A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG FEEDING MOTHERS AT ARIYANKUPPAM-PUDUCHERRY

Paper ID: EIJTEM_2026_13_2_306-313

Author's Name: Perkish Salomina M, Vanathi Selvaraj, Durai Raj J

Volume: 13

Issue: 2

Year: 2026

Page No: 306-313

Abstract:

Postpartum mental health is an important component of maternal and child well-being. Emotional distress after childbirth may occur alongside physical recovery, disrupted sleep, feeding demands, changing family roles and the need for practical and emotional support. This study describes selected physical, emotional and family-related experiences reported by 100 feeding mothers residing in Ariyankuppam. This research paper identifies a descriptive research design and a self-prepared questionnaire covering physical health, emotional health and family relationships. The research findings indicate that 57% of respondents agreed that they felt physically exhausted after breastfeeding, 61% reported back or joint pain after childbirth, and 63% agreed that fatigue made daily tasks difficult. This research reports frequent anxiety or panic attacks among 56% of respondents and lack of emotional support among 41%; the detailed tables also indicate that 46% agreed or strongly agreed that they felt isolated from family and friends. The sample was predominantly married, with 57% reported as graduates, 72% as unemployed, and 74% having one child. The article highlights the need for sensitive postpartum enquiry, family awareness, accessible referral pathways and better-designed local research.

Keywords: postpartum, mental health, depression, feeding mothers, family support, maternal well-being

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