New Delhi: Actor Ileana D'Cruz on Saturday shared her struggles with finding time for herself after becoming a mother. Taking to Instagram, the actress highlighted the often-overlooked issue of postpartum depression, describing it as 'incredibly tough some days'.
Ileana, who welcomed her son Koa Phoenix Dolan in August last year, shared a no-makeup photo of herself, shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of being a full-time mother. In her post, she expressed the challenges of balancing motherhood and household responsibilities, often clad in pajamas with an unattractive mom bun to prevent her hair from being grabbed by her little one.
The actress wrote, "Hi… It’s been a while since I’ve really taken a photo of myself or posted something on here… 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. Truth is it’s been incredibly tough some days. Being sleep-deprived doesn’t help lol."
While expressing her love for her child, Ileana emphasised the need to address postpartum depression more openly, describing it as a real and alienating experience. She shared her efforts to prioritise,e self-care, mentioning that a short workout and a quick shower work wonders, but admitted that some days even these are hard to manage.
"Definitely not trying to come across as complaining because this darling child has been the most beautiful thing to happen to me.
But we just don’t talk about postpartum depression enough. It’s very real. And it’s an incredibly alienating feeling. And I’m trying every day to work on making some time to get myself feeling better. A 30min workout and 5 min shower post that works wonders really. But sometimes I can’t manage that," she added.
"I’m working on coming back here and giving you a glimpse into my new life now. Which I love btw - there’s so many amazing things that have happened to me, and it’s been an emotional overwhelming journey. 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. That’s all. Thanks for sticking around and reading," she concluded.
On the work front, Ileana was last seen in 'The Big Bull', alongside Abhishek Bachchan, produced by Ajay Devgn and directed by Kookie Gulati. Her upcoming film, 'Tera Kya Hoga Lovely', opposite Randeep Hooda, is set to hit theatres on March 8, 2024. Additionally, 'Do Aur Do Pyaar', featuring Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, and Sendhil Ramamurthy, is scheduled for release on March 29.