IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Celebrity mothers who got real about postpartum depression
Celebrity moms Bianca King, Jessy Mendiola, and Andi Eigenmann with their respective kids. Images: Instagram / @bianca_king, @jessymendiola, @andieigengirl
Bianca King has been open about her struggle with postpartum depression, but long before sharing her experience as a first-time mother, there were plenty other celebrities who have gone through the same in varying degrees. In fact, it is quite common among women, though many remained undiagnosed.
According to the US’ National Institute of Health, one out of seven mothers develop postpartum depression — proving that it’s more than just a mere case of the baby blues. Due to the stigma that came with postpartum depression, the topic is usually swept under the rug as society sometimes dictates that the care for children be put on top of the welfare of the mother.
As we begin to celebrate Mother’s Day (on May 12), here are a list of celebrity mothers who got candid about their call with postpartum depression, and bravely confronted this challenge as well as other motherhood issues.
Andi Eigenmann
Shortly after giving birth to Lilo, Eigenmann admitted on Instagram in August 2019 that postpartum depression is more than “accepting [herself] for the way [she] will look” after pregnancy. It’s also about “bouncing back” not only physically but mentally.
“What I didn’t realize is that there are also other aspects of being a new mom (again) that I may have needed to prepare my mind for as well. I neglected the part where emotional healing might be necessary too,” she said.
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The former actress also noted that postpartum blues don’t just happen with their firstborn children but also those who will follow.
Jessy Mendiola
For Jessy Mendiola, accepting her post-pregnancy was one of her struggles after giving birth to Isabella Rose, which took time to fully accept.
“The truth is, accepting your postpartum body [has] a HUGE impact on your mental health. I went through postpartum depression and it wasn’t easy,” she said on Instagram in July 2023. “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.”
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The actress eventually realized that “slow progress” is still something worth celebrating.
Kylie Padilla
Kylie Padilla got candid with her postpartum depression on Instagram in February 2023, saying giving birth to her second child Axl in 2020 took a toll on her physical and mental health.
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“Complications from birth hindered me from taking care of my kids. I’ve never opened up about this but I was in constant pain, constant doubt of my future, if my body would ever recover, if I could even stand or walk properly ever again,” she said.
Iza Calzado
Iza Calzado recalled in a January 2024 interview with “Magandang Buhay” that there were moments when postpartum made her feel “isolated” despite preparing herself ahead of time.
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“There’s also a feeling of isolation kahit na maraming tao sa paligid mo. ‘Yung parang tinitignan ko n’un si Ben parang tuloy lang ‘yung buhay niya, punta siya sa work. Nandito na ako ha, may support na ako pero naramdaman ko pa rin na parang mag isa ako,” she said.
Bianca King
Also in the same “Magandang Buhay” interview, Bianca King said her bout with postpartum depression was “very challenging” since it was the time she moved to Australia.
“Hindi kami prepared. Hindi namin plinano na meron dapat kaming continuous care and support. Postpartum depression for me because I was alone,” she said while recalling that she sought the help of a psychotherapist to come to terms with her emotions.
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“Postpartum depression is very common, akala lang natin baby blues… Pero ‘yung ginagawa ng experience na ‘yon sa isang babae nasisira talaga ‘yung ulo at normal siya. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or you’re a bad mother,” King further added.
Michelle Madrigal
Another mother who dealt with postpartum depression and relocation at the same time was Michelle Madrigal, as it affected her mental health. She shared that she had to balance her depression, motherhood, and move to the US to be with her then-husband Troy Woolfolk.
“Even after giving birth, moms talk about the beauty. ‘Ohmigosh, breastfeeding this and that,’” she said in a February 2021 vlog with former actress Carla Humphries. But in reality, people should really talk about what goes on, like what happens after giving birth. What do you really feel,”
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The six-month postpartum period made it hard for Madrigal to find herself while reminding that it can take a toll on mothers as well.
Kris Bernal
An emotional Kris Bernal revealed in a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” in January 2024 that being diagnosed with postpartum anxiety caused her to go through crying spells and not have time for herself.
Bernal said she enjoyed being pregnant with Hailee Luca but after giving birth in September 2023, navigating through the many changes was “difficult” to overcome.
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“I felt na bagong tao ako. I can no longer recognize my old self. Things that I used to love, wala na,” she said. “I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety kasi nahirapan talaga ako mag-adjust… This doesn’t mean I’m not grateful, na hindi ko gusto ‘tong journey ko.”
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