Elle King Opens Up About Overcoming 'Intense' Postpartum Depression

Elle King is reflecting on her two-year postpartum journey and how she came out a healthier version of herself.

In 2021, the daughter of Rob Schneider and her husband, Daniel Tooker, had a son, Lucky Levi Tooker. While motherhood has been a joy for the performer, she has had her fair share of downtimes.

She recently recalled going through depression during pregnancy while keeping it real with her fans.

On Wednesday, the Grammy-nominated performer opened up about how pregnancy and postpartum treated her with a post on Instagram. The upload featured a clip showing the singer’s daily routine. She began with doing her skincare and then proceeded to have singing practices. Afterward, King engaged in workouts, which included squats and leg lifts. 

In the post’s caption, King detailed her struggles with her health after birth. “Almost 2 years postpartum!” King began the caption. “I am making this post to share my journey from 284 lbs at 5’3 from pregnancy 2021 - now 2023. It doesn’t happen overnight. It didn’t even happen in a year for me. In fact, it’s an ongoing still working towards ever-changing goals kinda thing.”

She continued telling fans that her reason for sharing was to let people know how physical health also affects mental health. In her words, “So why am I sharing this? I fell into a very deep depression during my pregnancy. I also didn’t even realize how intense postpartum depression is and was until I very slowly began to crawl out. I felt trapped in my body. I couldn’t even sing.”

The Billboard-charting singer then detailed how she got out of the depressed phase, saying she started workouts and made it her habit. And for others going through similar stages, King encouraged, “Find music you like! Ride a bike! Go for a swim! 

In the later parts of her message, the performer admitted that she wasn’t perfect, but she’s healthy, adding that she isn't on any weight loss medication. “Some days, I count stretch marks. Some days, I hug myself and say thank you to my body. Today is a kind day. I’ve been tiny, I’ve been huge, BUT RIGHT NOW I'M HEALTHY.” 

The “Can’t Break My Heart” singer welcomed her son in 2021 after two miscarriages. She made her baby announcement via her Instagram with a photo showing her and her beau cradling their son.

She captioned, “Very proud to announce the birth of our son, Lucky Levi Tooker. On Wednesday, September 1st at 12:06 pm, we welcomed 8 lbs., 1 oz. of absolute joy and love earthside.”

Earlier in the year, the “America’s Sweetheart” singer opened up about fulfilling her dreams of being a mother while gushing about her beau.

“I’m a mother. That's all I ever wanted to be,” the songwriter said to People Magazine. “That's the hardest thing I've ever gone through, but I'm stronger from it. I wasn't supposed to have children with anyone other than Daniel. I look at him like, 'Thank God, you did it; you had a baby with a good guy.'”

The “Ex's & Oh's” singer reflected on falling in love with her husband in 2019. “There was this electric thing that I've never felt before," King recalled. “We hung out, laughed, then he tattooed me, and I posted a picture and said, 'Getting tattooed by my next ex-husband.' We've been in love ever since."

In the interview, the music genius recalled her former days and how she battled with failed romances and turned to drugs. “ I was wild. I also had a lot of hurt. I didn't know how else to get through it than distract myself and party.” 

In 2016, she'd secretly married Andrew Ferguson, and they divorced a year later after Ferguson was allegedly charged with domestic violence. After the break, the Rock n’ Roll star struggled with depression and PTSD, making her turn to drugs and alcohol to cope.

Regardless of the past phase, King is now enjoying a peaceful life with her little boy and her husband, doing little things to brighten her life. “I decorated every nook and cranny of the house, and I made it really, really homey,” she shared. “Every morning, we listen to Stevie Wonder records and dance. Rock and roll country is super badass. I would give everything up for my family — but I don't have to."

She heartily concluded, "I always dreamt of having a baby and my partner on the bus, traveling around the world and making great music, and now it's my daily life. I have everything I've ever wanted.”