Jennifer Hudson Shocked After Halle Bailey Reveals Why It’s ‘So Important’ to Talk About Her Postpartum Experience — and the One Thing All Moms Need

On a heartfelt episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Halle Bailey — the 25-year-old actress and singer best known for her role as Ariel in The Little Mermaid — opened up about a deeply personal chapter in her life: motherhood and the realities of postpartum life.

While speaking with host Jennifer Hudson, Bailey discussed her growing passion for postpartum advocacy, a cause the City of Los Angeles recently honored her for. The young star, who welcomed her first child, Halo, in December 2023 with ex-boyfriend DDG, revealed why sharing her story feels “so important” — not just for herself, but for women everywhere.

“I felt like, wow, I have to speak up about this — not only for the older women, but the younger generation of women,” she explained. “There’s a lot of girls my age, like around 24 and 25, having children, and we’re like, ‘Oh my goodness.’”

Finding Strength Through Vulnerability

Bailey spoke candidly about the emotional and physical challenges of life after giving birth, emphasizing how overwhelming the transition can be.

“When we give birth, we’re like, wow — the emotions, the hormones, everything,” she shared. “You realize that you need a strong support system with you. You need help. You need people to love on you and make sure that you’re okay.”

Her words resonated deeply with Hudson, herself a mother, who praised Bailey for using her platform to shed light on a subject that is often kept private.

Bailey said that speaking openly about her postpartum experience has helped her — and could help countless others — feel less isolated.

“I just think it’s amazing to be open about it because it can help so many people and make you not feel alone,” she said. “That’s necessary because then they know what’s ahead and are not surprised by it — and they know they’re not alone.”

Motherhood as a Journey of Discovery

Despite the challenges, Bailey’s eyes lit up when she talked about the joys of motherhood. Becoming a mom, she said, has taught her as much about herself as it has about caring for her son.

“I think my favorite thing is that I feel like I’m learning so much from my child,” she said with a smile. “He’s bringing out the inner child in me every single day.”

Bailey described how simple moments with Halo — like painting or doing crafts — have allowed her to reconnect with her own childhood joy.

“It’s like I’m feeding the little girl in me,” she said. “I’m having fun. I’m a child again too.”

A New Chapter After Change

In October 2024, Bailey’s ex-boyfriend DDG confirmed that the pair had amicably separated after more than two years together. In an emotional Instagram post, he wrote that while the decision was “not easy,” they remained committed to their roles as co-parents.

“We are still best friends and adore each other,” he shared. “As we focus on our individual journeys and our roles as co-parents, we cherish the bond we’ve built and the beautiful moments we’ve shared.”

Since their split, Bailey and DDG have reportedly worked through their co-parenting arrangements in court but continue to prioritize their son’s well-being above all else.

Redefining Motherhood in the Spotlight

Bailey’s openness struck a chord with Jennifer Hudson and the audience alike. The Oscar-winning host praised her guest for breaking the silence around postpartum emotions — a subject still often treated as taboo in the entertainment world.

“You never know who needs to hear that,” Hudson said, visibly moved.

For Bailey, the mission is clear: to normalize the conversation around postpartum life, to remind new mothers that vulnerability is not weakness, and to encourage them to seek the love and support they deserve.

“You need people to lift you up,” Bailey repeated. “That’s the one thing every mom needs.”

Her honesty — paired with her radiant positivity — left Hudson and viewers inspired, proving that behind every headline and every glamorous red carpet moment is a woman finding strength through sharing her truth.

And for Halle Bailey, that truth is simple: Motherhood is powerful — but no one should have to face it alone.