When Shawn Johnson East and her husband, Andrew East, welcomed their son, Bear, in December 2023, Shawn believed she had learned from all of her previous parenting mistakes.
The Olympic gymnast wasn’t sure she’d succeed perfectly, especially as a mother of three young children, but she didn’t anticipate struggling as much as she did.
As a mom to six-year-old Drew and four-year-old Jett, the Olympic medalist shared that she faced common challenges, as revealed in a preview of BetterHelp’s Mind If We Talk? podcast with TopMob News. She explained that much of her struggle involved adjusting to motherhood and creating a routine around sleepless nights and frequent feedings.
And then she got a real wakeup call with her littlest cub.
Shawn shared on a recent podcast that he finally understood what postpartum depression is. While he considers their third baby a wonderful blessing, the baby was very different from their other two children. The baby had trouble eating and sleeping and was quite colicky, presenting challenges Shawn hadn’t faced before.
Having spent her life overcoming obstacles, the 34-year-old was ready to tackle this particularly difficult aspect of parenthood.
Shawn explained that while she focused on Bear’s milk intake and tried to find solutions, she didn’t notice she was losing control of her own well-being. She recalls feeling disconnected from herself, almost as if watching from outside her body.
She explained that she felt overwhelmed, but focused on helping her baby first. By the time she was able to turn her attention to herself, she’d become so lost in the struggle that she didn’t know how to cope or regain control.
Nor was she able to let her husband of 10 years serve as a spotter.
Shawn explained that they used to have a great routine. Andrew, who is also 34, had a list of daily requirements for Shawn, like spending time outdoors and watching comedies.
Shawn explained that because simple tasks weren’t bringing happiness, it created a lot of stress. “I struggled to ask for help,” he said, “and I didn’t even understand what the problem was.”
She expected to enjoy those precious newborn cuddles and feel happy about this likely last experience with a baby, but she couldn’t find a single moment of joy. Instead, she felt worried and fixated on needing to help her son and solve all his problems for him.
As Shawn learned more about baby sleep and feeding, she started feeling guilty, worrying she wasn’t spending enough playtime with Drew and Jett and therefore wasn’t a good mom. When she finally did have time to play with her older kids, she’d then worry about neglecting her marriage, feeling like she was failing in all areas of her life.
Andrew admitted he felt just as confused. He remembered thinking, as a partner in the situation, “I honestly don’t know what to do.”
He wishes he’d spent more time truly listening to her worries, but Shawn is still thankful he acted quickly when he did.
Shawn explained that things had become really strange. He didn’t want to say their relationship was bad, but they’d grown apart and he’d become emotionally withdrawn. He remembered his partner sitting him down and suggesting they go to therapy.
Shawn explained that by that point, she was completely numb. She simply didn’t have the strength to argue or even express her feelings, and just passively agreed with whatever was happening, saying, ‘Okay, great.’
Even though she didn’t show a huge amount of excitement, she said it was truly wonderful. “It was the first step in my recovery,” she told Andrew. “It was the best gift you could have given us.”
Because it wasn’t as if Shawn was questioning if they were still a winning team.
She explained that she always believed in her partner, Andrew, and in their relationship, but often questioned herself. As a perfectionist, she constantly strives for success and wants to excel at everything she does. This leads to self-doubt, as she worries about whether she’s capable enough, a good enough mother, or a good enough wife.
Her partner of over ten years firmly confirmed they were all in agreement. However, Andrew explained, “I eventually understood I was completely overwhelmed and that we both needed advice from a professional.”
Even after working through those challenges, they continue to benefit from professional guidance. While they appreciated the counseling they had before their April 2016 wedding, they realized they often waited until problems arose before seeking help. Now, they’re committed to regular sessions as a way to maintain a healthy relationship.
Andrew explained that sharing your difficulties can help you view them more objectively. By voicing your struggles, it’s like presenting them as something separate from yourself, which can make them feel less intensely personal.
Honestly, seeing them prioritize regular therapy? That’s HUGE. It’s one of the things I admire most about them – they work at their relationship. And getting to follow their whole story, watching them overcome everything and reach the top… it’s just so inspiring, like they’re winning at life and love!
Shawn and Andrew appear with their third baby, son Bear, in December 2023.
Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East welcomed their third child on Dec. 12, 2023.
The former NFL player already has a sweet connection with baby No. 3.
The newborn shared a hug with big sister Drew, born in 2019, and brother Jett, born in 2021.
The gymnast captioned this cute shot of her thirdborn with the bear emoji.
Oh my gosh, you guys, Shawn and Andrew are just the cutest! They’ve been married since 2016, and I totally lost it when I saw their latest picture with Drew and Jett. Shawn captioned it “Just the Hulk and his family” and it’s EVERYTHING. Seriously, they’re the sweetest family ever, and I can’t get enough of them!
For Halloween 2023, the guys chose their fighters as the girls went for magical vibes.
I was so thrilled to read Shawn’s update from August 2022! He shared that his little one had found a new favorite toy, and it was just the sweetest thing. Apparently, this toy brings on all the giggles and smiles, and the little guy can’t get enough of it – he doesn’t want to let it go!
The fam was ready for fireworks on July 4, 2022.
Shawn and Andrew relaxed with a swim alongside their kids.
Drew modeled her one-piece swimsuit during a family pool day.
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2026-05-20 22:47