Author: Dr. Kavya Krishna Kumar MBBS, FMAS, MS
Consultant: Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Chennai

The impact and implications of society in a post-pandemic world for new mothers, working mothers, and other primary caregivers.

The one thing in common between being a caregiver and living through the COVID-19 pandemic is that your life will never be the same again. Wading through life’s tussles with a crying baby in your arms is no easy task; ask anyone and they will agree. Dealing with postnatal anxiety, breastfeeding issues, potential sickness, the fear of running out of resources, and other such uncertainties, are part and parcel of the journey of motherhood. As we acclimatise to the new normal, here are a few things to help get you going.

Acknowledge your feelings

At a time when everything is opening up, children could be looking forward to returning to school and reconnecting with their friends and teachers. They could be excited or anxious about sports and performance arts, or as a working mom, you may feel similar jitters of nervousness about going back to work, or yet, starting out at a new workplace. Accept that all these feelings are valid, and that there are no right or wrong answers. Help your family members name their feelings that they might be feeling, truly hear them out and try to understand their point of view, so that they feel safe and validated.

Prioritize your health 

Whether you are working from home or are a homemaker, ensure that you and your family are getting the right nutrition, exercise, and timely vaccinations for immunization. On days when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed emotionally, reach out to your loved ones for support and do not hesitate to seek the right professional help. Even something as abstract as a sense of sudden emptiness for empty nesters could lead to a legitimate health concern, if left unattended. 

Postpartum depression for new mothers
Postpartum depression is the dark side of pregnancy for a lot of newly-turned moms. If you are unable to connect with the baby, the last thing you should do is blame yourself. Seeking the support of your partner, friends and family members can help you process your emotions better. If symptoms like irritability, uncontrolled crying, change in appetite, mood swings and troubled sleep show up and persist, it's a good idea to consult a counsellor.

Rethinking what you value
If the pandemic has reminded us anything at all, it is how interdependent we all are. We’ve learnt plenty about what matters to us, who really cares about us, what’s our idea of a home, or a support system, the kind of healthcare we need, or what’s our idea of comfort. It’s now time to put all this to good use and prioritize our tasks, relationships, and goals. Better clarity on your priorities will help you to focus and be more productive in everything that you do.

Last but not the least, self-care

Hailed as the epitome of sacrifice, the quintessential Indian woman has often neglected her own needs to prioritize those of her family. However, now that we are talking about the new normal in practically every aspect of our lives, it would not hurt if women learnt to take better care of themselves without feeling apologetic about it. Whether you’re a new mom, or entering your forties, or close to retirement, there’s no better time to focus on your physical and mental health, as we usher in an era of a ‘new kind of normal’.

The good news is that many of these conditions can be managed by making healthy lifestyle choices and getting treatment on time. Exercising caution and care can go a long way when you hit the big four-oh.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Chennai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best womancare hospital in Chennai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr.Kavya Krishna Kumar, please book your appointment here.