The pandemic is intensifying postpartum depression

With restrictions on movement, families cannot travel to extend support, and new mothers fear infection if they go for check-ups.

When Garima discovered she was pregnant for the first time, she was thrilled at the prospect of welcoming her baby into the world. As her due date neared, she had made final arrangements for her mother to travel all the way from Jhapa to be with her and help out with the new baby. But when she gave birth at Paropakar Maternity Hospital in Kathmandu on June 10, except for her husband, there wasn’t anyone to welcome her baby boy.