Mothers sensitized on mental, physical and emotional well-being

GUWAHATI: Healthy, happy mothers make healthy, happy children. During pregnancy, especially, it is essential that the mother-to-be remain calm and fit to ensure the overall well-being of her unborn child. Similarly, the health and disposition of the mother has a direct impact on that of the children she is raising. Reason enough for mothers to take care of their mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Various issues like this were addressed by well-known doctors of the city on the occasion of Mother's Day at an event entitled Celebrating Motherhood', organized by The Times of India in association with Mother's Horlicks and Cordlife at the Vivekananda Kendra auditorium near Uzan Bazar on Sunday.The event was supported by 92.7 Big FM, Rang, LG Electronics, Kid Veda, Annapurna and Hotel Gateway Grandeur.
Specialists such as paediatrician and neonatologist Prakritish Bora, psychiatrist Jayanta Das, dietician Upama Dutta and obstetrician and gynaecologist Gokul Chandra Das discussed with the participants the various aspects of motherhood and explained how they should take care of their mental and physical health.
Stressing on the importance of planning a pregnancy properly, Prakritish Bora said, "Even till date, there are instances of child-bearing deaths in India. So, it is essential that the pregnancy is properly planned and the couple takes care to understand the various aspects associated with having a child." He also cleared various misconceptions. For instance, many participants had the idea that undergoing an ultrasound could during pregnancy could be harmful for the child, but Bora explained that this is not the case.
Well-known city-based psychiatrist Jayanta Das stressed on the mental well-being of the mother. He said mental anxiety disorder and depression are some of the diseases that are on the rise. In the case of mothers-to-be, it is essential that the environment at home and outside is healthy, stress-free and relaxed. "Mothers should be emotionally mature and should be able to identify their own stress-related problems." Das said. He also explained that the first six years of a child are the formative years, when he or she should get a proper home environment. A child coming from an abusive environment would not have proper mental growth.
Upama Dutta maintained that it is important that the mother has a healthy, balanced diet to ensure that she has a healthy baby and there are no complications. Participants enquired about different pregnancy-related issues and were even given away prizes from a lucky draw.