Cardi B Nails PPD: 'Out of Nowhere, the World Was Heavy on My Shoulders'

Cardi B may be one of today’s most sought after musicians, but she still goes through all the motions of being a new mom—postpartum depression included.

Cardi B gave birth to her daughter, Kulture Kiari Cephus, last summer, and is still getting used to her new role. And, like many other women, she knew about PPD, but didn’t think it would happen to her.

Unfortunately, she was mistaken.

In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the 26-year-old opens up about her experience.

“I thought I was going to avoid it,” she admits. “When I gave birth, the doctor told me about postpartum, and I was like,—well, I’m doing good right now, I don’t think that’s going to happen. But out of nowhere, the world was heavy on my shoulders.”

Shortly after giving birth, the singer became aware of all the time and energy it took to be a mom. As of a result, she pulled out of her upcoming tour with Bruno Mars.

“I thought that after giving birth to my daughter that six weeks would be enough time for me to recover mentally and physically. I also thought that I’d be able to bring her with me on tour, but I think that I underestimated this whole mommy thing,” she admitted on Twitter over the summer.

Since then, motherhood has continued to be quite the awakening.

“For some reason, I still don’t feel like my body’s the same. I feel like I don’t have my balance right yet. When it comes to heels, I’m not as good at walking anymore,” she tells Harper’s Bazaar. “I feel like I’m holding a weight on me. I don’t know why, because I’m skinnier than I’ve ever been. But there’s an energy I haven’t gotten back yet that I had before I was pregnant. It’s just the weirdest thing.”

Thankfully, the mom is on the road to recovery. Slowly but surely she’s starting to feel better, and she’s been leaning on her mom for help with Kulture.

The musician is one among many other celebrities who have opened up about their battle with PPD. By discussing the common pregnancy complication, we’re raising awareness and moving towards better screening for depression in expectant moms.

Learn more about the common symptoms and treatments for PPD so you know what to look for in yourself or a family member or friend.

Most importantly, remember that with the help of your doctor and a strong support system, you will get through it.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.