Actor Ileana D'Cruz recently opened up about her challenging postpartum experience after welcoming her second child, son Keanu Rafe Dolan, with husband Michael Dolan. Speaking in an interview, she revealed that recovery after her second pregnancy has been unexpectedly difficult. Unlike her first delivery, Ileana chose an unmedicated birth this time, avoiding epidural pain relief. She worked closely with her nurse to create a plan and successfully delivered without medication, describing the experience as amazing. However, the postpartum phase proved harder than anticipated. Balancing a newborn, a toddler, and her own physical and mental recovery left her feeling overwhelmed. Medical experts explain that unmedicated birth can offer empowerment and quicker recovery but comes with intense pain. The second postpartum period is often more challenging due to added responsibilities, sleep deprivation, and limited rest. Strong support systems, professional counselling, and proper nutrition are recommended to help mothers cope better during this demanding phase.
Choosing Unmedicated Birth and Postpartum Struggles
Ileana D'Cruz decided to approach her second delivery differently by opting for an unmedicated birth without epidural. She collaborated with her nurse to prepare a plan, and the delivery went successfully. Despite this achievement, the actor admitted that postpartum recovery has been far more difficult than expected. Unlike the first time, she now faces the challenge of caring for both a newborn and a toddler while regaining physical strength and managing mental health. Dr Gaana Sreenivas, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains that unmedicated birth can empower women and sometimes lead to quicker recovery. However, the intense pain may cause fatigue and distress. The second postpartum period often feels harder due to increased responsibilities, hormonal shifts, and limited rest opportunities.
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