Model and actress Barbara Palvin returned to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway in Los Angeles on October 18, just six weeks after giving birth to her first child on Labor Day. Sharing her thoughts on the experience, the 33-year-old discussed the challenges and support she received during her postpartum recovery.
“I’m happy to be here because of the help I got and the support I got, but you know, I’m still healing,” Palvin told *Good Morning America*. She emphasized that her swift return to the runway was made possible with assistance from her family and friends, adding that such a timeline is not realistic or necessary for every new parent.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” she said, describing postpartum as “a roller coaster.” Palvin expressed gratitude for her support system, highlighting how her parents flew in to help, and friends provided meals. “I’m just happy to be back,” she said.
She also reflected on how her experience aligns with common postpartum workplace realities in the United States, where many women are expected to resume work quickly. “In the U.S., you have to be back to work after six weeks. Maternity leave is like, six to eight weeks, so it’s not that big of a deal, right?” Palvin commented. According to federal law, the Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually, including for childbirth, but options vary widely by workplace and individual circumstances.
Palvin’s highly visible return sparked a mix of reactions online. Supporters praised her for prioritizing her health and making a choice that felt right for her circumstances. “If [she] feels healthy enough to walk the runway, leave her alone,” one commenter wrote. “She probably worked very hard to have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum. Let people do what they want to do.”
Others raised concerns about the societal pressures perpetuated by unrealistic postpartum recovery expectations, particularly from influential brands like Victoria’s Secret. One commenter on the company’s Instagram noted, “Chasing these standards drives real harm, like crash diets, anxiety, and poor self-image in teens. A brand this big has the power to set a healthier example. Nothing against the models—they’re doing their job—but when one brand defines ‘beautiful’ for millions of young girls, it has a responsibility to show the full range of real women.”
Offering encouragement to other parents, Palvin advised, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every week is different. You think, like, oh, now we have a routine. I got it down, and then [your baby] throws you for a loop. But yeah, don’t be hard on yourself. Take your time.”
Palvin shares her new journey into parenthood with her spouse, actor Dylan Sprouse.