MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Against the backdrop of a suspected case of infanticide in Top Hill last Tuesday, a consultant psychiatrist and the head of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPSFA) are reminding Jamaicans to prioritise not only the care of newborns, but the mental well-being of mothers.

In a statement last Thursday, two days after 10-week-old Mateo Forbes was drowned in a five-gallon bucket of water allegedly by his mentally challenged mother, CPFSA Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams-Thomas described the incident as deeply distressing, and a stark reminder of the critical link between parental well-being and child safety.

“The death of baby Mateo is a tragedy that demands national reflection. A newborn should be surrounded by care and protection. Instead, we are confronted with the painful reality that poorly managed mental health challenges can place both parent and child at grave risk,” said Adams-Thomas.

She further urged mothers, particularly those who have recently given birth, to prioritise their mental health and remain actively engaged in care.

“Post-partum depression and other psychiatric conditions can intensify after childbirth. We are appealing to mothers to attend follow-up appointments, continue prescribed treatment, and immediately seek help if they feel overwhelmed, distressed or unstable. There is strength in seeking support, and early intervention can prevent devastating outcomes,” added Adams-Thomas.

Meanwhile, consultant psychiatrist Dr Saphire Longmore shared a similar sentiment in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

“If you recognise that there is an adjustment to having this baby around that is becoming a bit overwhelming, seek professional help and, as best as possible, provide that level of presence and support for that new mother,” said Longmore.

Police confirmed reports that the woman was home alone with the child after her partner left to work in a field in Top Hill district Tuesday morning. Police said the woman contacted the child’s father to say she drowned the child.

Relatives said Mateo was born on December 21, 2025, and Longmore pointed to mental health issues which may arise after childbirth.

“The little infant was only 10 weeks old, so it was relatively soon after birth, so it is within the post-partum period, so to speak. The fact that whatever the diagnosis she was dealing with prior to being pregnant, the effect of giving birth and hormonal changes related to that could also have precipitated and aggravated whatever existing circumstances were there,” said Longmore.

She also pointed to the possible stigma associated with the care of the 20-year-old mother.

“That in and of itself can have its challenges, so overall it sounds like the very unfortunate culmination of a number of issues,” she said while imploring families to rally around mothers and their infants.

“Having a child is a huge change in someone’s life… It is not just the mother’s responsibility it takes, it takes two to make a baby and it takes two to ideally raise a child — and as we see the breakdown of family structures and the basic unit of family within our society, we are going to see the consequences of that breakdown at all levels. Now, firstly, the support should be had in ensuring that, as much as possible, that the pregnancy is wanted, that it is planned,” Longmore argued.

“[Ensure] that there are conscious provisions and preparations made for this new life that is coming into the space…. That whatever support can be had can be garnered in terms of direct parental involvement of both mother and father, and then the extended family can also be of assistance,” she added.

Longmore is also reminding families to maintain contact with health services and health-care providers for the care of mothers in their post-natal stage.

“Maintaining follow-up visits is very important, again especially if there is a pre-existing condition and essentially being aware of where resources are available for help, [like] at the health centres, at the emergency rooms,” said Longmore.

ADAMS-THOMAS…we are appealing to mothers to attend follow-up appointments, continue prescribed treatment, and immediately seek help if they feel overwhelmed, distressed or unstable

LONGMORE…the little infant was only 10 weeks old, so it was relatively soon after birth, so it is within the post-partum period, so to speak (Photo: Naphtali Junior)