In a united effort to enhance maternal health and child well-being in the community, Mountain Province State University’s (MPSU) School of Healthcare Education (SHCE) collaborated with the Maximo Dalog Foundation to conduct an impactful training session on September 7, 2024, in Alab Oriente, Bontoc. This event, themed “A Dual Training for Postpartum Depression Detection and Infant Massage for Preterm Babies,” aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, by promoting maternal mental health and supporting infant development.
The training welcomed mothers from Alab Proper and Alab Oriente, alongside local officials, healthcare workers, and student nurses. This inclusive gathering was warmly opened by Barangay Chairman Archibald Tabbang, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the community for selecting their barangay as the venue for this meaningful event.
Representing MPSU President Dr. Edgar G. Cue and Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr., SHCE Dean Mr. Alfred O. Fomocao Jr. shared their messages of support, underscoring the university and community leaders’ dedication to initiatives that uplift family health and well-being in Bontoc. Both leaders highlighted the importance of maternal and infant health as critical components of sustainable development in the Mountain Province.
The morning’s lectures focused on increasing awareness and understanding of postpartum depression (PPD). SHCE Associate Dean Ms. Annie Lourie Y. Paredes opened with an introduction to PPD, explaining its impact on mothers and families. Mr. Fomocao expanded on the topic, detailing the signs and symptoms of PPD, along with factors that contribute to this condition. He also shared valuable preventive strategies to mitigate its impact on mothers and children.
Ms. Phoenix D. Tayni then conducted an in-depth session on Screening and Referral Processes for PPD, guiding participants on tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and explaining how to use these tools to detect and support at-risk mothers. To reinforce learning, Ms. Yvette Joy B. Dumalhin facilitated a workshop, engaging participants in analyzing real-life case scenarios related to postpartum mental health.
The training will continue on September 14, 2024, focusing on infant massage therapy techniques for preterm babies, furthering the comprehensive support for maternal and child well-being.
By addressing postpartum depression and offering skills in infant massage, MPSU, SHCE, and the Maximo Dalog Foundation are setting a foundation for healthier, more resilient families in Bontoc, exemplifying their commitment to SDG 3 and promoting a future where every mother and child has access to essential health resources and community support.
