Ileana D’Cruz Opens Up About Choosing Natural Birth To Deliver Second Child

Ileana D’Cruz Reveals Her Empowering Choice To Deliver Second Child Naturally And Talks About Postpartum Struggles

Actor Ileana D’Cruz has always been admired for her candid nature, and in a recent conversation with NDTV, she shared an intimate glimpse into her second pregnancy and delivery journey. The actor revealed that she made a conscious decision to go unmedicated and deliver her second child without an epidural. While the experience felt incredibly empowering, Ileana admitted that her postpartum phase was far more challenging this time around.

Ileana explained that she wanted to push herself during childbirth and experience the process in its natural form. She discussed her decision openly, saying, “I said I’m going to go unmedicated this time. I’m not going to do the epidural. I told my nurse that we need to come up with a plan because this is what I want to do. And it was great because she worked with me, and we actually did it. It was amazing.” For the star, this decision gave her a strong sense of achievement, allowing her to embrace motherhood in a deeply personal way.

However, the challenges did not end there. While the delivery was empowering, Ileana admitted that postpartum recovery was significantly harder during her second pregnancy. She said, “…the second time, it’s not just the baby, it’s the baby, it’s your toddler, it’s you. It’s all those factors. It’s trying to figure out yourself physically and get your strength back, and the new mental space is completely messed up. So it’s incredibly hard.” Her honesty about the mental and physical toll of childbirth resonated with many new mothers who often struggle with balancing recovery, childcare, and their own identity.

Motherhood has brought several new responsibilities for Ileana, especially as she now balances her time between two little ones. Ileana and her husband Michael Dolan tied the knot in 2023 in an intimate ceremony, and the same year, they welcomed their first child, son Koa Phoenix Dolan, in August. Recently, on June 19, 2025, the couple’s family grew again as they joyfully welcomed their second son, Keanu Rafe Dolan. While her journey into motherhood has been filled with happiness, Ileana has also spoken openly about its complexities and the emotional adjustments that come with it.

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Apart from sharing her birthing experience, Ileana also touched upon her views on paparazzi culture in India and why she is protective of her children’s privacy. She revealed that she would not be comfortable with her babies being photographed, as it would be unfair and confusing for them. “It would definitely have been hard for me to be photographed with my babies. It would just be incredibly confusing for them. And it’s not fair to them because they wouldn’t understand what is going on. I would not be okay with it,” Ileana said.

Despite her concern, Ileana acknowledged her largely positive experiences with the Mumbai paparazzi, recalling how they respected her boundaries during her career. She shared, “I’ve had a good relationship with the paps in Bombay, and every time I have told them, ‘Listen, I’m not comfortable, please don’t take a picture,’ they’ve actually respected my wishes. So if it were to come to that, I think they would understand not to take pictures of the babies.” Her balanced approach highlights her gratitude while also underscoring the importance of privacy for her young family.

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On the professional front, Ileana D’Cruz was last seen in the romantic comedy Do Aur Do Pyaar (2024), where she starred alongside Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, and Sendhil Ramamurthy. While fans look forward to her upcoming projects, Ileana seems to be prioritizing family life and the joys of raising her children at this stage of her journey.

Through her openness, Ileana D’Cruz not only celebrates the joy of welcoming her second child but also sheds light on the raw realities of motherhood. Her story serves as a reminder that while childbirth can be a deeply empowering experience, the postpartum period requires strength, support, and patience. By speaking candidly, Ileana has given voice to the struggles many mothers face, making her journey both relatable and inspiring.

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