‘Never thought I would ever recover’: Kylie Padilla calls for postpartum depression awareness

 — Actress Kylie Padilla is calling on the public to be more supportive of new mothers who may be experiencing postpartum depression.

The actress shared on her Facebook page a viral post about a mother who was suffering from poverty and postpartum depression, affecting her entire family.

Kylie wrote how she suffered from childbirth complications or “binat” when she gave birth to her second son in 2019.

She also shared complications in her spinal cord injection, as well as her struggles walking and breastfeeding.

“All the stress anxiety and body pain ABSOLUTELY TOOK A TOLL ON MY BODY. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EVER RECOVER. I never thought I would ever get passed that dark place that I was in. My support system then was also lacking,” Kylie said.

The actress said that the post was meant to address and shed light on what “binat” is and its consequences to mothers who have just given birth. 

Kylie reiterated her post was not specially about her but mothers who do not have the ability to support themselves. The actress said she is pushing for paid maternity leave and postpartum depression awareness.

“Mothers deserve time to rest their bodies and minds after childbirth. They deserve to be able to take care of themselves as well as their children,” Kylie ended. “We need a world where everyone feels supported!!! So our moms can better take care of our children!!!!!”

Kylie is a mom to two sons with ex-husband Aljur Abrenica, whom she separated with in 2021.

In the Philippines, the maternity leaves are paid for 105 days, with an option to extend it for 30 days without pay. For solo mothers or parent, they are allowed additional 15 maternity leaves with pay. These terms took effect with the passing of the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law or RA 11210 on March 11, 2019. 

—

If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at +63 917 899 8727 and 7989 8727.