Mother-of-four opens up about her postpartum depression in Supernanny USA

Supernanny USA viewers praised Jo Frost after helping a mother-of-four open up about her struggle with postpartum depression.

Last night’s episode of the E4 focused on Maria, who was looking for support at home from her partner Ben Corry, who is away for months at a time with the army.

But it seemed the couple, who have four rowdy daughters, had even deeper issues to address than just their children’s antics – including their relationship.

And viewers were quick to take to Twitter following one particularly emotional scene – where Maria broke down in tears and revealed she doesn’t ‘feel good’ about herself and that when her daughter was six-weeks-old, she didn’t want to be alive. 

‘Uncomfortable viewing tonight on #SupernannyUSA I just want to give the mother a hug,’ wrote one, while a second penned: ‘My heart is breaking for her.’ 

During the episode, Maria informed Jo that she had been struggling with postpartum depression and wanted Ben to help out with childcare more.

‘We got pregnant with Blakely and she was six-weeks-old – and I didn’t want to be alive,’ said Maria. ‘I would bring it up to my doctors and they’d say, “you’re showing a lot of signs of postpartum.”‘

Speaking of her panic attacks, Maria continued: ‘There’s days where I can’t even get off the couch. I’ll just sit there and watch the kids and stuff. 

‘I try and put on a facade that everything’s great – because Ben’s work doesn’t allow him to just go home because his wife is struggling with the kids. That’s just not an option.’

So Jo encouraged the couple to sit down and air out their feelings – before she confronted Ben for not having an ‘active role’ in helping out with the children. 

Despite making clear he didn’t want to talk about his relationship with Maria which was ‘not an issue,’ Jo made the pair come to terms with the fact that their relationship directly impacts on their children, 

‘I first want to acknowledge that you are both dealing with postpartum depression,’ explained Jo. ‘This is about the two of you, today it wasn’t about the children’s behavior being naughty, it was about them having direction, needing to be guided.

‘I don’t see from you Ben an active role from you, when you’re home, taking care of the kids. If you know it’s been tough, why aren’t you saying, “I’ve got this.”

Speaking directly to Maria, Jo continued: ‘Am I wrong? Does Ben do enough with the kids? Why is it really difficult for you both to be honest with each other? You need to be honest with each other.’ 

During the conversation, Maria broke down in tears and admitted: ‘I feel like l l do not deserve the life I have. It feels like it’s too good.’

And many who tuned in praised Jo for her direct approach – before admitting their hearts went out to Maria. 

‘Tuning into this weeks #SupernannyUSA – think there’s always so much we can learn and think about. It’s refreshing seeing @Jo_Frost talking about the relationship parents have with one another as well as with their children,’ commented one.

A second added: ‘Wow this is an emotional episode already,’ while a third commented: ‘It amazes me how in 21st century most men think that women have to do all the child care. 

‘Whether is a ft working or stay at home mother, they need a break and time for self-care. Please do help your women, don’t be stuck in 50’s! Love how set them straight!’  

A further wrote: ‘I wish I’d had someone like Jo Frost to go to the doctor with me like Jo Frost did with Maria. It’s so important.’