By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | September 15, 2025 05:26 PM IST 4 min readIleana D'Cruz on postpartum journey after her second pregnancy (Source: Express Photo by Vasant Prabhu)Actor Ileana D’Cruz, who welcomed her son Keanu Rafe Dolan with her husband Michael Dolan this year, recently shared how her postpartum journey after her second pregnancy has been more difficult than she expected. Speaking with NDTV, Ileana said that the second time around, “it’s incredibly hard.”Opening up about her birthing choices, Ileana revealed she wanted “to do things differently” during her delivery. “I said I’m going to go unmedicated this time. I’m not going to do the epidural. I told my nurse that we need to come up with a plan because this is what I want to do. And it was great because she worked with me, and we actually did it. It was amazing,” she shared.But once her son was born, the actor admitted that the reality of postpartum life hit harder than the first time. “…the second time, 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 out yourself physically and get your strength back, and the new mental space is completely messed up. So it’s incredibly hard. And even though I was aware of what was going to happen, I think mentally it’s just been very difficult,” she said.What are the pros and cons of opting for an unmedicated birth, both physically and emotionally?Dr Gaana Sreenivas, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bone and Birth Clinic and Rainbow Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, tells indianexpress.com, “Choosing an unmedicated birth can give women a greater sense of control over their delivery and a feeling of empowerment because they are fully aware and active throughout the process. Physically, recovery may sometimes be quicker since there is no lingering numbness or intervention-related side effects.” However, unmedicated labour can be very painful, and the intensity may cause fatigue or distress that affects the birthing experience. For some women, this may lead to a sense of achievement, while for others it may feel overwhelming. Emotionally, the decision should be guided by preparation, support, and realistic expectations about pain tolerance.Why can the second (or subsequent) postpartum experience sometimes feel more overwhelming than the first?The second postpartum phase often comes with added complexity. Dr Sreenivas notes that physically, the body is recovering again while still managing the demands of an older child. “Sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and physical healing can feel more intense because the mother is unable to rest as much as she may have after her first delivery. Emotionally, there may be higher expectations of being able to manage everything smoothly, but the reality can feel much harder.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ileana D’Cruz (@ileana_official) Strategies or support systems that can help mothers cope better during this phaseOne of the most effective strategies is to build a strong support system. Involving partners, family, or trusted friends in daily caregiving tasks helps reduce the load on the mother. Evidence shows that structured rest and sleep whenever possible significantly improves mental well-being. “Professional support, such as postpartum counselling or therapy, can help mothers process their emotions and reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding or infant care support groups also create a sense of community and reassurance. Additionally, focusing on nutrition, hydration, and gentle physical activity under medical guidance can aid physical recovery,” concludes Dr Sreenivas. Story continues below this adDISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd