On her podcast, actor Minal Khan spoke openly with journalist Aamna Haider Isani about the joys and challenges of motherhood. She recalled dealing with health issues following a C-section birth and the ever-present “mom guilt,” shedding light on the unfiltered realities that many new mothers face.
Khan claimed that her pregnancy went without a hitch, but that the postpartum period brought unexpected difficulties. She recalled, “I got sick right after the delivery.” I had a severe internal infection and a fever of 106 degrees. My infant was only ten days old. But because I felt terrible mom guilt, I had to get up and feed my baby, and in those moments, I realized how vulnerable I am.
Khan found herself in a never-ending cycle of care, highlighting the demands of motherhood. It would still be extremely challenging even with all of the assistance in the world, she admitted.
Minal talked about feeling torn whenever she left her baby to care for herself, describing what she called “mom guilt,” a common feeling for new mothers. She credited her mother and husband with encouraging her to “go out and enjoy my life” by getting a manicure or a haircut, both of which she needed.
She was especially conscious of how fortunate she was to have such support. The actor acknowledged that many mothers are left to their own devices after giving birth. You know, when some girls become mothers, their own mothers are absent. So I can’t imagine how lonely they must have been after having a baby.
She reflected on her preference to stay at home and share her baby’s early moments rather than living with her mother, highlighting the role that a husband plays in a woman’s postpartum journey. I responded that I particularly wanted to spend this time with my husband so that he would be aware of everything I was going through when the doctor asked me if I would go to my mother’s house after I was discharged. Additionally, I can only find mental peace in my relationship with my husband.
She also thanked Ahsan Mohsin Ikram, her husband, for taking care of their baby while she took some time for herself. Khan, on the other hand, boasts that she is a hands-on mom, stating, “I don’t like leaving my baby unattended.” From washing to taking care of, I like dealing with him myself.”
Khan also focused on nourishing herself with nutritious foods like panjiri and staying on top of her vitamin intake in addition to the emotional difficulties. She also emphasized how important it is to stick to routines for personal care, like taking a shower, changing clothes, and even applying a little makeup when she feels like it. She emphasized, “You need to develop as well.” Additionally, if you are not clean and well-groomed, you cannot care for the baby.
Khan experienced and gracefully accepted the transformation that pregnancy brings, despite the physical and emotional toll it takes on a woman’s body. Her story serves as a reminder of how important it is to take care of oneself, get help, and be patient.
