Megyn Kelly Thinks We Set Expectations Too High for New Mothers
"You're going to feel and look terrible."

Megyn Kelly has never been one to mince words, and she certainly isn't doing so when it comes to motherhood. The political commentator thinks that women aren't realistic about the expectations they have of themselves and each other, and that it's fine to embrace the downsides of parenting.
"We set the expectations too high for new mothers," Kelly tells More. "I'm always telling women, 'Don't expect to not hate it.' You're going to feel and look terrible, and you're going to wonder if you blew up your life. The cruel irony of it is, just at the time you're loving it and you've got it down, you have to go back to work."
Kelly, who has three children, went back to the grind just two months after giving birth to her youngest, and had a hard time juggling parenting with work obligations. "Five minutes before I had to go onstage [on], Thatcher was having a meltdown," she says. "So I yank my dress open and start breast feeding as I'm mic'd up. And everybody's like, 'Ehhhh…'"
Awkward breastfeeding moments aside, Kelly makes a good point about the expectations of new moms. Having kids is tough and stressful, and it's fine to admit that. That said, if at the end of the day you get to name another human being Saint, Otter, or Moses, it's so worth it.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Blake Lively Is Reviving My Early ‘00s Obsession With This Nail Trend
Minimalist nails with a little something extra.
-
Will 'Weak Hero Class' Return for Season 3? Park Ji-hoon Shares His Hopes for the Hit K-Drama's Senior Year
Fans are clamoring for more after that shocking cliffhanger.
-
Prince Charles Made an "Improper" Suggestion Before Their Marriage, Per Diana
*Clutches pearls*
-
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Introduce the "Newest Member" of Their Family
"I'm crazy about her and excited to share life."
-
Jennifer Garner Is Reportedly Ready to Cut Ties With Jennifer Lopez, Unless Their Kids Are Involved
"Her friends feel she shouldn't have allowed herself to get so involved."
-
Hailey Bieber Shares Her First Photo of Baby Son Jack Blues Since Giving Birth—See the Sweet Shot
So freaking cute.
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.