A recent study based on 20,043 women has revealed a concerning trend in Uttarakhand and other regions of India: postpartum depression is significantly affecting new mothers, diminishing their emotional connection with their newborns. Published in the National Library of Medicine, the research found that 22% of women suffer from postpartum depression, leading to decreased affection and, in many cases, avoidance of breastfeeding.
The study analyzed data from over 30 previous studies and included women aged 25 and above from hospitals and urban areas across southern, western, and northern India. Three psychological disorders were identified among new mothers: postpartum depression, postpartum blues, and postpartum psychosis. All three conditions can severely affect both mother and child’s physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Neetu Mago, a gynecologist at Government Doon Medical College Hospital, stated that affected women show symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In extreme cases, mothers lose emotional attachment toward their babies and may stop breastfeeding altogether.
According to doctors, key factors contributing to postpartum depression include poor financial conditions, domestic violence, strained relationships, and even the birth of a girl child. Hospitals reportedly see more than four such cases in their OPD every week.
Dr. Ravi Gupta, head of the Psychiatry Department at AIIMS Rishikesh, emphasized that postpartum psychosis is the most severe form. It can cause aggressive behavior in mothers, while postpartum depression leads to irritability and sadness, and postpartum blues is considered a milder form. All conditions require clinical diagnosis for accurate identification.
Prevention tips include:
- Speak with other mothers.
- Maintain a nutritious diet.
- Keep realistic expectations.
- Spend quality time with family and friends.
