1 in 5 new mothers face postpartum depression: Sudha Murty seeks national policy

In the Rajya Sabha, Sudha Murty urged the Centre to consider a national screening and support framework for postpartum depression. Her intervention has pushed maternal mental healthcare into focus as an essential part of postnatal care.Postpartum depression in India: Sudha Murty seeks national screening policy. (Photo: Representational )Postpartum depression can affect a mother's mental health at a time when she is also adjusting to major physical, emotional and lifestyle changes after childbirth. Despite being a serious medical condition, symptoms can often go unnoticed or be dismissed as a normal part of becoming a new mother.The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha by Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, who called maternal mental healthcare an "essential yet frequently overlooked" part of healthcare. She urged the Central government to consider a national policy and screening framework to identify and support women experiencing mental health problems after childbirth.Speaking during a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, Murty said studies indicate that one in five new mothers in India experience postpartum depression, which can involve intense sadness, anxiety and fatigue after childbirth.Her comments have brought renewed attention to the need for mental health support for women during pregnancy and after delivery, when physical recovery and emotional changes can make the period particularly challenging. WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?Postpartum depression is a form of depression that can develop after childbirth. It is more serious and persistent than the temporary emotional changes often called the "baby blues".A new mother may experience persistent sadness, anxiety, extreme tiredness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite or feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Some women may also find it difficult to bond with their baby or feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for a newborn.While having some emotional ups and downs after childbirth can be common, symptoms that are severe, persistent or interfere with daily life require medical attention.WHY POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION CAN BE MISSEDThe early months after childbirth can be physically and emotionally demanding. Lack of sleep, hormonal changes, breastfeeding challenges, recovery from delivery and the pressure of caring for a newborn can all affect how a mother feels.As a result, symptoms of depression may sometimes be mistaken for normal exhaustion or adjustment to motherhood.Social expectations can also make some women hesitant to talk about negative emotions after childbirth. A mother may feel that she is expected to be happy after having a baby and may therefore hide feelings of sadness, anxiety or inadequacy.This can delay diagnosis and treatment.WHY SCREENING COULD MATTERMurty's call for a national screening framework focuses attention on identifying mental health problems early.Routine screening during postnatal healthcare could help doctors identify women who may need further evaluation or psychological support.Screening can also create an opportunity for healthcare professionals to ask mothers about their emotional wellbeing rather than focusing only on physical recovery, breastfeeding and the baby's health.Early identification is important because postpartum depression is treatable. Depending on the severity, treatment can include psychological counselling, therapy, social support and medication when prescribed by a doctor.POSTPARTUM MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS MORE ATTENTIONMaternal healthcare often focusses heavily on pregnancy, childbirth and physical recovery. Mental health, however, is also an important part of a mother's overall wellbeing.Untreated postpartum depression can affect a mother's quality of life and her ability to manage daily activities. It can also affect family relationships and the mother's ability to cope with the demands of caring for a newborn.This makes access to mental healthcare an important part of postnatal care. Murty's intervention in Parliament has placed maternal mental healthcare on the policy agenda, with her calling for a national screening and support framework for new mothers.Such a framework could help integrate mental health screening into routine maternal and postnatal healthcare and improve access to timely support.The broader message is that maternal health does not end with childbirth. Supporting a mother's mental wellbeing should be considered an essential part of postnatal care, alongside monitoring physical recovery and the health of the newborn.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Aug 12, 2026 14:48 IST