After giving birth to her daughter, Zendaya Rose, Love Island winner Jessica Hayes confessed to struggling with postnatal anxiety, brought on by two devastating miscarriages. The reality TV star, now 31, had experienced the loss of her son Teddy at 19 weeks in 2020, and another miscarriage in 2023 before welcoming her daughter this year. Throughout her pregnancy, the fear of another loss haunted Jessica, making her anxious about the possibility of something going wrong. This anxiety persisted even after Zendaya’s birth, with Jessica admitting to experiencing postpartum anxiety when out in public with her newborn and being constantly worried.
Jessica’s delivery of Zendaya was smoother than her past complicated pregnancies, with a water birth that went well despite some pain during labor due to opting for gas and air only. She shared that while the experience was more painful than her first delivery because Zendaya was a larger baby, she was relieved to have a healthy baby girl. Her partner, Zeb, was by her side throughout the birth, and Jessica described Zendaya as a relaxed and well-behaved baby, though she had moments of crying. With a four-year-old son, Presley, from a previous relationship, Jessica is navigating motherhood once again, this time with her fiancé Zeb.
The couple has been together since 2021, following Jessica’s split from her son’s father, Dan Lawry, and got engaged after a year of being together. Since the birth of her daughter, Jessica has been candid about her struggles with anxiety and the challenges of motherhood. Growing her family and dealing with the trauma of miscarriages has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Jessica, as she navigates the new experiences of being a mother to a newborn while also caring for her older son. The support of her fiancé Zeb has been crucial in her journey, as they navigate parenthood together.
In addition to her personal struggles with postnatal anxiety, Jessica also shared her journey on social media, allowing fans to follow along with her pregnancy and the birth of Zendaya. Her openness about her mental health challenges has resonated with many women who have faced similar struggles, and she continues to advocate for mental health awareness and support for new mothers. Jessica’s experience highlights the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with postnatal anxiety, and being open about the challenges of motherhood. Through her journey, Jessica hopes to inspire and encourage other mothers to prioritize their mental health and well-being while navigating the ups and downs of parenthood.
In the midst of sharing her story, Jessica also faced the pressures of postpartum recovery and adjusting to life with a newborn, all while maintaining her career and personal life. Her honesty about the realities of motherhood, from late-night feedings to anxiety-fueled worries, has made her a relatable figure for many women going through similar experiences. By sharing her journey, Jessica is breaking down stigmas around mental health and motherhood, showing that it’s okay to seek help and talk about the challenges of raising children while dealing with personal struggles. Jessica’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere, as they navigate the complexities of motherhood and prioritize their well-being and mental health.
