Kylie Jenner talks about postpartum depression, changes in body: How new mothers can navigate body dysmorphia

According to Ashutosh Tiwari, psychologist at MindGlass Well-being in Delhi, postpartum mothers often experience rapid hormonal changes, which may lead to sudden weight gain and loose skin around the abdomen. “This physical shift, along with the stress of caring for a newborn, can make them vulnerable to depression. This may manifest in persistent low moods, social withdrawal, and even a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed,” he said.

How can new mothers navigate postnatal body dysmorphia?

According to Tiwari, the first step is to seek professional help to recognise their level of body dysmorphia, a mental perception where a person thinks and shows concerns about their perceived appearance. “While it doesn’t last forever, due to postpartum, new mothers are highly vulnerable to this condition. Consulting with a registered mental health psychologist can assist in accurately diagnosing their conditioning and providing appropriate psychoeducation about their body dysmorphia,” he said.

He also recommended Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which helps people adopt practical and rational thoughts about their bodies, helping new mothers to successfully beat the postpartum period, sometimes with medication as well.

Social support from family and friends and elderly women in family and the community can provide close guidance and education (Source: Freepik)

Accepting the postpartum body changes as an essential and universal thing and avoiding negative self-talk can help mothers develop better self-compassion. He suggested that mothers can practice mindfulness-based activities which can help them reduce their anxiety and body arousal due to stressful thinking, such as:

• focused meditation: focusing on one object, like their breath, and at the same time imaging a positive scenery in their mind (beaches, greenery)
• deep breathing
• journaling
• grounding (looking at five things, touching four things, listening to three sounds, smelling two different things, such as lemon and hanky perfume, and tasting one thing)

Tiwari also advised against smoking, excessive caffeine, and energy drinks, suggesting light exercise, uplifting literature, nature walks, and time with family to aid recovery.

Social support from family, friends, and community can make a significant difference. Listening without judgment and simply being there for new mothers can help them navigate this vulnerable time more easily.