Maternal Mental Health Awareness
1 in 5 new mothers in India has perinatal depression. Most never get screened. We change that this fortnight.
Postpartum depression in India is undercounted, undertreated, and stigmatised. The good news: it's also catchable with a 10-question screen most clinicians never run. SHELY Care already has every pregnant and postpartum user's phase data. This fortnight we turn that data into a one-tap mental-health check + a warm referral to a clinician trained in perinatal care.
What the fortnight ships
EPDS in-Care
10 questions, ~2 minutes. Result is private to the user; if score crosses threshold, an opt-in referral is offered.
Perinatal-trained clinicians
Filtered list of SHELY Doctor providers with perinatal-mental-health certifications. Tele-consult booking inline.
Partner kit
A 4-card guide in Care + One for partners (husband, mother, doula) — what to watch for, what to say, what NOT to say.
The fortnight
- Apr 25Soft launch
EPDS goes live in Care. Notification to every postpartum user (last 18 months).
- Apr 29Sakhi spotlight
Three real mothers share their PPD journeys.
- May 1Partner kit
Released in One app — auto-shows for partners of pregnant users.
- May 6WMMHD
World Maternal Mental Health Day. Doodle takeover + IVR push.
- May 8Wrap
Sakhi AMA with three perinatal psychiatrists.
Common questions
What is postpartum depression (PPD)?
A clinical depression that begins within the first year after birth. Symptoms persist beyond the typical "baby blues" — sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, difficulty bonding with baby, intrusive thoughts. PPD is treatable. It is not weakness, and it is not your fault.
What is postnatal depression (PND)?
PND and PPD are often used interchangeably; some clinicians use PND to include antenatal (during-pregnancy) depression too. The treatment principles are similar: screen, talk to a perinatal-trained clinician, get support early.
When is sadness "normal" baby blues versus PPD?
Baby blues are common in the first two weeks — tearfulness, mood swings — and pass on their own. If low mood, anxiety, or detachment lasts beyond two weeks or interferes with sleeping, eating, or bonding, it is worth taking the EPDS and talking to a clinician.
Are there free options?
Yes. The EPDS in Care is free. Government hospitals in many states have perinatal mental-health clinics. SHELY also publishes a list of NGOs (iCall, Vandrevala, Mpower) offering free counselling. See /care/care-team for options near you.
Can I take medication if I am breastfeeding?
In many cases yes — several SSRIs (like sertraline) are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Never start or stop on your own. A perinatal psychiatrist will choose the safest option for you and the baby.
My EPDS came back 17. I was convinced I was a bad mother. The perinatal psychiatrist Care referred me to changed everything in eight weeks. I wish someone had handed me that screen at the first paediatric visit.
Keep going
This campaign is one nudge. Here's where it leads on SHELY.
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