Halle Bailey explains why sharing her postpartum story matters more than ever

When Halle Bailey sat down with Jennifer Hudson for The Jennifer Hudson Show, she wasn’t there to talk about her latest film or music project. The 25-year-old Little Mermaid star was being recognised by the City of Los Angeles for her advocacy around postpartum awareness, a cause she’s now using her platform to spotlight for young mothers like herself.

Bailey, who welcomed her son Halo, 22 months, with her ex, rapper DDG, spoke candidly about the emotional rollercoaster that follows childbirth. “When we give birth, we’re like, wow, the emotions, the hormones, everything,” she said. “You realize that you need a strong support system with you. You need help. You need people to love on you and make sure that you’re okay.”

For so many mothers, that realization, that you can’t do it all alone, is both humbling and profoundly humanizing, a reminder that needing help is part of what makes us whole.

Why Halle’s honesty matters for a new generation of mothers

“I felt like, wow, I have to speak up about this, not only for, you know, the older women, but the younger generation of women,” Bailey told The Jennifer Hudson Show, as quoted by People. “There’s a lot of girls my age, like around 24 and 25, having children, and we kind of are like, ‘Oh my goodness.’” For many young mothers, that “oh my goodness” moment captures the shock of entering motherhood in an age of hypervisibility. Unlike generations before them, today’s twenty-something moms are navigating postpartum recovery, shifting identities, and social media all at once (often under public scrutiny). Halle’s decision to speak openly about postpartum realities bridges a vital gap: it normalises vulnerability for a generation that grew up equating “having it all together” with success.

Her words struck a chord because they echo what so many mothers, celebrity or not, already know: postpartum recovery is not just physical. It’s deeply emotional and often isolating, especially for younger mothers navigating new motherhood while still figuring out who they are.

Related: Halle Bailey bravely and candidly opens up about her ‘severe’ postpartum depression 

Postpartum depression is more common than many realise

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression, with younger mothers at a slightly higher risk due to factors like limited social support or financial stress. For many women in their twenties, postpartum challenges often hide behind carefully curated feeds and well-meaning reassurances that they should be “grateful” or “enjoy every moment.” In reality, the transition can be disorienting, especially for those balancing careers, identity shifts, and the intense emotional demands of caring for a newborn. The quiet loneliness that follows can make it even harder to reach out for help.

That’s why Bailey’s decision to talk openly about her experience feels so significant. By acknowledging the emotional complexity of early motherhood, she’s helping to normalise the conversation and dismantle the stigma around seeking support. When someone as visible as Halle Bailey admits that motherhood can be both beautiful and overwhelming, it validates what so many women feel behind closed doors—and reminds new mums that needing help doesn’t mean failing.

Finding healing and joy through motherhood

“I just think it’s amazing to just be open about it because it can help so many people and make you not feel alone,” Bailey told The Jennifer Hudson Show. “That’s necessary because then they know what’s ahead and not surprised by it and know they’re not alone.” In a culture where celebrity motherhood is often filtered through picture-perfect moments, Bailey’s openness feels like a breath of fresh air. Her reflections remind us that motherhood, while deeply challenging, can also become a mirror for self-growth. By talking about what she’s learning, feeling, and rediscovering, Halle reframes the postpartum journey from something to  “get through” into something that can restore parts of yourself that may have long been forgotten. And while she’s using her voice to help others, Bailey says her son is helping her too. “I think my favorite thing is I feel like I’m learning so much from my child,” she shared on the show. “I feel like I’m feeding the little girl in me… like painting or doing a fun activity. It’s like, oh, I’m having fun. I’m a child again too.”

Related: Halle Bailey’s boyfriend calls her ‘a professional mom’ after welcoming their son last month

Motherhood is rooted in connection and support

Her message is simple but powerful: motherhood is grounded in connection and community. Whether that means building a support system, sharing your story, or simply asking for help, every mother deserves the kind of love and care Halle Bailey is advocating for.

Source: 

1. CDC. 2024. “Symptoms of Depression Among Women.”