While having a baby is anticipated as a joyful occasion in a woman’s life, the postpartum phase often presents new mothers with formidable challenges. Actress Brooke Shields knows this all too well. In her 2005 book, Down Came the Rain, and in a famous appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she shared her experience with severe postpartum depression after the birth of her first child, Rowan Francis. Recently, Brooke sat down for an interview on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast to open up further about her struggle with postpartum depression and how it affected her relationship with her husband and newborn.
The Difficulties of Postpartum Depression
Brooke Shields’ experience with postpartum depression was severe, and she struggled to form an immediate bond with her newborn. She felt guilty for not feeling that instant connection and watched as her husband, Chris Henchy, bonded with their baby. Brooke noted that she “beat” herself up “for a long time” over it. Additionally, she initially resisted taking medication to help with her postpartum depression, believing she could “fix” herself. It wasn’t until her family and friends intervened that she finally agreed to take medication.
The Dangers of Going Off Medication Without Consulting Your Doctor
Once Brooke started to feel better, she made the mistake of stopping her medication without consulting her doctor. This led to a terrifying visual episode while driving, causing her to believe that she was going to crash her car. She noted that the images she saw “rush, if you close your eyes, into your brain.” Her doctor stayed on the phone with her until she arrived home safely and promptly instructed her to resume taking her medication.
Tom Cruise’s Controversial Remarks
In the early 2000s, Brooke Shields’ decision to speak out about her experience with postpartum depression was met with controversy from fellow actor Tom Cruise. As a member of the Church of Scientology, which condemns the use of medication and therapy, Cruise condemned Shields’ use of medication, calling it “irresponsible misinformation.” He even denied the existence of chemical imbalances, which Brooke called out in an op-ed piece for the New York Times. In her new Hulu documentary, Pretty Baby, Brooke reflects on Tom’s remarks, calling the whole thing “ridiculous.”
Final Thoughts
Brooke Shields’ openness about her experience with postpartum depression has helped many women feel less alone in their struggles. It’s important to remember that postpartum depression is a real condition that affects many women and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. As for Tom Cruise’s comments, it’s vital to remember that everyone’s experiences are different, and it’s up to each individual to decide what treatment options are best for them.
