Husband of New West mom Florence Leung opens up about her battle with post partum depression
Posted January 17, 2017 5:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – The husband of a young New Westminster mother who took her own life about three months ago is implying the pressure to exclusively breastfeed may have played a part in his wife’s postpartum depression.
Florence Leung’s remains were found off Bowen Island a few weeks after she was reported missing.
Leung’s husband Kim Chen’s Facebook post reminds mothers they should not feel any guilt if they are unable to breastfeed.
He says information for mothers often repeats the message that babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months, but moms should know it’s fine to supplement with formula.
The post on Facebook reads:
“I still remember reading a handout upon Flo’s discharge from hospital with the line “Breast Milk Should Be the Exclusive Food For the Baby for the First Six Months” , I also remember posters on the maternity unit “Breast is Best”. While agreeing to the benefits of breast milk, there NEED to be an understanding that it is OK to supplement with formula, and that formula is a completely viable option…”
Chen says he plans to talk more about this in the future.
