It is said there’s no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one! Supporting mothers irrespective of their age, location, groups can help them touch some of those million ways. The question is – what are that support and how can we enable those? To answer these, we invited Dr. Asha Sharma, Senior Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon at Artemis and Motherhood Hospital Gurgaon.
Dr. Asha shared few insights on how we can support mothers today by making them self-aware of their health during and post-pregnancy. Dr. Asha asked mothers to be watchful of any unusual bleeding, pain abdomen during pregnancy, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Talking about what can be the early signs of labour, Dr. Asha said its contractions or regular crampy pain in the abdomen or tummy (similar to pain during periods), leaking of water vaginally, pinkish discharge or decreased baby movements are a few signs of labour. If a mother experiences any of these symptoms, they should immediately report to the hospital.
Support Mothers today to ensure healthy mothers and children!
She also explained that a proper diet, adequate amount of water intake, and sleep are must for both mother and the growing child. When the child is born, it is very important for a mother to take a healthy, pristine rich, balanced diet, rest, follow medications and maintain hygiene. To avoid any kind of post-pregnancy infections, practising hand hygiene is of utmost importance. A new mother experiences bleeding for about 40 days, which is called as postpartum period.
Dr. Asha mentioned with nuclear families, postpartum depression is also increasing in mothers. In India, we have a culture that new mothers visit their parents’ house for sometime after delivery. This time off with their parents help them get emotional and physical support to acclimatise with new motherhood and its demands. Family support is very important during the postpartum period and breastfeeding.
On childcare and breastfeeding, Dr Asha emphasised that a mother’s milk is the most important nutrition for a newborn. Hence, it is important for a mother to exclusively breastfeed her newborn for at least 6 months as and when the baby demands during the day. Dr Asha mentioned that during breastfeeding feeding healthy, iron and protein-rich diet is recommended.
For the child’s growth, Dr. Asha mentioned that it’s important to notice that child is active, playful, taking feeds and urinating regularly. These are some of the important factors to ensure a child’s well-being. With respect to motions, 1 time in 5 days or 5 times in 1 day is also okay. A visit to a doctor is a must if the child is lethargic, skin colour is yellow, not gaining wait, not taking regular feeds, excessively crying, vomiting. Child’s proper and timely vaccination is key for them to fight against diseases, Dr Asha concludes.
Awareness is never-ending. Real empowerment is knowing your own body and being aware of your surroundings, and raising your child in a safe, healthy and happy environment. Don’t be judgmental of new mothers, but help them understand motherhood beautifully!
About Dr. Asha Sharma:
Dr. Asha Sharma is a Senior Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon at Artemis and Motherhood Hospital, Gurgaon. With more than 26 years of experience, Dr Asha specialises in Ovary Removal Surgery, Early Pregnancy Scan, Dysmenorrhea Treatment, Hysteroscopic Myomectomy and Vagina Surgery.
