TONI Gonzaga admitted she experienced postpartum depression during the first few months after giving birth to her son, Seve.
The television host shared that it was not a pleasant phase after pregnancy as she was too emotional and would often feel self-pity.
And because she was used to being pregnant for nine months, finally giving birth made her feel that there was something lacking in her.
"May ganun pala talaga, dadaan ka sa self-pity. Kasi, di ba, siyam na buwan, may dala-dala kang human sa loob ng katawan mo, tapos nawala. Parang ang feeling mo, parang may kulang, may wala," she said.
Gonzaga said she would also get emotional when she hears her son cry.
"Kapag umiiyak siya, sabi ko, 'Umiiyak na naman siya. Ano na naman ang kailangan niya?' Naiiyak din ako, magda-drama rin ako. Minsan may ganun kami, kapag iiyak siya, iiyak din ako. Nag-iiyakan kami! Sabi ko, Anak, ginagawa mo akong dramatic actress," she added.
The TV host said support from loved ones is really important before, during and after pregnancy as mothers are vulnerable to anything.
She said she fought the negative feelings by constantly being with family and friends.
Gonzaga also shared her fear as a new mother. She said her perspective when it comes to family and responsibilities drastically changed when Seve was born.
She added that she's constantly praying for her son to be brought up kind, respectful, God-fearing and safe from harm.
"For the rest of your life, you're responsible for the welfare of that baby or that person. Yung paglaki niya, lahat yun magre-reflect sa magulang. Yun lang siguro ang iniisip ko, na sana lumaki siya nang maayos, marespeto sa mga nakatatanda sa kanya, sa mga magulang niya, at may takot sa Diyos."
Gonzaga also said that motherhood gave new purpose and meaning to her life.
She said it is hard, but fulfilling at the same time.
"Ang sarap ng pakiramdam, mahirap pero nakakatuwa. You'll never know the strength of a woman when she gave birth to a life. Parang yung mga bagay na iniisip mong hindi mo kakayanin, kakayanin mo pala," she ended. (VoxPop Philippines)
