Cape Town – South African content creator Natasha Joubert has shared a candid account of her postpartum experience, highlighting the emotional challenges new mothers face after childbirth.
In an Instagram series, she described how the first few days after bringing her baby home felt energised and manageable, but by day five she experienced a sudden hormonal crash that led to intense emotional distress and days of uncontrollable crying.
“My adrenaline was at an all-time high. Healing didn’t feel difficult at all. I was excited, motivated, ready to do anything.”
“And then… day 5. Joh. Joh. Joh.
“My midwife did three home visits that first week and asked me every single time how I was feeling. Hahaha—now I understand why,” she wrote.
Natasha, who has a history of depression, spoke openly about her fears of postpartum depression and the struggle of adjusting to a new identity as a mother.
View this post on Instagram
“I have a history of depression, I still see my psychologist actively, since 2021 and I am scared of postpartum depression, losing who I am and finding the new normal. I know the old version of myself will never be there again, but would love to keep parts of her.”
Natasha emphasised that while social media often shows joyful moments, it does not reflect the full reality, which includes both happiness and emotional hardship.
“What you see on my feed is real… but it’s not the full reality. ❤️
“And I know a post like this would have made me feel less alone. Like, okay cool… it’s not just me? 😂”
Her honesty resonated with many mothers, sparking widespread engagement and conversations about the often-hidden realities of the “fourth trimester.”C
She called for greater understanding and compassion for new mothers, urging society to recognise the vulnerability and complexity of the postpartum period.
Picture: Instagram/@natasha_joubert
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
