Real Talk

Postpartum Reality Check: Kylie Padilla and Vice Ganda Champion Compassion for Moms

by Alexa Villano
May 27, 2025

Kylie Padilla and Vice Ganda shine a light on postpartum realities and why people need to understand that recovery after birth takes time and compassion

Postpartum recovery has become a more visible conversation among women, yet the journey remains deeply personal and often misunderstood. The physical and emotional changes after childbirth can impact confidence, mood, and well-being. For many moms, healing takes time, and that time varies for every woman.

Despite growing awareness, some still don’t grasp the gravity of postpartum recovery. Many women are pressured to lose weight or return to work while still physically and mentally healing. Actress Kylie Padilla and comedian-TV host Vice Ganda recently spoke out, reminding everyone that there is no one-size-fits-all path to postpartum recovery.

Kylie Padilla and Vice Ganda shine a light on postpartum realities and why people need to understand that recovery after birth takes time and compassion — Photo from kylienicolepadilla

Kylie Padilla: “Moms Deserve Time to Rest Their Bodies and Minds After Childbirth”

Kylie Padilla has been vocal about her own postpartum journey following the births of her sons, Axl and Alas. In a recent Facebook post, she opened up about the long and difficult recovery after her second child.

“After giving birth to my second son, I also suffered and still suffer from complications of childbirth or ‘binat’ as they call it,” she wrote. “There were also complications in my spinal cord injection. I could not walk for about 3 months without my lower body shaking and headaches, nerve pain, and over fatigue.”

She also experienced challenges with breastfeeding her second child, which took a toll on her physically and emotionally.

“All the stress, anxiety, and body pain ABSOLUTELY TOOK A TOLL ON MY BODY. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EVER RECOVER.”

Kylie shared that a lack of support made the experience even harder, fueling her ongoing advocacy for paid maternity leave and postpartum 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. We need a world where everyone feels supported!!!! So our moms can better take care of our children!”

Vice Ganda: “A Woman’s Body Changes From Time to Time”

In a recent episode of It’s Showtime’s segment “Step In the Name of Love”, Vice Ganda stood up for women whose bodies go through change, especially after childbirth and hormonal imbalance. The host made his comment after one of the participants shared the physical qualities he wants in a girl.

When Vice pressed the situations like postpartum and hormonal imbalance, the participant said he would encourage his partner to exercise and mentioned other programs that can help. Vice gave his take on the matter.

“A woman’s body changes from time to time,” Vice said. “ Yung mga pinagdadaanan ng mga babae… ayaw naman nila tumaba. Pero iyon ang dinikta nung katawan nila.”

“May mga nangyayari sa mga katawan nila na hindi mo maipaliwanag tapos bigla na lang sila tataba. Lalo na nung nagkaanak sila.”

He also emphasized that moms are often juggling so much for their children that self-care and fitness get pushed down their priority list.

“Gugustuhin mo ba na gym ng gym [pero] hindi naman naaalagaan yung mga anak niya sa kagustuhan niya na maalagaan ang sarili niya. Na hindi na makapagturo ng ABC sa kanyang anak.”

His other It’s Showtime hosts also chimed in, pointing out the struggles women go through when their bodies change after giving birth.

The truth is, a woman’s body doesn’t return to its pre-pregnancy form in a matter of weeks. For some, it takes months. For others, it may never look the same again – and that’s okay.

Women Need Self-Care at Their Own Pace

Self-care is crucial, especially after carrying a child for nine months. But the pressure to “bounce back” quickly can be harmful. Recovery, both physical and emotional, should never be rushed.

Other factors, such as hormonal shifts to underlying health condition,s can contribute to weight gain and mood changes. Continued consultation with healthcare professionals can help moms navigate these changes with care and confidence.

Beyond the physical recovery, postpartum is also a deeply emotional time. Insecurities can spiral. Moms may compare themselves to others, especially in the age of social media. This is where partners, families, and communities need to show up with assurance, not judgment. Because a healthy, supported mom raises a healthy, happy child.

Educating Matters

While more people are becoming sensitive to the realities women face after childbirth, there’s still much to be done. We must emphasize that healing takes time and that every woman’s journey is unique.

Words matter, especially when spoken to women in their most vulnerable state. Before offering unsolicited advice or commentary, pause and instead choose to offer encouragement and support.

Compassion Over Criticism

It’s time for women to dictate their own pace. In a world that too often expects them to bounce back instantly, the narrative needs to shift. Support, not scrutiny, is what every mother needs.

Healing is different for everyone. Women, especially moms, need compassion. And when we lead with compassion, we empower every mother to heal on her own terms.