Giving birth is tough and so is a mum’s new life after it. Priorities change, responsibilities double up, and getting back in shape may be challenging. Some mums experience postpartum depression often brought about by these life changes and the fear of not being able to get back on track.

Even famous mums experience it. To remind you that you’re not alone in thinking that giving birth is not an easy feat, here are some notable mummy celebs who’ve kept it real post-delivery. After all, they’re humans too!

Meghan Markle

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Today The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share their first public moment as a family. They are so incredibly grateful for the warm wishes and support they’ve received from everyone around the world, since welcoming their son two days ago. Photo cred: Chris Allerton ©️SussexRoyal

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on May 8, 2019 at 6:34am PDT

Photo credit: @sussexroyal

Being the Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle won’t be able to easily skip the eyes of critics. Now mother to baby Archie, Meghan received mixed reactions when she flaunted her baby bump after delivery. The Duchess was even compared to sister-in-law Kate Middleton. But the American actress-turned-royalty won the hearts of many when she proudly showcased her baby bump post-delivery while wearing her hair down and carrying her newborn without any help—a relatable image to mums all over the world.

Sonia Sui

When Taiwanese actress Sonia Sui posted a #messyhairdontcare post-delivery photo, mums gave her the nod as she’s able to capture what mums have to go through and feel after giving birth. The photo showed her (right after giving birth—what could be more real than that!) with husband Tony and newborn Olie. No touch-up and even combing were needed to show just how awesome this family picture is. 

Chrissy Teigen

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guess we’re really doing this kid thing!

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jun 4, 2018 at 5:32pm PDT

Photo credit: @chrissyteigen

Despite having a beautiful family and a supportive husband who also happens to be a legendary music icon, Chrissy Teigen revealed how she was hit with postpartum depression after giving birth to her daughter Luna Simone. She shared how she didn’t have an appetite for food and would go consecutive days without eating anything. She sought treatment to help her get better and now advocates for maternal mental health. Get a dose of motherhood realness by following her social media accounts, which have lots of candid posts about her adorable kids.

Joanne Peh

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I'm officially past my fourth trimester now that my son is 100 days old. Yipeee! They say the fourth trimester is just as trying as we struggle to cope with the demands of a newborn while looking after our own well-being. That's why ever so often, we wish the baby was back in our bellies again! I remember the first time, I was frequently flooded with the fear of not being able to look after my newborn competently because they are so small and fragile during the first month. I was very hands on because I was afraid I would be at a loss when my confinement nanny leaves. With my second child, I was a lot more laid back and allowed nanny Huiting to help me out, while I shifted my focus to my older child to ease the potential sibling rivalry. I was less stressed, less fearful and now that I see the tender moments between #babyqi and #qididi, I'm glad I made the choice to engage help during my fourth trimester so I could free my mind and be in a better state of mind for my kids! #fourthtrimester #confinementnanny #confinementangels #customs #100days #sp

A post shared by Joanne Peh (@joannepeh) on Jul 31, 2017 at 10:43pm PDT

Photo credit: @joannepeh

While some mums fast track the process to losing weight after delivery by cutting on food intake, actress Joanne Peh did the opposite. In an Instagram post, she shared how new mums can be pressured to follow the examples of female celebrities who were able to get their body back after pregnancy. But every woman’s body is different. The actress highlighted how eating the right food is essential to maintaining a healthy weight and how happy she is to get help from her confinement nanny.

Hilary Duff 

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I am posting this on behalf of young girls, women, and mothers of all ages. I'm enjoying a vacation with my son after a long season of shooting and being away from him for weeks at a time over those months. Since websites and magazines love to share 'celeb flaws' – well I have them! My body has given me the greatest gift of my life: Luca, 5 years ago. I'm turning 30 in September and my body is healthy and gets me where I need to go. Ladies, lets be proud of what we've got and stop wasting precious time in the day wishing we were different, better, and unflawed. You guys (you know who you are!) already know how to ruin a good time, and now you are body shamers as well. #kissmyass 😛✌🏻

A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on Aug 4, 2017 at 11:45am PDT

Photo credit: @hilaryduff

Hilary Duff once admitted she isn’t the type who could nurse a child and eventually lose baby weight. For the 31-year-old Hollywood celebrity, her body just doesn’t work that way. Although she didn’t have postpartum depression, Hilary found it hard to reconnect with her body after her son Luca was born and she had to fight off the negative thoughts in her head, which most new mums have too. 

Carole Lin

Keeping it real is not only about flaunting one’s body after giving birth. It’s also about opening up on how one feels, providing more insights that might be of help to other soon-to-be mums. Actress Carole Lin admitted to falling into postpartum depression after a traumatic C-section delivery. Carole was 42 when she gave birth and a normal delivery method was just not possible. Check this out to get to know other celebs who gave birth in their 40s! 

Rachel McAdams

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A million reasons why I wanted to post this picture. Obviously #rachelmcadams looks incredible and was quite literally the dream to work with but also this shoot was about 6 months post her giving birth to her son, so between shots she was expressing/pumping as still breastfeeding. We had a mutual appreciation disagreement about whose idea it was to take this picture but I’m still sure it was hers which makes me love her even more. Breastfeeding is the most normal thing in the world and I can’t for the life of me imagine why or how it is ever frowned upon or scared of. I don’t even think it needs explaining but just wanted to put this out there, as if it even changes one person’s perception of something so natural, so normal, so amazing then that’s great. Besides she’s wearing Versace and @bulgariofficial diamonds and is just fucking major. Big shout out to all the girls 💪🏽 #rachelmcadams for @girls.girls.girls.magazine .com cover shoot 📸 @clairerothstein #pleaseshare . . . Side note: I did not look anywhere near as fabulous as this when feeding/pumping. And that’s ok too. . . . Stylist: @alicialombardini 👠 #girlsgirlsgirlsmag #girlsgirlsgirls #bringingbackthewoman #nogrungejustglamour #independentmagazine #printisnotdead #normalisebreastfeeding #normalizebreastfeeding #breastfeeding #life #women #versace #bulgari

A post shared by Claire Rothstein Photographer (@clairerothstein) on Dec 18, 2018 at 1:11am PST

Photo credit: @clairerothstein

We’ll always remember her as mean girl Regina George but this photo tells a completely different story. When Rachel McAdams’ photo with breast pumps while on a photoshoot made rounds on the internet, it sent a very strong message: that breastfeeding is a normal, natural thing to do and should be embraced by all. Rachel gave birth six months before this photoshoot for Girls. Girls. Girls. Magazine and had to pump breast milk in between takes, giving the idea for this shot.

Featured photo: Screenshot of @clairerothstein‘s Instagram post 

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