Original Sugababes star Mutya Buena has bravely revealed her harrowing experience with postnatal depression following the birth of her second child, describing feeling completely "overwhelmed" and like she was "failing" as a mother.
The 38-year-old singer, who shares daughter Tahlia with her partner and welcomed their second child in 2022, confessed that the condition left her struggling to cope with daily life and caring for her newborn.
The Darkest Days
"I felt like I was failing," Buena revealed in an emotional interview. "Everything felt too much, and I couldn't understand why I wasn't experiencing the joy everyone expects you to feel with a new baby."
The music icon described how the postnatal depression manifested in ways she never anticipated, making simple tasks feel insurmountable and leaving her feeling disconnected from the newborn experience she'd previously enjoyed with her first child.
Breaking the Stigma
Buena is now speaking out to help other mothers who might be experiencing similar feelings, emphasising that postnatal depression can affect anyone regardless of their circumstances or previous parenting experience.
"People don't talk about it enough," she explained. "There's this expectation that you should be glowing and happy, but the reality can be very different. I want women to know they're not alone."
Seeking Support and Recovery
The Sugababes founding member stressed the importance of seeking professional help and reaching out to loved ones during difficult times. She credits proper support with helping her navigate through the challenging period.
"It's okay to ask for help," Buena affirmed. "Speaking to someone and getting the right support made all the difference for me. There's no shame in struggling - what matters is taking those steps toward feeling better."
Buena's candid confession adds to the growing conversation around maternal mental health, joining other celebrities who have spoken openly about their experiences with postnatal depression in recent years.
