Pay attention to mental health of new mothers, say doctors

While caring for the newborn and physical recovery of the new mother is important, it is equally critical to focus on the mental and emotional well-being of every woman post-delivery, doctors at a webinar said.

While discussing post-partum care for mothers at a webinar, which is part of The Hindu’s wellness series and presented by Kauvery Hospital to mark Mother’s Day, doctors from the hospital said the mental health of new mothers is often overlooked in Indian households, even though a majority of women face post-partum depression. Childbirth is not the end of care for a woman but the beginning of a journey that requires emotional adjustments due to hormonal changes.

“The moment the baby is born, attention shifts to the newborn. The multiple challenges the mother could be facing are rarely given attention,” said K. Thendral, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kauvery Hospital. She said the post-partum phase often comes with transformations due to hormonal changes, and the woman goes through joy and love, exhaustion and uncertainty, all at the same time. It leads to heightened anxiety and stress due to expectations, pressure of breastfeeding, and sleep deprivation, Dr. Thendral noted.

The lactating period is beneficial for both the mother and the child, but if women develop painful, red, and swollen breasts, headache, breathing difficulty, fever, and suffer heavy bleeding and foul-smelling discharge, they should report to the gynaecologist, she said.

‘Family support crucial’

P. Sathya Sudhakar, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Kauvery Hospital, Salem, said serious mood disorders, loss of identity, feeling of isolation, and stress that affect most mothers in the first few days are not signs of weakness. “It is natural to have baby blues. Supportive and understanding families can help in treating the symptoms,” she said. Support strategies, including early identification of post-partum symptoms, cultural sensitivity, a supportive network, and professional help, can make a difference in a woman’s journey as a mother, Dr. Sathya observed. She warned that serious problems can arise if common symptoms, including feelings of emptiness and worthlessness, involuntary crying, irritability, fatigue and low energy, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty in bonding with the baby, persist.

Manjeswari G., Psychologist and Sexual Health Therapist, Maa Kauvery, Trichy, said the mental load of motherhood makes intimacy feel different. It is natural for parents to feel overwhelmed after childbirth, and mothers should be emotionally supported, mentally cared for, sexually respected, and gently empowered. She said women could be facing vaginal dryness, low sexual desire, and emotional disconnect. “Instead of judging her, the family needs to understand her,” she maintained. She recommended yoga, Kegel’s exercise, and pelvic floor exercises for post-partum fitness.