Death of Gibson children sparks postpartum help line

Women suffering from postpartum depression in Winnipeg now have a new resource available to help them.

On Wednesday, the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba announced it has created a “warm line” to support families dealing with postpartum depression.

The phone line was created in response to the deaths of Lisa Gibson and her two young children.

Last week, Winnipeg police confirmed the deaths of Gibson and her children were the result of a murder-suicide.

Anna, age two, and Nicholas, three months, were found close to death in the bathtub at the Gibson home on July 24. They later died in hospital.

A massive search was then launched for Gibson. The 32-year-old woman was found days later in the Red River, a few kilometres downstream from her home.

Winnipeg police confirmed postpartum depression was a factor in their investigation of the case.

The Mood Disorders Association is now hoping a support line will help mothers cope with symptoms of postpartum depression.

Officials said symptoms include feeling weepy, overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, fatigued and having trouble sleeping. Up to 80 per cent of new moms experience the “baby blues,” according to the association and symptoms can start a few days after birth and can last up to a year.

If symptoms don’t go away or get worse, it could be a sign of postpartum depression, officials said.

New moms, family members and friends are welcomed to call the line at 204-391-5983 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily.