According to the official, the library is popular among expectant mothers and new mothers. (Image: News18)
Those interested in donating books for the library may contact the District Health Administration
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, an urban primary health center has launched a “maternal library” for pregnant women in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, with an aim to relieve the stress of expectant mothers and new mothers.
Dr. Subhash Gandhi, a welfare officer at the Thanjavur Municipal Corporation, said, “The books in the hospital’s library motivate women to read, which reduces stress and promotes the mental health of the mother-child pair.”
He said that work is underway on a plan to start such a maternity library in each primary health center of the district.
Those interested in donating books for the library may contact the District Health Administration.
According to the official, the library is popular among expectant mothers and new mothers. With over 300 books covering History, Novels, Literature, Women Empowerment and Biographies of notable persons, ‘Matri Library’ caters to various reading preferences.
Chitra, who visited the hospital, shared her experience, “Reading a book enriches your mind. It takes away any worries about labor and I just pick a book to read while I wait for my doctor’s appointment. We appreciate this initiative of the government.
Elaborating on the ‘Thaimai Noolgam’ (maternal library), Dr Gandhi said, “We have started it based on scientific evidence suggesting that spending time reading books in the hospital can protect the unborn child from May enhance memory and cognitive development.”