While newborn care and a new mother’s physical recovery are important, it’s just as important to focus on each woman’s mental and emotional well-being after giving birth, doctors said in a webinar.
Discussing postpartum care for mothers in a webinar, part of The Hindu’s wellness series, presented by Kauvery Hospital on Mother’s Day, doctors from the hospital said that the mental health of new mothers is often overlooked in Indian households, even though most women face postpartum depression. Childbirth is not the end of a woman’s care, but the beginning of a journey that requires emotional adjustment due to hormonal changes.
“The moment a child is born, the focus shifts to the newborn. The multiple problems that a mother may face are rarely given attention,” said K. Thendral, Clinical Head and Principal Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kauvery Hospital. She said that the postpartum phase often comes with changes due to hormonal changes and a woman goes through joy and love, exhaustion and uncertainty, all at the same time. This leads to increased anxiety and stress due to anticipation, the pressure of breastfeeding and lack of sleep, noted Dr. Thendral.
The lactation period is beneficial for both mother and child, but if women experience painful, red and swollen breasts, headaches, breathing problems, fever and suffer from heavy bleeding and foul-smelling discharge, they should report it to a gynecologist, she said.
“Family support essential”
P. Sathya Sudhakar, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Kauvery Hospital, Salem, said that the severe mood disturbances, loss of identity, sense of isolation and stress that afflict most mothers in the early days are not signs of weakness. “It’s natural to have the baby blues. Supportive and understanding families can help manage the symptoms,” she said. Supportive strategies, including early identification of postpartum symptoms, cultural sensitivity, a support network and professional help, can transform a woman’s journey as a mother, noted Dr. Sathya. 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 bonding with the baby, persist.
Manjeswari G., psychologist and sexual health therapist, Maa Kauvery, Trichy, said the mental strain of motherhood makes intimacy different. It is natural for parents to feel overwhelmed after giving birth, and mothers should be emotionally supported, mentally nurtured, sexually respected and gently empowered. She said women can face vaginal dryness, low sex drive and emotional disconnection. “Instead of judging her, the family needs to understand her,” she argued. For postpartum fitness, she recommended yoga, Kegel exercises, and pelvic floor exercises.
Published – 09 May 2026 21:50 IST
