“Your body just went through trauma”: Lindsay Lohan opens up about postpartum recovery & finding self-love

Motherhood comes with its own mix of highs and lows, and for Lindsay Lohan, the experience has been transformative. The Mean Girls and Parent Trap star recently shared her insights into navigating life as a first-time mom, offering advice and reflections that resonate deeply with parents everywhere. Lohan opened up about her journey, from embracing self-care to cherishing the milestones of her son, Luai.

Rediscovering strength and embracing change

Lohan welcomed her son, Luai, in July 2023 with her husband, Bader Shammas, in Dubai. Looking back on the early days, she admitted it wasn’t easy to step away, even for a moment. “In the beginning, I didn’t want to miss a moment,” she told E! News, joking that she turned into a “little stalker” watching Luai sleep. But as time went on, she realized she couldn’t pour from an empty cup. “I need to feel great in order to be great for my child,” she explained.

Becoming a mom gave Lindsay a whole new appreciation for women’s strength. “After giving birth, you realize, as women, how strong we are,” she shared. She’s now a big believer in slowing down and giving yourself credit, saying, “We should take a break, sit down, and stop and think about all of the things we do and how much power we have.”

Related: 21 breastfeeding portraits that show the strength and vulnerability of new motherhood

Balancing motherhood and self-care

Like so many moms, Lindsay struggled with finding time for herself while being there for her baby. Her mornings begin with a family breakfast, enjoying tea, toast, and yogurt with Luai, a routine that helps her feel centered.

In an interview with TODAY, she explains, “I’m very ritualistic with my day. I do breakfast with my son, then Pilates…I have a thing since my son was born where I take a picture of him every single morning, the second he wakes up, so I can’t miss it and need to be on his schedule.”

Her self-care includes skin care, meditation, and squeezing in a Pilates session whenever she can. And in true mom fashion, Luai has become part of her workout routine. “When he started to get bigger, I was like, ‘I’m using you. You’re now my weight.’ It’s the best,” she joked.

Lohan also pushed back against the pressure to “bounce back” after pregnancy. “Your body just went through this crazy experience and trauma. It’s so important to accept yourself,” she said, a message that so many moms need to hear.

Related: 5 ways to make peace with mom guilt and actually prioritize your self-care

Celebrating the little (and big) milestones

As Luai approaches his second birthday, Lindsay continues to marvel at his milestones. She recently shared a sweet moment about Luai chasing bubbles at the park, calling it one of those little moments that feels so big. “He’s more verbal and he’s running a lot,” she proudly noted.

Even her longtime friend, Ayesha Curry, chimed in to praise Lindsay as “a great mom” who’s found a way to balance it all. Lohan credits her support system, including her husband, family, and close friends, for helping her thrive in this new chapter of life.

Lindsay’s advice for new moms

Her biggest takeaway? There’s no one right way to do this. “There’s no rush. You’re not missing anything. You will get there in all good time. Everyone is different, but we’re all similar in one thing—it’s a learning experience, and it’s a beautiful one.”

As she continues to navigate life as a mom, wife, and actor, Lindsay Lohan’s story is a powerful reminder that embracing change—with patience and a little humor—can be one of life’s greatest joys.