This Mother Didn’t Just Break Taboos — She Built a Powerful Movement for Women

In a world where motherhood is often romanticized yet rarely understood in its raw, complex reality, Anupama Kumar Vijay Anand stands as a beacon of empowerment, education, and authenticity. As the founder of Vriksham Pregnancy Care, an internationally certified childbirth educator, lactation counselor, and pregnancy fitness expert, Anupama has transformed the lives of over 10,000 mothers through her educational programs. But beyond her credentials lies a deeply personal journey—one of overcoming societal myths, navigating personal struggles, and using her voice to normalize conversations around menstruation, breastfeeding, and postpartum challenges.

From Software Engineer to Motherhood Advocate

Anupama Kumar Vijay Anand’s story begins in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, where she initially carved a career as a software engineer. Educated and ambitious, she thrived in the tech world, but her life took a pivotal turn with her first pregnancy at age 26. Like many first-time mothers, Anupama found herself overwhelmed by a deluge of unsolicited advice, myths, and cultural rituals that left her feeling confused and powerless. “Pregnancy is an overwhelming phase where everyone, including the watchman and a stranger you meet on the road, has their share of advice for you, making you feel more confused and clueless and scared,” she humorously recounts.

Her first pregnancy, which resulted in a cesarean delivery, was marked by challenges, including a lack of knowledge about breastfeeding that led her to rely on formula milk. “I thought I wasn’t producing enough milk,” she reflects, a common misconception that many new mothers face due to inadequate support. This experience, coupled with the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy, ignited a spark in Anupama. She realized that the lack of reliable, evidence-based information was a systemic issue affecting countless women. Determined to change this, she transitioned from engineering to becoming a certified educator in childbirth, lactation, and pregnancy fitness, earning nine to ten certifications from institutions in India and abroad, including training as a birth doula in Singapore.

Founding Vriksham: A Sanctuary for Mothers

In 2013, Anupama founded Vriksham Pregnancy Care, a platform dedicated to empowering women with knowledge and support through pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum phases. The name “Vriksham,” meaning “tree” in Sanskrit, symbolizes growth, strength, and nurturing—values at the core of her mission. Vriksham offers comprehensive programs, both online and offline, covering topics like preconception health, pregnancy exercises, breastfeeding, infant care, and weaning. Over the past decade, Anupama has conducted over 100 batches, educating more than 10,000 expectant mothers and couples across India.

What sets Vriksham apart is its holistic approach. Anupama doesn’t just teach; she empowers. Her classes, offered in English and Tamil, are designed to demystify pregnancy and equip women with factual, science-backed information. “Information and education are all that one should have to feel confident and drive your world forward,” she emphasizes. Her work at Vriksham also extends to hospitals, where she conducted pregnancy care classes at Women’s Centre Hospital in Coimbatore for six years, further amplifying her impact.

Anupama’s second pregnancy at age 38 was a testament to the power of knowledge. Armed with her certifications and experience, she opted for a natural birth and successfully breastfed her child, even while battling dengue. Her resilience inspired her to become a breast milk donor, contributing to the “Sanjeevani” initiative, which supports babies in government hospital NICUs. This act of giving back underscores her belief that motherhood is not just a personal journey but a collective one that thrives on community support.

Breaking Taboos Through Social Media

Anupama’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. As a social media influencer with a massive following, she uses platforms like Instagram to share relatable, eye-opening content on parenting, women’s health, and societal norms. Her videos and reels resonate with millions, offering practical advice while challenging deeply ingrained taboos. One of her most viral posts, shared in October 2021, recounted a heartfelt conversation with her son, Ahan, about her period-stained pants.

Caught off-guard by her period, Anupama left her stained pants in the bathroom, worried about what Ahan might think. To her surprise, he responded with empathy, saying it was “no big deal” and acknowledging that periods must be tiring for her. This moment, which Anupama shared with her followers, sparked a global conversation about normalizing menstruation. “I’ve clearly raised my son well because the world definitely needs more men who refuse to play into patriarchal values,” she wrote. The post garnered widespread praise, with mothers worldwide inspired to foster similar openness in their families.

