Former Home and Away star Christie Hayes says getting pregnant again just six weeks after giving birth to her first baby meant coping with other people’s critical opinions.
The actress made the admission in a first-person piece she wrote for The Modern Mumma.
In it, she tells of the moment she realised quickly becoming a mum of two spelled the end – or at least indefinite postponement – of her career goals of working in Hollywood. But what she says was tougher, was coping with everything that comes from being pregnant so soon after becoming a mum for the first time, especially other people’ opinions.
“My first baby was planned, my second was a surprise. A BIG surprise. One I have been congratulated on, one I have copped flak for, and one that has resulted in the now cringe-worthy experience of people publicly discussing my sex life.
“‘What was she doing having sex after six weeks!?’ ‘How can she be so stupid? You’re most fertile then!'”
Christie, 30, said the moment her doctor confirmed the news was a completely different reaction to her first pregnancy.
“I remember feeling guilty straight away because I didn’t jump for joy. I felt shocked, a little scared and justifiably, very tired.
“Here I was. I’d just given birth, was so tired I couldn’t remember my own name and frankly, slightly depressed at a time I should’ve been happy (according to all my well-wishers who were kindly telling me this was going to be the happiest time of my life). And pregnant. AGAIN.”
But she says, since having her second son, Harley, in 2015, she has come to realise that motherhood is wonderful, and simply “takes practice” – a message she wants to share with other new mums.
“It takes time. It’s okay not to know everything. It’s okay to got on an emotional journey. It’s okay to get pregnant soon after you give birth. What we are doing as mothers, is all okay.”
WATCH: Former Home and Away star Chris Hemsworth delivers a baby!
