Dear Editor,

Studies published in Biomed Central’s Pregnancy and Childbirth journal have indicated that motherhood can be a challenging period, as “approximately 9-21 per cent of women experience depression and/or anxiety at this time. Many more experience sub-clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as stress”.

These emotions are heightened for single mothers who may not have the desired financial, social, practical, and affirmational support. Worse, researchers have found that “mothers who are depressed tend to engage in higher levels of harsh, negative parenting and lower levels of positive, sensitive parenting compared to mothers who are not experiencing depressive symptoms”. Of course, adverse parenting is indefensible, but the emotional contributors outlined underscore the need for a reprieve programme.

In fact, recent publications from the National Library of Medicine have revealed that “parents receiving respite reported less stress and anxiety/depression”. This is especially true for mothers raising children with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder. The short-term break can help them recover from the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, and they can return to their children with renewed care.

A non-profit respite care programme could be created and managed online. Volunteers could sign up to offer free, short-term care for children at the request of their mothers. Inarguably, all prospective volunteers would be thoroughly vetted and interviewed before they are approved. Character recommendations, background checks, and unblemished police records would be required to support their applications. The mothers, too, would be interviewed and their situation assessed so the programme is not misused.

Over time, we may be able to fund the construction of a few respite care facilities across the island. These would be accessible on weekends, as well, especially for mothers who work throughout the week or are studying part-time to improve their financial position.

Mothers do not need criticism, platitudes, or empty reassurances. They need compassion and tangible assistance (monetary and non-monetary). A respite care programme could be a transformative lifeline for them and their children.

My husband and I are committed to being the first among the volunteers if a parental relief programme of the kind being proposed herein is implemented. Count us in!

Shawna-Kay Williams-Pinnock

shawna201@gmail.com