Kylie Kelce’s Real Talk on Postpartum: Why We Need More Voices Like Hers
When Kylie Kelce, mother of four and wife to retired NFL player Jason Kelce, recently opened up about her postpartum experiences, it struck a chord with many of us in the motherhood community. In a candid conversation on her podcast Not Gonna Lie, she shared the raw and often unspoken truths of postpartum life, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue about postpartum depression.
The Power of Speaking Up
Kylie highlighted that women can simultaneously feel gratitude for motherhood while experiencing a range of difficult emotions, including anxiety, rage, and mood disorders. She stressed that acknowledging such feelings does not diminish love for one’s child, and speaking openly about them can be liberating and help reduce the guilt many women feel.
Challenging Unhelpful Advice
Kylie didn't shy away from critiquing some of the most common and often unhelpful pieces of advice given to new mothers. She called out the suggestion to "sleep while the baby sleeps" as one of the most asinine pieces of advice, emphasizing its impracticality, especially for mothers with multiple children. Instead, she encouraged offering practical help like preparing meals, babysitting older kids, or handling household chores. YES YES YES. Let me add in here, if you’re the friend of a postpartum mom, just do the damn thing. Asking what she needs could leave her brain fumbling but stepping into something you know needs done- chef’s kiss!
Embracing the Full Spectrum of Emotions
Kylie also shared her personal journey with bonding after birth, admitting that she didn't immediately connect with her first daughter, Wyatt. She reassured new moms that the connection with their baby will come in time, often around the six to eight-week mark when babies begin to smile.
A Call for Compassion and Support
Kylie Kelce on the Call HerDaddy podcast
Kylie's openness serves as a reminder that motherhood is a complex, multifaceted experience. It's a call to action for all of us to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for new mothers, one that acknowledges the full spectrum of emotions and challenges that come with this life-changing journey.
Your Turn: Reflect and Share
Personal Story Prompt: Recall a moment during your postpartum period when you felt overwhelmed or unsupported. What would have made a difference for you in that moment?
Discussion Question: What are some pieces of advice you received as a new mom that you found unhelpful or even harmful? How did you navigate them?
Let's continue this conversation and support each other through the highs and lows of motherhood. Drop a comment below!