Holly Hagan Shares Her Struggles with Postpartum Anxiety
Former Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan, 33, has bravely opened up about her battle with postpartum anxiety following the birth of her two-year-old son, Alpha-Jax. In a candid conversation shared during her latest career venture—as the host of the CBeebies Parenting Helpline podcast—Holly admitted to questioning her decision to become a mother during the height of her mental health struggles.
Juggling Parenthood and Mental Well-Being
Since first gaining fame on MTV’s Geordie Shore at age 18, Holly has undergone significant personal growth. She now shares her parenting journey with her husband Jacob Blyth, a semi-professional footballer for Wythenshawe Town. Despite their strong bond, the couple faced challenges and frequent disagreements during the early months of parenting.
Holly reflected on these struggles, stating: “When it’s your first child, you don’t realize that everything is just a stage. But his constant crying and discontent made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough as a mother. I even wondered if I’d made a mistake in becoming a parent.”
The Toll of Postpartum Anxiety
One of the most challenging aspects of motherhood for Holly was dealing with postpartum anxiety. She admitted to losing countless hours of sleep due to her constant worry over her baby’s well-being. “I couldn’t sleep when he was sleeping,” Holly confessed. “I would just stare at him all night, fearing something might happen to him.”
Despite these immense challenges, Holly emphasizes that perseverance can help parents get through tough times. “If you can get through that first year, you can get through anything,” she remarked poignantly.
A Miscarriage and the Pressure to Have More Children
In addition to her postpartum journey, Holly recently revealed that she suffered a miscarriage in March. As questions from fans about having more children continued to flood her inbox, Holly posted a heartfelt reminder on her social media: “Please be mindful when commenting ‘when’s the next one?’ You never know what someone might be going through.”
While she remains candid about her struggles, Holly encourages others to seek support. “Motherhood is an incredible journey, but it’s also one of the hardest. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help,” she shared.
Support for Postpartum Mental Health
If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, organizations like PANDAS Foundation offer resources and support. Contact their helpline at 0808 196 1776 (available 11am-10pm daily) or email info@pandasfoundation.org.uk.
Recommended Product for New Moms
Sleep struggles are common for new mothers, and self-care is essential. Consider trying the Calming Mama Maternity Pillow, a supportive and ergonomic tool designed to provide comfort during those sleepless nights. It’s a simple yet thoughtful way to take care of yourself while caring for your baby.