Summary: In this episode of the Enduring Health Podcast, we talk to Dr Raja Gangopadhyay about how to support mental health and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy. Dr Raja is the Founder of the International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy, a global initiative that raises awareness on a pregnant woman’s mental wellbeing. Discover today what should healthy wellbeing means for every individual. Dr Raja also discusses the complications that can happen if we don’t ensure a healthy and positive environment for a pregnant woman. It’s time to know how you can help promote a healthy emotional wellbeing during pregnancy for the woman and her family by learning about Dr Raja’s 4 approaches so make sure to tune in. Find out more about Dr Raja’s work with the International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy here. KEY TAKEAWAYS According to Dr Raja, ‘wellbeing’ should have 3 components: More frequent positive emotions Less negative emotions Happiness and satisfaction with the quality of life Parenthood, from planning a pregnancy to 2-3 years after childbirth, can be very challenging. There will be different kind of stress that can cause pregnancy problems so it is vital that we address the wellbeing and mental health of mothers and their partners. 4 Approaches towards Healthier emotional wellbeing: Diet – The structure of the brain improves if you have a nutrient-rich and vitamin-rich. The brain does its function faultlessly. Hydration is also important. Exercise – There are various physical activities everywhere that you can do and it can be tailor-made depending on your situation and what you need. Rest – When you make sure you get adequate sleep, you’re actually moving away from mental illnesses. It can be quite challenging to get enough sleep when you have a newborn baby so it’s best to ask help from your partner also. Relaxation –This is different from sleep – you also need deep relaxation of your body and mind. Practice mindfulness through meditation. BEST MOMENTS “It is not anything different from any healthy food habit but specifically focusing on avoiding unhealthy food is the commonsense approach.” “Adequate sleep is absolutely vital and taking a break from whatever you’re doing… specifically, if you’re at work, it’s absolutely vital that you take a break on great levels.” “Unless we educate the entire society and encourage them to seek help, we might lose a lot of cases.” “We, as healthcare professionals, should encourage them to talk about their emotional and mental difficulties each and every consultation.” VALUABLE RESOURCES International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy The Big Prescription: Balancing The Three Principles of Enduring Health by Dr Shan Hussain ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Raja Gangopadhyay is a consultant obstetrician and founder of the International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy. He has been passionately campaigning to help provide comprehensive obstetric care for women with perinatal mental health illnesses during pregnancy and after childbirth. In conjunction with his multidisciplinary team, Dr Raja has been championing joint approaches to support perinatal mental health that also take into account infant mental health. He also organises training and educational events for Obstetricians, Midwives, GPs and other healthcare professionals around his area of expertise. He is a renowned speaker and has been invited to talk at many national and international events, conferences and universities. He was recently invited to the House of Lords as a member of an expert panel on perinatal mental health and has also organised and chaired events at the House of Commons in British Parliament. ABOUT THE HOST Dr Shan Hussain is an author, general practitioner, health coach, wellness advisor and ambassador to the World Health Innovation Summit. As Founder of The Health Studio and a medical doctor of 18 years, he has a special interest in health promotion and disease prevention. He works with individuals and organisations to help naturally improve health in a sustainable, holistic manner. Dr Hussain has developed several coaching and mentorship programmes designed to help reverse the symptoms of many stress-related health problems. His best-selling book, 'The Big Prescription' serves as a guide for readers to learn about evidence-based holistic health practices that create the foundation of his work. CONTACT METHOD Dr Shan Hussain Connect with Dr Shan Hussain through his website at http://www.thehealthstudio.net. If you would like to support our Podcast, please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/enduringhealth Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/enduringhealth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
