The former Reflex star Zhenya Malakhova opened up about her struggle with postpartum depression in a candid interview that circulated through Mail.ru. The conversation centers on a difficult reality she faced after bringing her son Fedya into the world.
Malakhova explained that the depressive symptoms began within the first month after Fedya’s arrival. She described feeling as if she had lost control of her own life, even as she held a deep love for her baby and carried a constant, protective worry. The burden felt heavy at times, and with no nanny to rely on, she felt compelled to shoulder every responsibility alone. Looking back, she acknowledges that trying to handle everything by herself was a misstep and that accepting help from others would have lightened the load.
The emotional strain was further intensified by concerns about a possible allergy to breast milk. This fear haunted her days and nights, amplifying the stress of early motherhood. The worry about making the wrong feeding choices added pressure to daily routines and contributed to a sense of isolation many new parents experience when faced with questions about their baby’s health, even in the best of support networks.
In sharing her experience, Malakhova described how she confronted these fears. She wrestled with practical dietary considerations given her already selective approach to nutrition and worries that certain choices could affect Fedya. Over time, her hormonal balance began to stabilize, and so did her mood. She adopted a simplified dietary plan, using a color-based framework believed to be safe for the baby. Her meals remained light and balanced, with white foods forming a forgiving routine. The approach included steamed fish and occasional treats, underscoring that moderation and consistency mattered more than deprivation. The adjustment period proved crucial to her recovery and to establishing a healthier routine for both mother and child, emphasizing small, sustainable changes over drastic shifts.
Malakhova also reflected on the physical toll of pregnancy. She acknowledged the weight gained during gestation and noted that the postpartum period involved active lifestyle changes. She highlighted regular walks with Fedya and continued breastfeeding as contributors to gradual weight loss and improved well-being, reinforcing the idea that patience and steady habits are essential during postpartum recovery. The emphasis was on gentle movement, practical routines, and a focus on long-term health rather than rapid results.
During the discussion, the topic broadened to the wider challenges faced by new mothers when managing mental health. The dialogue underscored the importance of support, realistic expectations, and the acceptance that seeking help does not diminish maternal strength. The account served as a reminder that postpartum experiences vary widely and that reaching out for assistance can be a pivotal step toward recovery. In sharing her story, Malakhova offered a personal lens on resilience and practical strategies some mothers use to restore balance after childbirth. The narrative highlighted the value of community, trustworthy guidance, and self-compassion as essential components in the journey through early motherhood, especially for those confronting mood shifts or anxiety after a baby’s arrival. This perspective aligns with contemporary discussions about mental health and parenting reported by Mail.ru and echoed by other outlets covering celebrity experiences in the public sphere.
In related discussions, other public figures have addressed similar themes. An interview with Anita Tsoi focused on strategies for managing depression, while Christina Asmus discussed awards and recognition in her own context. Together, these conversations contribute to a broader dialogue about postpartum well-being, the pressures of public life, and the ways individuals find balance as they navigate new chapters in their lives. The emphasis remains on practical steps, emotional honesty, and the importance of seeking support when facing mental health challenges after childbirth. This broader conversation mirrors ongoing public discourse about maternal health that resonates with many families listening to one another’s experiences.