Experts shed light on antenatal to postpartum care at Mother's Day special webinar

The Hindu

10-05-2025

As part of The Hindu's wellness series, in collaboration with Kauvery Hospital, a webinar titled 'Understanding Motherhood and Postpartum Care' was held on May 10 in celebration of Mother's Day.
The session featured four expert doctors from Kauvery Hospital, who shared valuable insights into physical, emotional and psychological challenges that new mothers face.
Thendral K., Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, spoke on the importance of antenatal care. 'Motherhood is one of the most profound and transformative journey a woman can experience,' she said.
Dr. Thendral emphasised the critical role of antenatal care in identifying potential complications early and, ensuring timely medical interventions. She advocated for a holistic, evidence-based approach that safeguards maternal health, while monitoring foetal development closely. Proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet, she said, are essential for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
T. Siraj Fathima, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, addressed intrapartum care, with a focus on labour and delivery. She explained various modes of childbirth and introduced a comprehensive labour care guide.
'Having a birth companion, such as a spouse or mother, can greatly reduce anxiety during labour,' she said.
Dr. Fathima also discussed the stages of labour and their typical durations, stressing that unexpected complications could arise and must be managed with appropriate medical support.
Anitha, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, focused on postpartum care, defining the postpartum period as the first six weeks after delivery. She highlighted the importance of a nutritious diet to support physical recovery during this time.
'For breastfeeding mothers, progesterone-only pills are preferred over combined contraceptives,' Dr. Anitha advised and raised awareness on postpartum blues and depression, urging families to recognise symptoms early and seek timely professional help.
Providing an overview on breastfeeding, Susan Mathen, Consultant, Obstetrics, Gynaecology & IVF at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, described the stages of breast milk — starting with colostrum in the first days, followed by transitional milk, then mature milk, which includes foremilk and hind milk.
'One key sign that your baby is feeding well is passing bright yellow, watery stools,' she added.