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
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
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
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
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
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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