Kalki Koechlin On Pregnancy And Motherhood: "You Feel Lost, Like Your Body Isn’t Yours"

Kalki Koechlin, known for her bold performances in films and theater, recently opened up about the harsh realities of pregnancy and early motherhood. Kalki, who welcomed her daughter Sappho with her partner Guy Hershberg in 2020, shared how these experiences left her feeling physically drained and emotionally vulnerable.

In a candid chat with ANI, Kalki reflected on her journey through those nine months and beyond. She didn’t hold back about the struggles women often face but rarely discuss openly. “When you’re pregnant, your body isn’t yours anymore. It’s like you’re an incubation system, completely giving everything to the baby,” she shared. “All your nutrients, energy—everything goes to them.”

The physical toll of pregnancy was just the beginning. Kalki described how life after childbirth brought its own set of challenges. “The first six months were incredibly tough. I had to stay up the whole night feeding her. Sleep was non-existent,” she recalled. “You’re so tired all the time, and it’s not just about fatigue. It’s about losing touch with yourself. You ask, ‘Who am I now? What happened to my life?’”

Kalki also touched on the nutritional struggles that come with breastfeeding. “When you’re breastfeeding, you’re giving it all to the baby. Your own health takes a backseat. I was constantly thinking about how to keep up with her needs, but at the same time, I was losing my energy and focus.”

The actor expressed how this part of motherhood is rarely discussed. “People don’t talk enough about how hard it is. Everyone tells you how wonderful motherhood is, and yes, it is beautiful, but there’s this other side—this raw, exhausting side—that gets ignored.”

This isn’t the first time Kalki has spoken openly about her experiences as a mother. She has often shared glimpses of her journey on social media, balancing the joys of raising Sappho with the realities of being a working mom.

Fans and followers have appreciated her honesty, calling her a voice for modern moms who feel pressured to paint a perfect picture of motherhood. Kalki’s perspective resonates with many who feel overwhelmed but hesitate to talk about it, fearing judgment.

In a world where social media often shows polished, picture-perfect lives, Kalki’s candidness is refreshing. Her words remind us that motherhood isn’t always about glowing smiles and adorable baby photos. It’s also about sleepless nights, feeling lost, and struggling to find balance.

Motherhood, as Kalki pointed out, is a mix of challenges and joys. “I’m grateful for Sappho and everything she’s taught me, but I think it’s important to acknowledge both sides of the story,” she said.

As conversations around mental health and parenting gain traction, voices like Kalki’s are helping to shift the narrative. They’re encouraging women to embrace the imperfections of motherhood and seek support when they need it.

Kalki’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes. It’s okay to ask for help. And most importantly, it’s okay to talk about the tough parts of being a mom.

This article has been written exclusively for Moneyphobia and draws insights from Kalki Koechlin’s recent interview with ANI.