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A mum has died just days after giving birth to twins due to 'feeling burden of postpartum depression'.
The woman, 36-year-old Ariana Sutton from Massachusetts, US, sadly passed away last month (31 May) after giving birth to twins just nine days prior.
Ariana, a mum-of-three whose 'greatest joy was spending time with her family', died by suicide and her close ones are now looking to raise awareness around the subject of postpartum depression.
The mum shared three children - four-year–old Melody Ki and newborn twins Everly Irene and Rowan Stephen - with police officer Tyler Sutton, her obituary states.
Her twins, who were born a month early, are currently being cared for in an neonatal intensive care unit, The Enterprise reports.
"Two weeks ago, we were calling him saying, 'Congratulations,' and putting cards together for him," police Chief Keith Boone told WCVB-TV. "Now, we're preparing for a funeral."
Ariana's brother-in-law, Jason Sutton, described her as a 'very gentle, kind human being', saying: "Ariana wanted these kids so badly. She lived to be a mother."
A GoFundMe page has since been set up on behalf of the Sutton family by Joseph Fitzgerald and Daniel Flaherty.
Created five days ago, the description reads: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of Ariana Sutton, a loving mother who tragically took her own life only days after delivering newborn twins.
"The weight of this tragedy is unimaginable, but together, we can offer our love, strength, and financial assistance to help this family through their challenging journey."
It continued, calling Ariana' a 'vibrant and devoted mother' who was 'eagerly awaiting the arrival of her twins'.
"Unfortunately, their early arrival brought unforeseen challenges, placing an immense strain on Ariana's mental health," the page continues.
It went on: "Despite her relentless efforts to seek help, the burden of postpartum depression (PPD) became too much to bear. Our hearts break for Ariana, her babies, and the Sutton family, as they now face the unimaginable task of moving forward without her."
According to the National Institute of Health, around one in seven people develop PPD after giving birth.
Unlike 'baby blues' which tend to fade after a few weeks, PPD 'tends to last longer and severely affects women's ability to return to normal function'.
"Some women don’t tell anyone about their symptoms," the Office on Women’s Health explains.
It also notes that new mothers noting may feel 'embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about feeling depressed' after giving birth with worries that they'll be seen as 'bad mothers'.
As of today (7 June), more than $301,000 has been raised out of the $400,000 target via GoFundMe to support the family.
If you’ve been affected by postnatal depression and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call PANDAS Foundation for free on their free helpline on 0808 1961 776
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Featured Image Credit: Facebook / GoFundMeTopics: Parenting, Mental Health, Pregnancy, Real Life