There are a lot of myths surrounding pregnancy: Neha Titas Chowdhury
Neha Dhupia recently flagged off a one kilometre marathon for pregnant women in the city. Mother to a one-and-a-half year old daughter, Mehr, Neha believes that “self-love is very important” during pregnancy and early stages of motherhood. The actor, who had earlier initiated a campaign called #FreedomToFeed for new mothers, says that they often tend to overlook their own health. “As a new mother or mum-to-be, one tends to forget about oneself because we get so consumed with everything else that’s happening around us. Self-care is essential to who we are, and who we’ll continue to be,” she says, stressing on the importance of the pregathon.
Neha feels the society is plagued with myths surrounding pregnancy, and pregnant women don’t get to enjoy their freedom. “There are a lot of mindsets, myths and precautions. It’s okay to be cautious and I’m not saying one should go out there and take risks. But it’s also okay to be involved in fitness if it doesn’t hurt you in any way,” she shares, adding, “It’s just a mother’s mentality to get consumed with our babies. As new mums, we all need to do that but we also need to step back and realise that the only way we can look after our children better is if we look after ourselves.”
Talking about her campaign that aimed to start a conversation on public breastfeeding, she says, “We’re not only trying to involve dads but also trying to put out a larger plea for mums who want to go out there and feed their children in any way possible. Stage one was dropping the campaign. I didn’t think it would become something so big and wonderful. Stage two is about taking it forward.”
The Lust Stories actor says that managing time has been her biggest learning after embracing motherhood. “Time management is key. Every day, I see how gentle, kind, generous and giving my daughter is. If I can be even 1% of who she is, I’ll be a better human being,” she signs off.
It’s okay to be conscious and I’m not saying one should go out there and take risks. But it’s also okay to be involved in fitness if it doesn’t hurt you in any way.
NEHA DHUPIA, ACTOR