Emily Skye is a leading fitness and social media influencer with a following of nearly 15 million. Emily shares that her childhood wasn’t easy; her father left her when she was a toddler, and as a young model she struggled with depression and unhealthy exercise and eating habits. At one point she was also in an abusive relationship. “On the outside, it probably appeared that I was living the dream, but I actually hated myself and hated my life.”
She says she began focusing on healthy eating and exercise that was good for her. She shared her story, posting daily workout videos on social media, and she had no idea the reaction would be what it is now.
Emily joins The Doctors to discuss life post-pregnancy. As a new mom, Emily has suffered postpartum depression. She says she felt completely down and guilty like she wasn’t cut out for motherhood.
Watch: News in 2: Chrissy Teigen's Battle with Postpartum Depression
OB/GYN Dr. Nita Landry explains that postpartum blues are something that happens because of hormonal fluctuations, a few days after delivery, and usually last for about 2 weeks. She says that postpartum depression is different in that it can go on for a much longer time and the symptoms are more severe. “It’s very common and it impacts 5 – 20% of women during the postpartum period and it’s something that we can definitely help women with.”
Dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra praises Emily for being so honest about her journey to get her pre-baby body back. The Doctors share Emily's viral video of her showing the excess skin and fat on her stomach after she gave birth. Emily explains that your body is going to hold onto fat, especially when breastfeeding, because you need energy to convert to milk to feed your baby.
Watch: Eva Mendes Reveals How She Got Her Bod Back Post-Baby
As far as working out, Emily says that it’s important to first get the all clear from your doctor and make sure that diastasis recti, your ab separation, is healed before you begin. She says to make sure you are working on your pelvic floor. “It’s like you’re stopping going to the bathroom. Sucking it all up, keeping your inner core muscle tight,” says Emily. She suggests squats, planks, and a move called “opposite-arm, opposite-leg” as some workout moves to do.
To find more tips from Emily, check out her fitness plans on Emily Skye Fit.
