Motherhood is beautiful. Becoming a mother is an unique experience. But not everybody is prepared for the challenges that becoming a mother brings forth. The recent case of a young married woman who killed her 25 day old daughter in Delhi because the incessant crying of her baby drove her mad shook everybody. People labelled her evil and witch and everything else, demanding the strictest punishment for her. But the fact is that what she said might be what happened; the uncontrolled crying of her baby drove her mad, till she couldn't take it any more.
Postpartum depression is a very common phenomenon but sadly like most mental health issues, overlooked and neglected in the Indian society. Physical changes in the body, hormonal changes, low self esteem because of looks, lack of sleep, lack of support and help, household chores and an uncontrollable baby, there are many reasons that can drive a new mother to depression. Many a times, a new mother is completely unaware of what life would be after the baby comes and is left overwhelmed and confused. Inability to handle the child along with keeping up with the appearances, might drive her to frustration and a complete loss of balance. When I gave birth in the United States, my doctor asked me if I would like her to prescribe some medication for postpartum depression. Sadly, such is not a case in developing nations. In places like India, people tend to overlook the fact that the birth of a child may actually be a traumatic experience which may require medical help. One of the best advice that I got after delivery was to sleep whenever the baby slept. Lack of sleep because of nursing and diapering at odd hours can be a trigger towards frustration and depression in a young mother.
Postpartum depression is a reality, a fact that needs to be handled carefully. Living in nuclear family without any help or support, overburdened with work and life changing experience of giving birth can drive a mother towards depression. Having training classes during pregnancy, counselling sessions and support from family, friends and most importantly the partner can help in avoiding depression and any other mental imbalance.
Postpartum depression is a very common phenomenon but sadly like most mental health issues, overlooked and neglected in the Indian society. Physical changes in the body, hormonal changes, low self esteem because of looks, lack of sleep, lack of support and help, household chores and an uncontrollable baby, there are many reasons that can drive a new mother to depression. Many a times, a new mother is completely unaware of what life would be after the baby comes and is left overwhelmed and confused. Inability to handle the child along with keeping up with the appearances, might drive her to frustration and a complete loss of balance. When I gave birth in the United States, my doctor asked me if I would like her to prescribe some medication for postpartum depression. Sadly, such is not a case in developing nations. In places like India, people tend to overlook the fact that the birth of a child may actually be a traumatic experience which may require medical help. One of the best advice that I got after delivery was to sleep whenever the baby slept. Lack of sleep because of nursing and diapering at odd hours can be a trigger towards frustration and depression in a young mother.
Postpartum depression is a reality, a fact that needs to be handled carefully. Living in nuclear family without any help or support, overburdened with work and life changing experience of giving birth can drive a mother towards depression. Having training classes during pregnancy, counselling sessions and support from family, friends and most importantly the partner can help in avoiding depression and any other mental imbalance.
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