Millie Mackintosh opens up about ‘spiral into anxiety’ after baby Sienna’s birth

Made in Chelsea star and new mum Millie Mackintosh has opened up about how she “spiralled into anxiety” following the birth of her baby girl.

Millie and Hugo Taylor, also of MiC fame, welcomed daughter Sienna back in May, with Millie giving regular updates about her experiences as a first-time parent.

Now she’s told that she feared developing post-natal depression following the birth, experiencing fluctuating emotions.

The 31-year-old explained that she would from “being euphorically happy, to being deeply sad and tearful.”

The proud mum shared a snap of herself and Sienna on Instagram, penning a lengthy caption that fans have since lauded for its honesty.

Millie wrote: “Let’s talk about the Baby Blues! Like most new mum’s when I first arrived home with Sienna, I was totally overwhelmed by the love I felt for her, but I also felt very confused by the conflict in my emotions.

“I’d go from being euphorically happy, to being deeply sad and tearful in the same moment. Hugo would ask what was wrong and I was unable to give him an answer which only made me feel worse as I couldn’t explain these all-consuming emotions.

“There was the irony of feeling so incredible lucky and happy, surrounded by cake, flowers, cards celebrating our adorable new arrival, yet feeling so stormy inside, which spiralled into anxiety as I feared developing post-natal depression (which did not happen), it almost started to take over the most precious time in my life.”

Millie added that she sought out professional advice, continuing: “After 3 weeks of severe emotional ups and downs, I decided reach out and spoke to my Obstetrician. He told me it was very likely it was just to do with my hormones and to see how I was doing at my 6 week check-up.

“I found it helpful to keep a diary of how I was feeling, noting which days I felt sad vs happy so I could see everything in more pragmatic way instead of living in a tidal wave of my emotions.

“Over time I could see from the diary that there were less and less sad days, which made me feel more positive and luckily by 6 weeks post-partum I felt much much better.

“I found that being around nature really helped to boost my mood, so long walks in the park became a daily ritual. I was also very open with my midwife, friends and family about how I was feeling. I know for a lot of people sharing your doubts and worries can feel taboo as you fear that people will think the worst and that you’re not a good mum.

“For me sharing those worries was a positive experience and I immediately felt those closest to me rally around to support me, Hugo and Sienna. They all checked in daily and reminded me it would pass and in my case they were right.”

She finished by urging any mum suffering from the “baby blues” to be open and speak about how they’re feeling.

“Remember you are never alone!” Millie concluded.

Millie has since been met with a flood of appreciation and praise from fans and friend alike, including fellow mum and MiC star Tabatha Willett.

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