iarmsIARMSIARMS2709-325510.47310/iarms.2025.v06i01.002Beyond Birth: Public Awareness of Postnatal Care and Postpartum Depression in New Mothers Across Himachal PradeshBackground: Postnatal care, covering both physical recovery and mental health, is crucial for maternal and infant well-being. However, postpartum depression (PPD) remains underrecognized, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions like Himachal Pradesh. This study aimed to assess public awareness of postnatal care and PPD to identify knowledge gaps and inform targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 420 adult residents of Himachal Pradesh between January and March 2025. Using a structured, bilingual questionnaire, data were collected on awareness of postnatal care practices, recognition of PPD symptoms, and perceptions of family support. Knowledge scores were categorized into Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor, and analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0. Results: Participants were mainly female (60.2%), with a wide rural (46.9%) and urban (38.6%) representation. High awareness was observed regarding maternal and infant health focus (84.5%), emotional withdrawal as a PPD symptom (81.2%), and the importance of hygiene (86.2%) and nutrition (82.6%) post-delivery. However, only 63.8% recognized the role of community health workers in detecting PPD, and 69.5% understood that PPD can occur without clear triggers. Overall, 50.2% demonstrated Good awareness, 24.8% Very Good, 18.3% Fair, and 6.7% Poor awareness levels. Conclusion: While awareness of postnatal care and PPD is growing, critical gaps persist, especially regarding subtle symptoms and early intervention. Strengthening family involvement, training healthcare workers, and integrating mental health education into postnatal services are essential to improve maternal health outcomes across Himachal Pradesh.