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No matter how many books you read on motherhood, there is no perfect way to truly predict how life will change after childbirth. Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia, who was blessed with a daughter in 2018, remembers this journey to motherhood as quite the rollercoaster ride. After the birth of her daughter, Mehr, Neha found herself navigating the highs and lows of postpartum life, a journey filled with both joy and struggle. Talking about how her postpartum journey lasted for almost eight months, she says that she wasn’t expecting the changes that came her way. In a Health Shots interview, Neha Dhupia talked about the emotional transition of becoming a mom, reflecting on how every mother’s experience is unique and how being open about it can help.
Often referred to as the fourth trimester, postpartum brings with it its own emotional turmoil and upheavals. Addressing them promptly is crucial for a smooth recovery, says Neha Dhupia. Opening up about her own experience, she shared, “To say I didn’t experience postpartum would be untrue. With Mehr, our firstborn, I definitely went through it. My postpartum was much more intense and lasted almost eight months.”
Postpartum refers to the period following childbirth. As per the StatPearls, the postpartum period begins soon after the baby’s delivery and usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks. It ends when the mother’s body nearly returns to its pre-pregnancy state. During this phase, the body works to return to its pre-pregnancy state, involving hormonal shifts, changes in the uterus, and physical recovery from childbirth. Additionally, many women experience emotional challenges, including postpartum anxiety, depression, or mood swings, commonly known as the “baby blues.”
Also Read: Neha Dhupia on embracing motherhood, normalising period talk and breaking taboos
These changes are part of the body’s natural recovery process but can be overwhelming for new mothers. Neha Dhupia, reflecting on her journey shared, “I saw bodily changes. I felt like my world had shifted. I wasn’t used to it.”
A study published in the Author Manuscript, Birth, highlights 11 possible symptoms of postpartum, including, fatigue, headache, nausea or vomiting, backache, constipation, breast soreness, and more. As per the National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, symptoms of perinatal depression include persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood, feelings of hopelessness, irritation, and more.
Here are some of the tell-tale symptoms of postpartum that every new mom must take into account.
Lack of sleep is a common challenge for new mothers as they juggle the constant needs of their newborn with their own recovery process. Neha Dhupia also shared about how difficult it was to navigate the emotional side of postpartum which accompany sleep deprivation. “When you are going through it, you almost feel miserable because your body undergoes changes, your emotions are in turmoil and you are constantly sleep-deprived,” she said. As per a study published in the journal, Sleep Research Society, postpartum women sleep less during the early weeks following childbirth than during pregnancy and other periods of reproductive age.
The exhaustion can lead to irritability, feelings of inadequacy, and sometimes even feelings of isolation. A study published in BMC Women’s Health suggests that postpartum women at risk of postpartum depression face a heightened likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms later in the postpartum phase if sleep issues worsen or show only minimal improvement over time.
Postpartum blues, or baby blues, is common within the first week after delivery, with symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and more. These typically resolve within two weeks, but if symptoms persist, medical attention is recommended, as per a study published in StatPearls. Stress incontinence, caused by pelvic floor damage during labor, affects many women postpartum, with risk factors including obesity and forceps use. Kegel exercises, bladder training, and weight loss are recommended for management. Hemorrhoids, caused by constipation or labor, can be managed with increased fibre and stool softeners, and severe cases may require medical intervention.
Postpartum recovery is not just about physical healing but also about mental and emotional well-being. Neha Dhupia emphasised that during her second child’s postpartum phase, she was better prepared. “During our son, Guriq’s time, I knew what to expect, so I handled it differently,” she added. While postpartum challenges can affect a new mother’s confidence and sense of self, Neha highlights the importance of seeking help and not going through it alone. “If you’re going through it, speak up. Don’t dwell in your own kind of isolation,” she adds. Emotional support from family during the first week is highly beneficial for recovery.
Neha Dhupia’s message to new mothers is clear: self-care and support are key to overcoming postpartum challenges. Understanding the symptoms, acknowledging the difficulties, and seeking support when needed can help new mothers face this critical time of their lives. Here are a few suggestions that Neha gives to all new moms:
Postpartum is a journey filled with challenges. But a better understanding of this phase can help you overcome it effectively.
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