Mothers and their children had a field day on Wednesday at the Mother’s Day celebrations organised by The Hindu in association with Rainbow Hospitals.
On the eve of Mother’s Day, a special session for mothers and expecting mothers was addressed by doctors of Rainbow Hospitals.
Speaking at length to the mothers and expecting mothers, noted psychiatrist V. Radhika Reddy allayed the fears of the newly married women, mothers and expecting mothers.
Stressing the importance of having mental peace before and after pregnancy and post delivery, Dr. Radhika said, “Females have more chances of occurrence of mental issues due to hormones. After delivery and before delivery women face psychological issues.”
Dr. Radhika further said that many factors like the planning of pregnancy, expecting a baby girl and others impact the mental health of the pregnant women.
“Psychological problems depend on whether it is a planned pregnancy or unplanned pregnancy, wanted or unwanted pregnancy and strongly expecting a baby of a particular gender and others. A mother who gave birth to a girl through IVF procedure after expecting a boy for months is now being treated for the mental condition for past seven months. Such is the intensity of impact on women surrounded by various social issues and bodily changes,” Dr. Radhika said.
“It is a must for pregnant women to stay peaceful and be prepared to face the body image problems and take additional responsibilities.
“Fifty per cent of the mothers face mental blues post delivery. They have to overcome a lot of emotional and bodily imbalances and if they fail to do so that may impact the health of the baby,” she said.
Breastfeeding
Rekha Prabhu, gynaecologist, Rainbow Hospitals, said that breastfeeding for at least six months after delivery was necessary and it would also help mothers reduce their weight.
About nutrition needed by pregnant women, Dr. Rekha said one should eat a lot of fruits and vegetables of different colours every day apart from having at least 600 ml of milk or its by-products like curd and paneer.
“Young mothers get scared of putting on more weight as one would put on at least 10 kg of weight. It should be constantly checked. Performing stretching exercises under the supervision of physiotherapist will help,” she said.
Later, mothers and their children walked the ramp. Every participant also got a free coffee mug printed with the pictures clicked by the organisers at the event. Also, a quiz was conducted for mothers.
Ram Prasad, Head of Paediatrics, R. Subba Rao, Vice President-Operations, gynaecologists Uma Mikkilineni, Manu Jasti, Madhavi Latha, Nirvana, Nirupama and others took part.
