Courteney Cox-Arquette speaks about post-partum depression, IVF

Admitting that she’s "not really ready right this second," actress Courteney Cox-Arquette said recently that she will "probably" undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) again in the hopes of providing a sibling for daughter Coco, turning 3-years-old this month.  The former Friends actress — and current star and executive producer of FX’s Dirt — has been open about her fertility struggles, ultimately suffering several miscarriages before she and husband David Arquette welcomed Coco.  But Courteney also struggled with life after baby, as well.

I used to want to have eight kids.  It was such a fantasy when I was younger because my mother, who was an only child, had four kids.  Now, looking back, I don’t understand how she did it.  I think the baby part — like, waking up early — is hard.  Really hard.

And — not unlike actress Brooke Shields, who also resorted to IVF before giving birth to daughter Rowan in 2003 — Courteney experienced post-partum depression which revealed itself 6-months after Coco’s birth.

Do I believe in post-natal depression?  Yes.  Did I have the worst case of it?  No.  Women have hormones.  It’s not easy and as we get older, it gets harder.  But there’s ways to deal with it and stay in balance.  I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with therapy.  Post-natal depression can be devastating.  Luckily, I was able to get through it. 

Source:  AHN via Marie Claire

Comments

Sending good thoughts and luck to Courtney if she does indeed try again. There was actually a study done a few years ago that showed that PPD is higher in women who conceived after IF or loss.

- Mel on June 1st, 2007

Best wishes to Courteney on any future pregnancies. My heart goes out to anyone who deals with infertility issues (or loss). It must be devastating.

- TwinMom on June 2nd, 2007

Thankfully I never needed IVF…hormonal injections helped me. I now have a 4 year old and am expecting my 2nd.
Best of wishes and Good luck to Courtney…I totaly agree with her, I used to wat 4 kids, but heck 1st trimester is no fun and raising kids it’s even harder.

- Orli on June 12th, 2007

She isnt really ready? she is 43 years old, with a history of fertility problems. Her baby is about to turn 3 years old, not a baby anymore. I hope things work out for her but I think it is sending a wrong message to think women can wait indefinitely to conceive. We all cant be as lucky as Marcia Cross(and it was not easy for her, either)

- lora on June 12th, 2007

Lora, I agree with what you’re saying but I think that it is wise for Courtney Cox to wait. If she went through PPD, she should have another baby on her own terms. Maybe she worries about what PPD would do to her relationship with Coco. There’s a lot to think about other than age and there are a lot of things at stake.

- Emily on October 14th, 2008