Eastenders star Louisa Lytton has bravely revealed her struggle with overwhelming 'mum guilt' and postnatal anxiety since welcoming her daughter with husband Ben Bhanvra last year.
The 34-year-old actress, best known for playing Ruby Allen in the BBC soap, confessed she found herself 'crying every single day' during the early months of motherhood, despite having what she describes as an 'incredible support system.'
The Emotional Toll of New Motherhood
Speaking candidly about her experience, Lytton explained how the pressure to be the perfect mother took its toll. "I had this immense guilt about everything," she shared. "If I took time for myself, I felt guilty. If I wasn't producing enough milk, I felt guilty. It was a constant cycle of self-doubt that left me emotionally drained."
The actress emphasised that her husband Ben has been 'absolutely amazing' throughout the journey, but the internal pressure still proved overwhelming at times.
Breaking the Silence on Postnatal Struggles
Lytton is now using her platform to help normalise conversations around maternal mental health. "We need to talk more openly about how hard motherhood can be," she urged. "There's so much pressure to make it look effortless, but the reality is often very different."
The television personality revealed that seeking professional help and connecting with other mothers going through similar experiences has been crucial to her recovery journey.
Looking Forward with Hope
Despite the challenges, Lytton says she's now in a much better place and is learning to be kinder to herself. "Motherhood is a journey of constant learning," she reflected. "I'm finally starting to understand that being a good mum doesn't mean being perfect."
Her honest account has already resonated with thousands of mothers across the UK who have experienced similar feelings of guilt and anxiety.
