Jessy Mendiola. Image: Instagram/@jessymendiola
Seven months after giving birth to Isabella Rose, her first child with husband Luis Manzano, Jessy Mendiola admitted to having gone through depression, as she opened up about acceptance of her postpartum body.
On Instagram, Mendiola shared her fitness journey after going through a form of postpartum depression, a kind of mental condition that occurs in some women after giving birth.
Mendiola shared a glimpse of her workout session on Saturday, July 15, as she seemingly pondered on how being pregnant with her daughter changed her body. But then her acceptance of her body provided the impetus to restore her mental health.
“The truth is, accepting your postpartum body gives a HUGE impact on your mental health. I went through postpartum depression and it wasn’t easy. The sudden change, the fact that your life has changed in so many ways but everything and everyone around you seems to be the same,” she said.
The actress then pointed out that she chose to keep with her fitness routine, so she would be able to take care and “keep up” with her daughter.
“I realized that the reason I want to stay fit and healthy is to be able to take care of my daughter, not to get back into size xs.
She’s growing each day and I have to keep up. I want to be able to run and carry her without catching my breath. The abs and cuts are only perks that come with it,” she said.
Though she may have insecurities, acknowledging one’s strength at childbirth and carrying the baby while recovering is “definitely amazing,” she said.
“Slow progress is still progress, I’m halfway through @coachmamamindy.fit’s CS recovery & Core rehab program,” she said. “The goal is not to ‘bounce’ back, the real aim is to strengthen your new body. The same body that gave you the greatest blessing you’ll ever have.”
Mendiola’s post caught the attention of her supporters, with some pointing out that the actress wanted to stay fit for her baby girl, as seen in the comments of her post.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@jessymendiola
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@jessymendiola
Meanwhile, Manzano appeared to be a supportive husband, responding to one @kborlaz who asked the actress to share fitness tips for those who can’t afford “nutritionists or fitness trainers.”
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@jessymendiola
Mendiola, who tied the knot with Manzano in 2021, gave birth to Isabella Rose in December of last year, but they only confirmed it a month later.
The actress previously reflected on the challenges of motherhood last March, where she reminded her fellow mothers that it’s okay to “ask for help.’ EDV