Numerous scientific studies have substantiated the profound impact of laughter on individuals. Findings from a 2018 study suggest that laughter induces a rise in heart rate comparable to aerobic exercise1. Laughter also increases the beta-endorphin levels in the blood, causing a good mood and enhancing the positive physiological status of the human body2. This makes it a noteworthy alternative, particularly for individuals such as pregnant or postpartum women and elderly, who may face time constraints for traditional physical activity. Additionally, the amalgamation of laughter with exercise augments its beneficial impact on mental health3.

Laughter typically arises in response to engaging stimuli, whether visual or auditory. However, Laughter Yoga (LY) elicits laughter without relying on external triggers. Recognizing that not everyone encounters stimulating experiences readily, LY seeks to initiate laughter from within the body, facilitating the transition from forced to genuine laughter by simulating real-life scenarios. The founder, Kataria, proposed laughter yoga as a therapeutic approach, asserting that the innate joy of laughter can yield positive outcomes for adults akin to the spontaneous laughter of children. By conceptualizing the notion of 'fake it until you make it,' he transformed this idea into a therapeutic practice4.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period, among the most exceptional periods of women's lives, are also risky for developing mental disorders5. Many physiological, psychological, and social changes occur with pregnancy and childbirth. While some women quickly adapt to this changing situation, others may experience varying mental disorders6.

Postpartum depression, which can start at any time in the 12 months after birth, is seen in approximately 19% of women globally7. The emergence of postpartum depression is affected by many factors. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, anxiety, past depression, particular stressors during pregnancy, genetic factors, and lack of social support can cause depression in the postpartum period8. At the same time, postpartum depression is more common in passive, dependent, or semi-dependent individuals, shy and obsessive individuals, while it is less common in individuals with antisocial or paranoid personality traits9.

Depression occurs in women who have given birth, and the symptoms of postpartum depression are generally the same. These symptoms include major depression symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, fatigue, decreased sexual desire, sleep disturbance, lack of self-confidence, feeling guilty, irritability, depression or boredom, excessive agitation, and changes in appetite and weight10. The offspring of mothers experiencing depression may exhibit behavioral disorders and struggle academically. Importantly, these challenges in childhood have the potential to persist into adulthood, impacting not only the affected individuals but also their offspring. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression are crucial to mitigate its long-term effects on the mother and her child7.

While psychotherapies, antidepressants, and anxiety medications constitute standard treatment modalities for depression following diagnosis, their efficacy varies. While effective for major depression, they often fall short in addressing low to moderate depression, and their long-term use may lead to concerning side effects11. Breastfeeding mothers, in particular, may hesitate to take medication during the postpartum period due to fears of transmission through breast milk to their children. Consequently, LY emerges as a promising consideration for the treatment of postpartum depression among breastfeeding mothers.

Despite the well-documented positive effects of laughter in numerous studies, adopting LY as a therapeutic intervention warrants consideration. LY is a type of exercise that combines laughing, breathing, and relaxation techniques and consists of breathing exercises and laughter. Although laughter yoga research persists in academic literature, investigations explicitly targeting women in the postpartum phase remain scarce. During this period, women will be mindful to avoid consuming any foods that could disrupt their child's comfort while breastfeeding, and they will likely choose to refrain from taking medication for depressive symptoms. Our study endeavors to fill this gap by evaluating the impact of LY—a simple, low-risk practice devoid of special equipment or expertise—alongside conventional treatments, on women going through this delicate period.