 947 9525.
Island Doula offers
several postpartum care packages which include emotional support, help
with breastfeeding, sleep education and even caring for the baby, doing
laundry and running errands.
Postpartum Mental Health
Motherhood is a time that brings great joy; bonding with your baby, taking on an exciting new role and loving someone else more than you could ever imagine. However, as many as 80% of new mothers experience a range of other emotions too. They may feel that they are not bonding with their baby, have extreme mood swings or be very tearful. All of these emotions are completely normal within the first two weeks of giving birth and are often referred to as the Baby Blues. With time, patience, good self care and support from family and friends, symptoms will often gradually disappear within a few weeks of giving birth.
In some cases, these emotions and thoughts last more than two weeks postpartum and present as anger, guilt, sadness, appetite and sleep disturbances, irritability or thoughts of harming baby or yourself. If you experience any of these feeling, you may be suffering from a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) and you should seek help immediately. PMADs are temporary and treatable. The first step is identifying there is a problem and then seeking proper help. It is important for new mothers to understand they are not alone and not to blame. With the correct treatment you will feel well again. If you suspect you are suffering from a PMAD, please contact your GP or a mental health professional.
For more information checkout Cayman Parent's article on Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders Signs, Symptoms & Help Available.
