The SUPER Series: Triplet Premies' Mama NAUF AL MOAWAD pt. 3
IN HONOR OF WORLD PREMATURITY DAY, I’VE INTERVIEWED ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING MAMAS AROUND, NAUF AL MOAWAD. IN PART 1 WE LEARNED ABOUT HOW NAUF CONCEIVED TRIPLETS THROUGH IVF AND WAS PUT INTO HOSPITAL FOR THE FIRST TRIMESTER. IN PART 2, WE TALKED ABOUT HER TRAUMATIC NICU EXPERIENCE. And now, we see how the whole family is getting on!
Liane: It’s incredibly to see how your Instagram account, Triplets of Kuwait, has blown up in mere months. How does your online community support you in this multiply wild adventure?
Nauf: I was desperate to connect with other NICU parents at the time. I needed a safe place and people who could relate. It was non-existent. People here are very hush-hush about their NICU experiences, even though 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely!
I started my Instagram account to raise awareness and share our story in the hopes of helping other going through the same thing. And the response was incredible. It was so needed. Through Instagram, I got to know people who I now consider family. I’ve learned so much from their past experiences. I’ve been giving and receiving support, strength, hope, courage. Truly amazing.
Liane: Can you tell us about the work you’re doing about postpartum depression and for premie awareness month? What are resources that people in similar positions can turn to?
Nauf: I contacted my amazing psychiatrist and talked to her about starting a campaign to raise awareness about postpartum depression. It’s very real and so overlooked. We came up with the hashtag #speak_up / #لا_نسكت
Encouraging people to tell their stories. Share their experiences. Shed light on how common PPD is and that’s it’s ok to ask for help.
I was shocked at how many people reached out privately and told me their friend/sister/cousin actually ended up committing suicide because they didn’t get the help they needed. Because it’s so taboo.
With regards to depression, people can turn to their healthcare providers in their regular government clinics. They can help. They can treat mild cases and give referrals to more severe cases. So many people didn’t know that. It’s an amazing resource. It’s free. It’s confidential.
October is preemie awareness month - and World Prematurity Day is November 17! KOC hospital, Farwaniya Hospital, and so many others organise events.
The biggest misconception people have about preemies is that it’s just a size issue. That they need time to grow. It’s not just growth. It’s development. They missed out on so much development in the womb. Our role is to nurture that and take advantage of their incredible neuroplasticity. These babies are SO resilient.
I also want people to know that I’m here. They are welcome to contact me. I am here to support NICU mamas.
I’m working on starting a NICU support group in Kuwait, but for now, I’m here. I’ve already started a group for two new NICU mamas and they’ve been so supportive of each other. Let’s all help each other out.
Liane: That's so kind! Does postpartum depression lift? Do most mothers get off the medication?
Nauf: Most of the time, medication isn’t needed. Therapy is enough. Sometimes though, when its severe, medication changes lives. Postpartum depression usually peaks at 3 months postpartum and lifts at around the one year mark. Almost all mothers get taken off the meds (some are safe for breastfeeding mamas too - just ask). From my understanding, if there are no other mental health issues/history of depression, most people are weaned off after 6-9 months. That’s how long it takes to regulate serotonin levels in the brain. And antidepressants are not like tranquillisers - they don’t cause a dependency.
Liane: Wow, cool. I didn't know this, thank you! Finally, can you tell us the most rewarding part of motherhood so far?
Nauf: Those first smiles. Watching Dina apply all the things I’ve taught her. Her manners. Her wit and sass. Her willingness to share.