Aayush Pathak
Dr. Nicole Martin, a star of The Real Housewives of Miami (RHOM), has made the difficult decision to step back from her full-time role on the show as she navigates severe postpartum anxiety following the birth of her daughter, Genevieve. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the board-certified anesthesiologist opened up about her struggles and the impact they have had on her life and career.
Facing Postpartum Anxiety
Martin, who welcomed her daughter Genevieve five months ago, described her experience with postpartum anxiety as “way more than just the normal new mom worries.” She explained, “It’s an intense, overwhelming sense of worry and fear that comes out of nowhere and just consumes me.” This condition has made her postpartum journey significantly more challenging than she anticipated.
Despite her love for motherhood, Martin admitted that dealing with anxiety has not been easy. “I love being a mom. Of all the hats that I wear, and I wear many, being a mom is by far my favorite and most important role,” she shared. However, the relentless anxiety has compelled her to prioritize her mental health and family over filming.
A Difficult Decision to Step Back
After careful consideration, Martin decided that she was not in the right headspace to film a full season of reality TV. “I just don’t think that I am in the headspace to film a full season of reality TV,” she stated. “I love a lot of the girls that I film with, but we’ve got some strong characters and there can be a lot of tense drama, not to mention the long hours. It’s a lot to juggle and I’m shifting my priorities.”
While she has been offered a full-time contract for the upcoming seventh season, Martin confirmed that she will still make occasional appearances on the show. “It’s not goodbye forever, I’ll pop-up here and there, just not in a full-time capacity,” she reassured fans.
Understanding Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety affects approximately 20% of new mothers and can manifest in various physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Common signs include increased heart rate, lack of appetite, racing thoughts, and irritability. Factors contributing to this condition can range from hormonal changes to sleep deprivation and stressors related to motherhood.
Martin’s pregnancy with Genevieve was particularly challenging, as she experienced an emergency cesarean section and her daughter spent nearly two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Reflecting on this difficult experience, Martin noted, “This pregnancy was not like my first pregnancy, where everything went smooth sailing.”
Leaning on a Support System
To cope with her anxiety, Martin has leaned on her support system, which includes her fiancé, Anthony Lopez, friends, and her mother. “I am very blessed to have an incredible support system. Anthony’s great, I’ve got amazing friends and my mom is my rock — she helps me a ton with the kids,” she said.
In addition to seeking support, Martin has been proactive in managing her mental health by attending regular therapy sessions and focusing on self-care. She has also made the decision to stop breastfeeding, which she felt was contributing to her stress. “I wanted to get back to my normal hormone baseline,” she explained, noting that this change has already made a positive difference in her well-being.
Acknowledging the Audience
While Martin feels confident in her decision to take a step back, she expressed concern about disappointing her fans. “They are so incredibly supportive and invested in my story, and a part of me feels very guilty for stepping back and not being able to share that fully with them,” she said. However, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health and family.
“I just felt like I wasn’t going to be the best version of myself for them, or for my kids or for my family,” Martin concluded. “So I had no other choice, really. I have to focus on my health.”
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