Real And Alienating: Ileana D'Cruz Opens Up On Postpartum Depression

Neomama Ileana D'Cruz have been vocal about pregnancy, postpartum depression and mom guilt since the time she has embraced motherhood giving both dreamy and realistic glimpses of her journey. The actor recently took to her Instagram to share her postpartum depression experience in an extensive post. D'Cruz who gave birth to a son in August 2023 in past interviews has talked about having a supportive family and credited her husband Michael Dolan for being an immense support throughout the journey and talked about her new life changes and currently being a full-time mama and keeping a house maintained.

Ileana D'Cruz's Instagram Post

Main Tera Hero actor began her post with: "It’s been a while since I’ve really taken a photo of myself or posted something on here" and shared "Between being a full-time mama and keeping house, I don’t seem to find time for myself. I’m mostly in pjs and a messy unattractive mom bun to keep my hair away from my munchkin’s little grabby hands and so the thought of pouting for a selfie just doesn’t really cross my mind haha" 

D'cruz added some days are "incredibly tough" and sleep deprivation adds up more. D'cruz through her post confessed that she feels she hasn't been one of those moms who have quickly "bounced back" immediately after giving birth. 

D'Cruz clarifies that she isn't complaining as she wrote: "Definitely not trying to come across as complaining because this darling child has been the most beautiful thing to happen to me."

D'Cruz then highlights: "But we just don’t talk about postpartum depression enough." and describes it as: "It’s very real. And it’s an incredibly alienating feeling."

She then shares her challenges and efforts to fight it as she wrote: "And I’m trying every day to work on making some time to get myself feeling better. A 30-minute workout and 5-minute shower post works wonders really. But sometimes I can’t manage that."

The new mom then concluded the post with love and gratitude as she said: "So what I’m trying to say is I’m working on coming back here and giving you a glimpse into my new life now. Which I love btw- there are so many amazing things that have happened to me and it’s been an emotionally overwhelming journey." 

She shared how she feels by saying: "I just haven’t been one of those moms who’ve “bounced back” immediately. I’m being kinder on myself and my body and getting to a stronger healthy me at my own pace. But I’m coming back."

Ileana's post has met with a lot of women resonating with her as many women showed her support and appreciated her strength while others shared similar experiences and recalled their journeys. 

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Ileana D'Cruz's Pregnancy Period

"Last year went by so quickly. I found out I was pregnant by the end of November (2022)," D'Cruz said. She said that most of 2023 went into her pregnancy. She shifted her base to the US where her mother came to help with the pregnancy. D'Cruz wanted to work during her pregnancy but since her pregnancy had some complications, the doctor advised her to rest it up. "It is just crazy how much your life shifts when you have a child," she said. 

Postpartum Depression Is Real

She further talked about dealing with postpartum depression and said it is very real and nothing can prepare you for it. She is thankful that she had a good support system in her family and team of doctors. She said, "Topics like mom guilt are so real. I remember I was in my room, and I started crying. My partner asked me what was wrong and I told him, ‘I know it sounds really stupid, but my son is sleeping in the other room, and I am missing him’. So, there are these intense emotions you go through after having a baby. I still am going through it. I am thankful that Mike (Michael Dolan) is such an amazing partner. I don’t need to explain things to him. He makes me take a break and looks after the baby before I join in again"

Ileana D'Cruz also opened up about her partner Michael Dolan. Speaking about her bond with him, she said, "All I can say is that he is absolutely lovely. He is a big support. He has been consistent since the first day I met him. I feel fortunate to have met him." 

She also said, "I can handle things said about me, but I am not comfortable with people talking rubbish about my partner or my family."