Stronger Together: Maternal Mental Health in Bali

Dear Friends,

We’d like to share three recent stories that show just how important compassionate mental health care can be for mothers and their babies.

Recently, three women came to Bumi Sehat needing both physical and emotional support. One had been abandoned by her husband during pregnancy and gave birth alone, experiencing a severe psychological crisis. Unable to care for her newborn, she left the baby and later came to our clinic for postnatal care.

When police became involved, our counselor and midwives recognized signs of a possible mental health disorder. Rather than treating the situation as a criminal matter, they helped find a compassionate solution. The baby was placed for adoption, the woman's family took her into their care, and she was referred to a psychiatrist for treatment. No charges were pressed.

This outcome was made possible in part by our midwives' mental health training, which equips them to recognize distress and respond with understanding rather than stigma or judgment.

Two other pregnant women, also abandoned by their partners, arrived feeling deeply depressed and overwhelmed. With gentle support from our midwives and assessment by our counselor, both were referred for further care.

Maternal mental health remains a largely overlooked issue in Bali. Through education, professional training and strong referral networks, Bumi Sehat is helping mothers get support before a crisis takes hold. Because caring for mothers' mental health is also caring for their babies, families and the future.

With love & gratitude, 

Ibu Robin & Team Bumi Sehat