Barbara Palvin reflects on Victoria’s Secret runway return after giving birth

Hungarian model Barbara Palvin shared a glimpse of what her journey has been after returning to work just six weeks since she gave birth to her first child with actor Dylan Sprouse. In an Instagram post, the fashion model expressed how grateful she is for the people around her who have been so supportive as she balances her career and life as a mother. 

Barbara made waves earlier this month as she walked the Victoria’s Secret runway after giving birth in less than two months to her daughter, Sylvie. 

“Feeling incredibly blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends through this new chapter of my life. I couldn’t have done this without you,” she wrote.

She expressed how the lingerie brand has embraced her with open arms even more now as a mother. She noted how going back to her work was a choice she made, which other women might not have the same options of doing so.

“A huge thank you to @victoriassecret for embracing me exactly where I am in my postpartum journey and making me feel so beautiful and confident. I mean, we were literally sewing nursing pads into my bras backstage,” she said.

“A little reminder of the reality behind all the glam. Going back to work was a choice I was lucky enough to make. And while I’m so grateful for this opportunity, I can’t help but think about all the mothers who don’t have that choice. In the US, so many women are expected to return to work just 6–8 weeks after giving birth, often without paid maternity leave. Mothers deserve more time, more support, and more choices,” she added.

While Barbara maintained that she is proud of what she’s done–– six weeks postpartum–– she assured all the mothers that every journey is unique and shouldn’t be compared to one another.

“What you saw on that runway was me all dolled up, but my everyday postpartum reality looks very different. Some days, just finding time to take a shower or sit down and eat a meal in peace feels like a huge accomplishment. And that deserves to be celebrated too,” she asserted.

For the model, motherhood should be celebrated no matter how little or big the achievement is. 

“Thank you for all the love. My heart is full. Let’s go, mamas! We’re all doing amazing,” she ended.