In this exclusive interview with Angelica Panganiban, the actress candidly shared her postpartum journey that was equal parts brutal and beautiful

One of the best discussions about the reality of motherhood is when television host Ricki Lake said, “Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing.” It’s undeniable that becoming a first-time parent is life-changing, but let’s be honest—embracing all the epic highs and lows that come with it is no easy feat. Case in point: The brutal yet beautiful process of accepting all the ways the body has changed throughout the process of pregnancy. 

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It’s one sentiment that Angelica Panganiban would agree with. In fact, the first-time mom opened up the difficulties of loving her postpartum body. “Well for me, it became quite hard in the beginning,” she confessed. “Instead of having a vaginal delivery, nag-emergency C-section ako. And that became a big setback sa plans ko to workout right after giving birth.” The actress also revealed that it took her three months to recover before she finally got her doctor’s approval to train. “I actually injured my back on the first day I started working out again,” she revealed. “I learned na nagka-sciatica pala ako during pregnancy. So with this, maya-maya ‘yung tama sakin ng postpartum.” 

It’s no secret that overcoming postpartum body image struggles are difficult. Yes, there are times where it can feel overwhelming and inescapable, but know that even if it takes time to adjust, it’s achievable. Take a cue from Angelica Panganiban. “I always have to remind myself na before I workout, I have to work in first,” she shared. “Hindi ko kailangang madaliin ang sarili ko sa mga gusto kong mangyari, at hindi lahat ng plano ko matutuloy.”

As we continued our conversation, the actress did not miss to echo her thoughts about her work. “I miss my work so much,” she admitted. “But everytime na tinitignan ko ‘yung anak ko, I remind myself na I’ve been working for 30 years—hindi na siguro masama kung ibigay ko ‘yung oras ko sa pamilya ko. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to not be too hard on yourself. Embrace every milestone and even setbacks.” 

Her musings about the changes in her body can’t be left unmentioned. “I’ve learned not to hate my body. Ito ‘yung katawan na bumuhay sa hawak kong blessing ngayon. All the more, I have to thank this body,” she shared. 

Of course, the topic also shed light on how women receive so much unnecessary pressure to bounce back after giving birth. Let’s put an end to that culture. A mother’s body goes through a lot of shifting, changing, and growing to accommodate a new life—there shouldn’t be any space for criticisms or scrutiny. Rather, it’s the perfect time to surround them with so much love and support. To say the least, postpartum wellness matters as much as the pregnancy itself. 

Photos: ANGELICA PANGANIBAN (via Instagram)