Mulikhat Muhammad Magashi, a retired psychiatric nurse, has warned that excessive crying in babies could be a sign of underlying psychological problems that require attention from parents and health workers.
She revealed this on Wednesday during a one-day Community Report-Back Session organized by The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), with support from MISEREOR KZE, Germany.
Magashi stressed that mental health is particularly crucial for pregnant women and new mothers, as their well-being directly affects their ability to care for their babies.
“If a mother is mentally unwell, she cannot even take care of herself, regardless of the baby, and it will affect even the personality of the child later in life,” she said.
She explained that signs to watch out for in mothers include crying frequently after birth, restlessness, lack of sleep, excessive talking or too little talking, and irritability.
For babies, she noted, persistent crying despite being physically healthy may indicate psychological challenges.
Magashi also highlighted the importance of trained midwives and primary healthcare workers in recognizing mental health issues early.
“It is at the grassroots that you can screen expectant mothers during antenatal care. If a problem is identified early, it can be treated as an outpatient issue without major medication,” she said.
She called on governments to invest in training more psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses to strengthen maternal mental health care at all levels, including primary healthcare centers.
Magashi added that integrating mental health services into community health programs and conducting home visits could help reduce stigma and ensure early intervention.
“Breaking stigma is crucial. We must be role models in addressing mental health challenges so mothers and children can thrive,” she added.
Also speaking, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED who was represented by Furera Isiaka, the Commutation Officer, emphasized that maternal mental health has often been neglected in healthcare service protocols.
“It is worrisome that many women go through pregnancy-related mental health challenges without adequate medical care and the right psycho-social support,” she said.
She explained that women suffering from conditions such as prenatal anxiety and depression, postpartum depression, or postpartum anxiety are often stigmatized, branded as witches, or accused of being possessed, instead of receiving proper care.
“These ill-treatments often breed a culture of fear and silence, causing women and their families to suffer in silence rather than seek help,” she added.
Dr. Zikirullahi urged the government, healthcare stakeholders, and community actors to make mental health a priority in maternal healthcare.
Malam Bala Ta Rasulu, a traditional medicine practitioner, called for stronger collaboration between local traditional healers and modern medical practitioners.
He urged that traditional birth attendants be equipped with modern tools and properly trained so they can be effectively integrated into hospital services.
