Welcome to our initiative, “A Mother After Pregnancy,” dedicated to creating awareness about postpartum mental health. This project aims to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by mothers after childbirth, including postpartum depression and anxiety. Through the power of visual arts, infographics, and community engagement, we strive to educate mothers, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals about the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur during and after pregnancy. Our platform will feature scientifically curated infographics, expert articles, and real-life experiences from mothers, all compiled into an accessible e-magazine format. Available in multiple languages, this resource will be freely distributed online and through hospitals, clinics, and educational websites. By fostering understanding and support, we hope to empower mothers and their families to navigate this critical phase with confidence and care.
Assistant Professor, IIT Bhilai
Dr. Arun Kumar Upadhyay is an esteemed researcher and educator specializing in neurodegeneration, proteomics, and drug discovery. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai, he integrates cutting-edge bioscience methodologies with AI-driven approaches to advance biomedical research. Dr. Upadhyay holds a Ph.D. in Bioscience and Bioengineering from IIT Jodhpur, complemented by an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Lucknow and a B.Sc. Honors from Hans Raj College, University of Delhi. His academic journey has been enriched by postdoctoral research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he contributed to groundbreaking studies on protein misfolding, amyloid aggregation, and neurodegenerative diseases. His research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, cancer biology, aging, maternal and child health and autophagy, employing mass spectrometry and proteomics to unravel complex biological mechanisms. As an Associate Editor for multiple journals, including BMC Molecular and Cell Biology, BMC Neuroscience, and Frontiers in Genetics, he plays a pivotal role in shaping scientific discourse. His contributions extend to international collaborations, with memberships in prestigious organizations and fellowships from national and international organizations. Dr. Upadhyay is deeply passionate about science communication, striving to bridge the gap between complex research and public understanding. He actively engages in outreach initiatives, crafting accessible educational materials and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. Through workshops, publications, and digital platforms, he advocates for inclusive, impactful scientific discourse, ensuring knowledge translates into societal benefit.
Associate Scientific Art Director, Ethosh
Isha is a trained cell culture analyst turned visual science communicator, working at the unique intersection of science, data, art, and design. With a passion for transforming complex scientific ideas into visually engaging content, she has collaborated on award-winning projects that blend art and science. Her expertise spans scientific illustrations, motion graphics, infographics, and research comics, all aimed at making science accessible and impactful. With a diverse background in research, design, and ed-tech, Isha has worked with leading organizations like Byju’s, IndiaBioscience, and Cactus Communication. She is also a co-applicant of the prestigious IndiaBioscience 5th Outreach Grant, creating infographics for this project on postpartum depression. Her portfolio showcases her dedication to science communication through innovative visual storytelling.
Assistant Professor, MIT-WPU Pune
Dr. (Ar.) Somya Mishra is a highly accomplished and research-driven architect and designer, blending a robust academic background with professional design sensibility. With a Doctorate in Design from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and a Master’s in Architecture from IIT Roorkee, she brings deep theoretical insight to her practice. A licensed architect in India and an accredited green building professional (IGBC-AP, GEM-CP), she has developed a multifaceted design perspective rooted in sustainability, ergonomics, and user-centered design. Her diverse professional journey spans academic and international design settings, including her role as an Architectural Designer in Chicago and faculty positions at reputed institutions like MIT World Peace University, Pune. She has contributed as a teaching assistant at top-tier institutions (IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee) and for national-level NPTEL certification programs. Dr. Mishra has presented at numerous international conferences such as ICoRD, SEANES, and HWWE, and has participated in advanced workshops on green architecture, statistical modeling, and disaster mitigation. Her unique blend of academic rigor, industry experience, and global exposure positions her as a leading design thinker capable of creating innovative, user-centric digital and spatial experiences—particularly in the realm of user centered design.
Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS Nagpur
Dr. Amrita Singh completed her MBBS from GMCH Nagpur under MUHS Nashik and pursued her postgraduation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the prestigious Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad. With over 12 years of academic and clinical experience, she has worked across various reputed institutions, including AIIMS Raipur, MGIMS Wardha, KIMS Telangana, and NKPSIMS Nagpur, contributing to teaching, high-risk obstetrics, critical care, and medical research. She has had the privilege of establishing and organizing academic units and events such as High-Risk Obstetrics Units, CMEs, PG workshops, and laparoscopic training modules. Her research work includes 11 peer-reviewed publications, ranging from maternal mental health and thyroid disorders in pregnancy to rare gynaecological cases. Currently, she is the Co-Principal Investigator on an outreach grant from India Bioscience, working on postpartum depression awareness through infographics. She has presented at national and international conferences, including FIGO 2021, and was honoured with the Dr. Manjula Rohatgi Endoscopy Award at NOGS 2024. She holds certifications in research methodology, ultrasound, critical care in obstetrics, and am also a certified instructor for obstetric emergency courses like ALSO and BLSO. Education is her passion, and she has created educational video tutorials on maternal resuscitation and breastfeeding awareness, aimed at both professionals and frontline workers.
A new mother's postpartum depression (PPD) is a silent killer that affects you in unfathomable ways. This problem has a ripple effect that starts with your mental health, but slowly starts affecting your physical health, your relations, your family, your career, and most importantly, your self esteem. New mothers often struggle to understand their new life, and PPD makes it a next level struggle for them. Prajanika is a new wave in the right direction addressing PPD for new mothers and equipping them with the right support at the right time. This initiative will have a ripple effect in helping new mothers to cope up as well as educating their family and creating an ecosystem of shared understanding around it to make this world a better place for new mothers, their kids and our coming new generations.
— Supreet Bhatia, PhD. Healthcare Innovation Advisor
This design doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels like a warm hug to the heart. Each color, each line, speaks gently to the unspoken emotions new mothers carry. It holds space for both the tears and the courage it takes to heal. There’s a quiet strength in the way it comforts without overwhelming. The blend of deep purple and calming blue feels like soft reassurance. It truly captures the journey of postpartum healing with grace and compassion.
— Swapna Khade. Founder, Hope Career Guidance
After giving birth, the early days were emotionally overwhelming. I felt tearful, anxious, scared, inexplicably low, and felt everything was going wrong. Through social media I learnt what I experienced many new mothers go through—postpartum blues. But I was fortunate to have the support of my family and their presence made a world of difference. They helped with the baby, ensured I was eating and resting, and most importantly, they listened without judgment. As my body recovered after the birth, so did my emotional state. I began to feel more like myself again. The fog started to lift, and I found joy in the little moments—the sound of my baby’s heartbeat, their tiny fingers wrapped around mine, the peaceful look on their face while sleeping, the first time they smiled at me, and a lot more. The sleepless nights and never ending day shifts hit me like a tsunami but these moments made everything worth it. I started bonding deeply with my baby, and that connection brought immense comfort and happiness. I also made it a point to take care of myself with a short evening walk and warm baths. These small acts of self-care helped me regain my emotional and mental strength, and confidence. Five months postpartum, I am on the way of full physical recovery as well. Looking back, I’m grateful for the support I had and the resilience I discovered within myself through the help of my family, especially my spouse. Postpartum blues are real, but with love, patience, care, and correct support healing is possible.
— Prajanika-1
