Justine Lupe, the star of the Netflix romcom “Nobody Wants This,” recently shared her unique experiences of new motherhood in an interview for Who What Wear’s inaugural parenting issue. Although she didn’t face postpartum depression, Lupe described grappling with significant anxiety during a challenging hormonal shift connected to weaning.
Reflecting on her feelings, Lupe expressed, “I had crazy anxiety. It was a little bit scary. I felt a different thing than I’d ever felt — sad, anxious. My body was totally out of control, and my brain didn’t understand what was going on.” After welcoming her first daughter, Ellis, Lupe spent two months battling intense anxiety, even questioning if this state would become her new norm. It wasn’t until she reached out to fellow parents, including co-star Kristen Bell and “Succession” colleague Sarah Snook, that she recognized her struggles were common among new mothers.
Support from her castmates played a pivotal role in her journey. Snook, who was pregnant during the filming of “Succession” Season 4, provided Lupe with invaluable resources by sharing podcast episodes focused on postpartum experiences and regularly checking in after her hospital stay. Lupe noted her friend’s insight: “You have nine months of pregnancy, and you’re gonna get so much information about being a pregnant woman, and people forget about what happens after you give birth.”
Lupe also highlighted the comfort of having a strong support system, praising Bell for her nurturing presence: “KB just has a maternal air about her. She always has snacks, and she’s always giving advice and has an article that she just read.”
Additionally, Lupe was candid about the challenges she faced while filming “Nobody Wants This” during her pregnancy, recalling how the costume department adeptly accommodated her changing body. She humorously described a moment when she realized her clothing was no longer fitting: “I would eat a burrito, and then everything would just pop open. My skirt would just be on the ground, and I’d be like, ‘Oh no, I’m expanding past the capacity of my clothes.’”
Lupe’s openness about her experiences not only sheds light on the emotional complexities of new parenthood but also underscores the importance of community and shared experiences during this transformative period. By discussing the often-overlooked aspects of motherhood, she contributes to a growing conversation that encourages women to support one another through their unique journeys.