Gretchen Rossi Opens up About Her Difficult Recovery After Giving Birth to Her Daughter

Gretchen Rossi is getting real about her first few days after giving birth to her daughter, Skylar Gray Smiley. The Real Housewives of Orange County alum revealed that it was a bit of a journey to start to feel normal again after welcoming her first child via C-section.

"Those 4 days and 3 nights were some of the toughest days I have ever navigated, being that you are trying to recover from a major abdominal surgery, (not to mention I have never had a major surgery in my life) deal with all the swelling and hormonal changes going on with my body, all the while trying to learn how to breastfeed, and meet your babies needs, but also trying to keep your head above water and take care of yourself so you can be the best mommy to your baby," she shared. "I cried a lot, I was nervous, scared, in pain and not sure I was doing it all correctly."

Gretchen then thanked all those close to her for being there for her when she needed it most. "But I had an amazing support system between the hospital staff, my parents, my brother, and my dearest of friends all surrounding me and telling me, I got this, and was doing a good job!" she wrote on Instagram. "Felt so beyond blessed to have everyone there! So thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Gretchen welcomed her first child with longtime love, Slade Smiley, earlier this month.

Alongside the caption, Gretchen shared a photo of herself cradling her newborn. She reflected on that moment as well: "This was right out of surgery and the very first time I got to hold my baby girl. This was the most amazing exhilarating feeling, and a moment that will be forever ingrained in my mind."