We spoke to Dr. Shradha Shejekar, Visiting Psychiatrist, Altius Hospital, Bangalore, about how most new mothers experience postpartum and how once can deal with
Mental health during and after pregnancy is often neglected as the focus is mainly on the newborn or the society wants the women to believe that motherhood is only ‘beautiful’, which makes the mother feel guilty to even acknowledge her emotional difficulties endured during the period by her due to fear of being judged by the society and feeling ‘incapable’ of being a good mother.
Around 20-25% of new mothers are suffering from postpartum depression in India, and the numbers have grown during the COVID pandemic. Postpartum depression usually presents around a month post-childbirth which can last up to a year if not treated, which poses difficulty for the mother, baby and the family.
Causes:
Signs and Symptoms:
Ways to deal: