The actor also reflected on her delivery experience, revealing that she chose to go unmedicated this time.
Actor Ileana D’Cruz, who welcomed her second son, Keanu Rafe Dolan, with husband and US-based businessman Michael Dolan in June this year, has spoken candidly about her postpartum depression and mental health journey.
In a conversation with NDTV, the new mother admitted that her experience this time has been far more challenging.
“The new mental space is completely messed up,” Ileana shared. “The second time around, it’s not just the baby; it’s the baby, it’s your toddler, it’s you. It’s all those factors. It’s trying to figure yourself out physically and getting your strength back. Even though I was aware of what was going to happen, mentally it has been very difficult.”
The actor also reflected on her delivery experience, revealing that she chose to go unmedicated this time.
“I wanted to do things differently. I told my nurse I wasn’t going to take the epidural, and we needed to come up with a plan. She worked with me, and we actually did it. It was amazing.”
The couple had tied the knot in May 2023, and welcomed their first son, Koa Phoenix Dolan, in August 2023.
The Barfi star also opened up about why she finds it uncomfortable to be photographed with her children in India.
“It would definitely have been hard for me to be photographed with my babies. It would just be incredibly confusing for them. And it’s not fair because they wouldn’t understand what is going on. I would not be okay with it.”
With refreshing honesty, Ileana continues to shed light on the realities of motherhood, from postpartum struggles to balancing life with two young children.