Through thick and thin: Suria (right) and Norliza are glad to have each other’s support at the flood relief centre in Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: Amid the chaos of the floods and the packed halls of the relief centre here, two women found comfort in each other’s company as they navigate the challenges of early motherhood together.
Suria Dollah, 35, was still in her confinement period while her friend, Norliza Alias, 38, had just ended hers less than two weeks ago when floods struck their homes in Kampung Kangkar Tebrau.
“The first few months after giving birth is a very challenging time for any mother, even under normal circumstances.
“Having to go through such a critical time during a flood is even more overwhelming, as we have to juggle other things while making sure that our babies remain healthy and comfortable.
“It’s a struggle that not everyone can understand unless they have gone through it themselves, and that is why I am very grateful that we have each other,” Suria told The Star at the SK Bukit Mutiara flood relief centre.
The mother-of-two said her house and Norliza’s are just a few doors apart, and they had also worked at the same factory for about a year.
“We know each other well as we used to work together about four years ago and live in the same village.
“That makes it easier for us to share our ups and downs with each other,” said housewife Suria, adding that her baby is 25 days old.
Echoing similar sentiments was mother-of-three Norliza, whose baby is 50 days old.
“Dealing with floods is not easy. You need to act fast as the floodwaters can rise very quickly, even within minutes.
“You have to grab the important things you need quickly while keeping calm in a chaotic environment.
“To manage all that while caring for a newborn and trying to recover from childbirth at the same time can take an emotional toll on any mother,” she said.
The factory operator said she found comfort in knowing that she did not have to face the challenges alone.
“After the water receded, we have to go home and clean our house, which is a whole other challenge. Thankfully, both our husbands are handling the cleaning this time around, as we are still recovering.
“However, even after we have cleaned the house, it will still take some time for it to return to the way it was,” she said.
The two mothers are among dozens of people seeking refuge at the flood relief centre here.
