Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 16: While the world often celebrates the joys of motherhood, the silent battles that women endure during pregnancy and beyond often go unnoticed. Behind the smiles and lullabies lies a different reality — one marked by sleepless nights, emotional upheaval, physical exhaustion, and a lack of support that takes a profound toll on a woman’s mental and physical health.
For many women, pregnancy is not just a biological transformation — it is a rollercoaster of fluctuating hormones, unpredictable body changes, and anxiety about the future. The journey becomes more challenging when paired with societal expectations to remain cheerful and composed, even when struggling internally.
“I loved being pregnant, but I cried myself to sleep most nights,” shares Asha D’Souza, a first-time mother in Udupi. “I felt isolated and overwhelmed. No one talks about the emotional storm you face. Everyone just tells you to be happy.”
Sleep deprivation is one of the most debilitating yet normalized aspects of new motherhood. Studies suggest that women can lose between 400 to 700 hours of sleep in the first year after childbirth. The constant demands of feeding, diapering, and soothing an infant around the clock leave many mothers mentally drained and physically exhausted.
Medical experts say this sleeplessness is more than just a minor inconvenience. “Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to severe mood swings, postpartum depression, and even long-term health issues,” says Dr. Priya Noronha, a gynaecologist at a private hospital in Mangaluru. “Yet, we often dismiss mothers’ cries for help as part of the parenting package.”
While awareness around postpartum depression is slowly increasing, mental health support remains severely lacking in most parts of India. Women often battle guilt for not feeling "joyful enough," further silencing their struggles. “There’s this pressure to bond instantly with your baby and appear radiant. But what if you feel nothing but exhaustion and fear?” asks Rekha Fernandes, a young mother in Goa.
Experts and activists are calling for stronger mental health screening during antenatal and postnatal care. They urge families, employers, and healthcare providers to acknowledge the emotional load women carry and provide the support they desperately need.
“There is heroism in what mothers endure daily, but that doesn't mean they should suffer in silence,” adds Dr Noronha.
As society continues to celebrate motherhood, it must also start validating the hidden pain that comes with it. Supporting mothers — emotionally, medically, and socially — is not just a gesture of kindness, but a necessity for building healthier families and communities.