Shay Mitchell felt post-natal pressure to get back into shape.
In the Tuesday Byrdie cover story, the ‘You’ actor reveals that it’s “tough” to be “a woman in this day and age.” She revealed, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel that pressure. However, I’ve always said I can’t snap back. I can only snap forward,” adding, “As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I put the old version of myself aside, and a new chapter began.”
The ‘Pretty Little Liars‘ actor says she finds herself reflecting on how her daughters perceive her. She explains, “I want them to see me and know you can be extremely independent yet still rely on others for support,” adding, “I want to instill a strong work ethic in them. My parents always said if you get something on your own, nobody can take that away from you,” she continues, “So I want them to know if you believe in something, you can attain it.”
The mother of two reveals that she can manage her babies and her growing business with the help of a power team behind her. She said, “The other day on TikTok, someone commented, ‘Oh, look at the nanny feeding her child.’ I’ve never claimed to raise my children by myself,” adding, “If I didn’t have the help I do, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do [in my career or as a mom]. It’s important to call it out because it is a luxury to be able to do both.”
She told Byrdie that she credits Matte Babel for being by her side and as a sounding board by saying, “We share the same morals, and I’ll forever be grateful to be in a healthy relationship.” Mitchell shares daughters Atlas Noa, 2, and Rome, 18 months, with Babel.
The ‘Dollface‘ actress shares that she and Babel celebrate their daughters’ multiracial lineage. Mitchell is Filipino and Caucasian, and Babel is Trinidadian and Caucasian. She reveals, “Matte and I encourage them to be curious about their background and treat everyone equally.”
Since being linked in 2017, the couple welcomed Atlas in October 2019 and Rome in May 2022. After Rome’s birth, Mitchelle shared with People, “Atlas is loving being a big sister,” adding, “[Atlas] is so excited. She’s been incredible. She helps me change diapers and it’s good — she loves it.” She continued, “I feel awesome. I feel really, really good,” adding, “It definitely takes a village. I’m really lucky my parents are in town and everybody’s been really helpful.”