Mother’s Day 2022: Importance of mental healthcare for new mothers

“Depression and anxiety are medical conditions that can sometimes even begin during pregnancy. These feelings are not caused by any external or internal factors, so a new mother/pregnant woman should never feel guilty about experiencing these varied emotions,” she said. Dr. Sonal Kumta, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund.

Constant struggles with mental health can make it difficult for any new mother to attend to her own needs and those of her child. Dr. Kumta also noted that in addition to the pain and trauma associated with childbirth, new mothers also must face the challenges related to the new responsibilities and expectations of their immediate and extended families. Further away, new mothersBodies also go through intense hormonal changes, making it difficult to control emotions, so they must be given enough time to adjust, recover, and recover. Added to this, if the newborn has a problem at birth or needs to be transferred to the ICU for better care, it is an additional cause of stress and anxiety for the mother.

“The pandemic has further complicated the anxiety and stress that women go through during pregnancy and childbirth,” said the doctor.

“A vicious circle was created, where many women had to go for check-ups and ultrasounds without the support of their partners and family members due to the protocol related to COVID. However, it is essential to understand that eventually everything falls into place and by asking for help, women can really do maternity and pregnancy a memorable period in her life,” he added.

Constant struggles with mental health can make it difficult for any new mother to attend to her own needs and those of her child. (Photo: Pexels)

Here are some ways Dr. Kumta advises how families and caregivers can help make life pregnancy journey in a woman’s life less stressful and much happier:

Support from direct family members: Although we live in nuclear families, it is essential to have a team that includes parents, in-laws and siblings who can support the new mother to encourage them in the pregnancy journey. It is essential to work as a team to make it easier to overcome difficult times and to provide the new mother with the resources and strength she needs to face any problem.

Every pregnancy and postpartum period will have its ups and downs. Whether it’s irregular sleep patterns or ailments like fever and cough in babies or mothers experiencing postpartum bleeding, vaginal discharge and pain; With the ongoing support and care of immediate families, recovery will be a smooth process if everyone works and supports each other as a close-knit team.

It’s a good idea to communicate and share responsibilities between the couple before the birth so that new moms also get time to relax and sleep. Also, don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for help, as everyone knows that it takes a village to raise a child.

Have a good diet and stay active.: Good nutrition is essential for a new mother as she needs to regain the strength and endurance that she would have lost in childbirth. Make sure cooked meals are fresh, well-balanced, and nutritious. Also, since the baby is completely dependent on breast milk, the the mother should have a healthy diet.

Also, while we understand that caring for a newborn baby is a 24/7 task, it is crucial to take a break of at least 20-30 minutes every day so that the mother can focus on your own health and wellness. During this time, the mother should focus on simple exercises and doing things that she loves, such as reading, meditating, or listening to relaxing music. Stress-free alone time can go a long way in helping a new mother heal while also reducing her stress and anxiety.

Talk to an expert: Today, people are more aware of mental health issues, including postpartum depression, than they were a decade ago. So if you faceIf you have any mental health related issues, you should seek help from your immediate family and medical experts if needed. Some common signs of mental illness can include a lack of bonding with the baby, sudden outbursts of emotion, lack of hunger and/or sleep, and fatigue. If you find yourself feeling unhappy for long periods and for no specific reason, seek medical attention as it will help you cope in a healthier and more effective way.

Also, if you have a new mother in your family, make sure she is well cared for both emotionally and physically. More importantly, if you notice signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety, be sure to talk to them or a doctor if necessary.

If you’re a new mom struggling with your emotions, find out what you need, seek support, and find strategies to boost your emotional and physical well-being.

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