Paloma Faith opens up about postpartum depression: ‘You wonder if you’ll ever be happy again’

Singer says she is 'overwhelmed with joy’ at second pregnancy

(Eamonn Mccormack)

Paloma Faith has opened up about having postpartum depression, stating that she once wondered if she would ever be happy again.

On Sunday, the “Can’t Rely On You” singer, who recently announced that she and partner Leyman Lahcine are expecting their second child, appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

During the interview, Faith told presenters Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy that she experienced postpartum depression after giving birth to her first child in 2016.

When asked if she was concerned about the depression returning, Faith said how happy she is to be pregnant again but added that she can also find it anxiety-inducing.

“I think being pregnant is often glorified as this beautiful sentimental thing, and I am overwhelmed with joy, I tried very hard on IVF to get pregnant – it’s my sixth round, and that means I definitely want a baby,” Faith explained.

“But for me pregnancy represents quite a lot of anxiety and one of them is that I did have quite a traumatic first birth and I did have postpartum depression. So, I’m trying to surround myself with people who know that.”

She continued: “I don’t think I realised I was that ill until it went away. It’s quite difficult because you wonder whether you’ll be happy again.”

Faith’s comments come just days after she announced her second pregnancy on Instagram.

Alongside a photo of her holding her growing baby bump, the 39-year-old wrote an emotional caption, in which she discussed her IVF experience and how much she wants another child.

“It is with extreme pleasure I announce I am pregnant. I am going to be releasing new music at this time and wanted to feel free in my body as it changes before all our eyes!” Faith wrote.

“This child is so wanted, it’s my 6th round of IVF and was a struggle to get here.”

She continued: “I had a very traumatic first birth and I am also prone to postpartum depression. Being a mother is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me but I will swell up and I won’t ‘glow’! I intend to be very real about this with you all!  

“To all the other pregnant women out there who are as in love with their babies as me but simultaneously s***ting themselves, let’s do this.”

This is not the first time Faith has spoken about having postpartum depression.

Earlier this year, the Voice Kids UK star said that while she struggled to feel validated by motherhood at first, she has since formed a strong bond with her daughter.

“My child’s a bit obsessed by me and I really like it. It’s like I’m totally validated,” she told the Mirror.

“She sort of looked at me like a big sister in that sort of awestruck way, like ‘What do you think?’ and if I say anything it’s perfect.”