Anupama’s content also tackles other sensitive topics, such as postpartum struggles, body autonomy, and the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood. She speaks candidly about the postpartum phase, which she describes as “the prime time of struggle for mothers.” Hormonal shifts, mood swings, and societal expectations often leave new mothers feeling isolated, and Anupama’s advocacy helps normalize these experiences. By sharing her own vulnerabilities, she creates a safe space for women to embrace their journeys without shame.

A Voice for Change and Recognition

Anupama’s work has not gone unnoticed. Her contributions to maternal health and social advocacy have earned her numerous accolades, including the Women Achievement Award 2023 from the Indian Medical Association for her social services as a childbirth educator, the “Parenting Expert of the Year 2023” from WHOSTHAT360 and NDTV, and the “Best Mom Influencer of the Year” from Kidsstoppress. She was also honored as a “Digital Change Maker of the Year” by JFW Magazine and received “The Visionary Creator” award from YouTube and Trend LOUD in 2023. These awards reflect her ability to blend education with digital influence, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Her entrepreneurial spirit was recognized with the State Level Winner title at the “Homepreneur Award Season 3” by Colours Tamil TV, and she was named one of BabyChakra’s “10 Trailblazing Moms Representing the New India” in 2021. These honors underscore her role as a trailblazer who bridges traditional knowledge with modern advocacy, empowering women to take charge of their health and lives.

The AnuVriksham Foundation: A Commitment to Giving Back

Anupama’s compassion extends beyond motherhood to broader social causes. Through the AnuVriksham Foundation, she supports destitute children, women, and elders, ensuring their well-being through community initiatives. This foundation reflects her belief that empowerment is incomplete without uplifting the marginalized. Whether it’s facilitating breast milk donation or advocating for vulnerable communities, Anupama’s work is rooted in empathy and action.

A Personal Touch: Anupama as a Mother

As a mother of two, Anupama draws heavily from her personal experiences. Her children, particularly her son Ahan, are often at the heart of her stories, showcasing how parenting can be a powerful tool for social change. By fostering open conversations about topics like periods, she’s raising a generation that challenges patriarchal norms. Her ability to balance her roles as an educator, influencer, and mother is a testament to her resilience and dedication.

Challenges and Triumphs

Anupama’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Transitioning from a tech career to a field dominated by myths and misinformation required immense courage and perseverance. Earning multiple certifications while raising a young child and navigating her own pregnancies was no small feat. Yet, her struggles fueled her mission. “My first pregnancy made me feel powerless, but my second made me believe I could do anything,” she says.

The societal pressure to conform to traditional expectations of motherhood also posed challenges. Anupama’s outspokenness about topics like menstruation and postpartum mental health has occasionally invited criticism, but she remains undeterred. Her authenticity—whether joking about pregnancy myths or sharing vulnerable moments—has endeared her to her audience, making her a trusted voice in a crowded digital space.

A Legacy in the Making

Anupama Kumar Vijay Anand’s work is a masterclass in turning personal challenges into collective empowerment. Through Vriksham, she’s created a sanctuary where women can access knowledge, support, and community. Through her social media, she’s sparked conversations that challenge taboos and inspire change. And through her foundation, she’s building a more inclusive world.

Her vision for the future is ambitious yet grounded. She aims to expand Vriksham’s reach, making maternal education accessible to more women, particularly in underserved communities. She also hopes to continue using her platform to advocate for women’s health and rights, ensuring that no mother feels alone in her journey.

Anupama’s story is a reminder that change begins with one voice, one story, one act of courage. From a software engineer feeling lost in her first pregnancy to a globally recognized educator and influencer, she has woven a legacy of empowerment, authenticity, and compassion. As she continues to inspire millions, one thing is clear: Anupama Kumar Vijay Anand is not just educating mothers—she’s reshaping the narrative of motherhood itself.