Beyond the Birth: How Two Indian Women Found Strength and Support in Postpartum Recovery
Image via Better India
Image via Better IndiaBy TheTrendingPeople.com Staff Writer
Published on May 29, 2025
When a child is born, a mother is reborn too. But unlike the baby, she doesn’t always receive the care, attention, or support she needs during the most vulnerable phase of her life: the postpartum period.
In India, where new mothers often battle outdated customs, unsolicited advice, and minimal emotional support, postpartum recovery can feel isolating. Yet, amid the chaos, some women find their anchors — in family, in love, and in everyday acts of kindness.
TheTrendingPeople.com spoke with two women from Hyderabad and Mumbai who opened up about their postpartum journeys — and how the presence of thoughtful husbands and supportive families helped them heal.
“My in-laws gave up their jobs for my baby. That changed everything.” — M Sharanya, Hyderabad
For M Sharanya, becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic came with more than just health fears — it meant navigating childbirth, recovery, and newborn care in a time of global uncertainty.
Sharanya, who works at the Food Corporation of India, delivered her first child via C-section. What made all the difference, she says, was her support system. “My in-laws quit their jobs just to care for our baby. That gave me peace of mind and the space to recover,” she recalls.
The toughest part? Breastfeeding. “It was my biggest struggle. My 60-year-old mother-in-law stepped in completely, ensuring my baby never went hungry,” she adds.
Between her parents' home and her in-laws’, Sharanya found something most Indian mothers still yearn for — a network that prioritizes the mother’s well-being just as much as the baby’s.
But one presence stood out above all.
“It’s the husband a woman looks to after childbirth,” she says. “Everyone was focused on the baby, but my husband would check if I’d eaten, taken my medicines, or simply needed a break. That’s the kind of love that heals.”
“He took a month off work so I wouldn’t feel alone.” — Aminta, Mumbai
For Aminta, motherhood came after years of loss. “We went through two miscarriages and three failed IUIs. I was constantly told to be patient, but the emotional toll was overwhelming,” she says.
When she finally became pregnant, complications struck at 28 weeks. Aminta was put on strict bed rest until delivery at 38 weeks.
But the real test came after the baby arrived.
“The first month was manageable thanks to my mother. My husband, Neil, also took a month off to support us. But after she left, things spiraled,” she recalls.
Juggling work as a young entrepreneur, Aminta had just eight weeks of maternity leave. “I was breastfeeding, managing my business, and trying to heal all at once.”
What made things worse were the constant “well-meaning” messages. “A relative from abroad told me to tie my belly tight or I’d have a ‘hanging stomach forever.’ Others gave me unsolicited breastfeeding advice. All it did was add stress,” she says.
Through the chaos, Neil’s quiet support kept her going. “Every night, we check in with each other. He tells me I’m doing a good job — that kind of validation means everything,” she adds.
Eleven weeks later, Aminta still feels the trauma. “I’m still figuring out who I’ve become after childbirth. It’s not easy.”
What Exactly Happens After Childbirth?
The postpartum period — typically lasting six to eight weeks — brings massive physical and psychological changes. The body heals from delivery, hormones drop, and lactation begins. But this period also introduces unpredictable mood swings, fatigue, and vulnerability.
According to Dr Harish Chandra Reddy, Consultant Psychiatrist in Hyderabad, “Postpartum blues are extremely common. They include anxiety, crying spells, and sleep issues, but with enough rest and family support, most women recover.”
He emphasizes the husband’s role. “When husbands are emotionally present — asking how the mother feels, not just how the baby is doing — it creates a safety net for her mental health.”
When Support Isn't Enough: Recognizing Postpartum Depression
If emotional symptoms persist beyond two weeks, it may be Postpartum Depression (PPD) — a more serious condition that includes severe mood changes, guilt, crying spells, or feelings of hopelessness.
“In rare cases,” says Dr Harish, “Postpartum Psychosis may occur, involving confusion, delusional thinking, or emotional detachment. But with medical care — including therapy and medication — recovery is possible within weeks.”
The Bottom Line: Healing Takes a Village
Postpartum doesn’t have to be a lonely battle. Sharanya and Aminta’s stories remind us that with the right support — whether from parents, partners, or in-laws — women can come through stronger, calmer, and more confident.
After all, it’s not just about raising a child. It’s also about raising a mother.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly shared stories and insights from new mothers and medical professionals. It has been rewritten in TheTrendingPeople.com’s editorial style for awareness and information purposes. No exclusive interviews were conducted for this report.