Keke Palmer Opens Up About The Realities Of Motherhood And The Importance Of Support
In a recent interview, actress and songstress Keke Palmer revealed her experiences as a new mother, shedding light on the highs and lows of parenting her four-month-old son, Leodis “Leo” Andrellton. The Reverse Psychology singer, known for her candidness, expressed her gratitude for the joyous moments as well as her struggles, particularly with breastfeeding.
Keke acknowledged the challenges of breastfeeding, emphasizing that while it may be a natural process, it doesn’t come instinctively to all mothers. She admitted that she embarked on a journey to understand and support her baby, coping with the pressure to get it right. The Emmy winner revealed that she initially didn’t know where to begin, but ultimately found immense help from a lactation consultant.
“I really went through the journey of just trying to figure out how to do that and how to support my baby — how to deal with the pressure of trying to do that right,” she shared.
Expressing her empathy for others, Keke acknowledged that not everyone can afford or find a good lactation consultant, making it a luxury rather than accessible support. “I wish that everybody had access to lactation consultants. It sucks that it’s kind of like a luxury. They have people saying breast is best, breast is best. But not everyone can even get support. That’s a mess,” she stated.
The Akeelah and the Bee actress called for a change in the unrealistic expectations surrounding breastfeeding, which often leave mothers feeling inadequate.
She further emphasized the importance of mental health support during the early stages of parenthood, revealing that therapy played a significant role in her well-being, along with the unwavering support of her family and a therapist she has consulted since she was 17.
Additionally, the mom of one shared that returning to work has helped her regain her sense of identity outside of motherhood.
“Your relationship at home changes so much.The only thing that you can kind of go back to the same is work, or whatever your outside activity is. I think that’s helped because it’s reminding me of how I existed before,” she stated.
Believing it is essential for mothers to maintain a connection with their pre-parenthood lives, Keke expressed her excitement for being back in the spotlight and working with Zenni Optical, as she has a personal affinity for glasses. Having worn them since she was eight years old, Palmer views glasses as an integral part of her character and appreciates them as an accessory. The opportunity to be a part of a campaign that aligns with her personal style and beliefs was one she couldn’t pass up, according to her.
The 29-year-old concluded by reflecting on her transformation since becoming a mother. “I feel so much more empowered by my son. I don’t know if it’s the way that he looks at me or if it’s what we’ve gone through together — obviously the birth and nine months, and everything else in between,” she stated.
