JWoww's postpartum psychosis journey inspired a haunting film—because no one believed her
During an interview on Kylie Kelce's podcast Not Gonna Lie, Jenni 'JWoww' Farley opened up about her postpartum mental health struggles, including what she now believes may have been postpartum psychosis—an experience she describes as deeply disorienting and difficult to voice.
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition—affecting an estimated 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 births—that may involve symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions. It can feel frightening and disorienting, and it requires immediate medical attention.
Because it's not as widely recognized, many moms don't have the language or support they need when symptoms show up. A 2023 review in the Journal of Personalized Medicine highlights just how overlooked this condition can be, despite how serious and frightening it is for those who experience it. That's why stories like Farley's matter. The more we talk about postpartum mental health—including the parts that feel hardest to name—the more we make space for healing and help.
'I actually believe I was suffering from postpartum with Milani,' Farley said, referring to her daughter.
The mom of two revealed that her experience with what she now believes was postpartum psychosis inspired her to write and direct Nanny Cam, a new psychological thriller about a mother who starts seeing things on her home cameras that no one else believes.
Related: I recovered from postpartum psychosis: Here are 5 things I learned
At the time, Farley had just given birth and was filming Snooki & JWoww in a production house that was outfitted with cameras. After the show wrapped, she realized she had become so anxious that she began installing cameras in her real home, too.
'I don't know if she's breathing, sleeping or not. Nah, I was highly paranoid,' she said.
Farley says the story is personal but intentionally dramatized—a way to talk about how real postpartum mental health challenges can feel, even when others can't see them.
'Whether it's real or not, it's real to that person,' she said.
She hopes Nanny Cam opens the door for more women to get the support they need. 'I want people to turn to the person they love who's had a baby and ask, 'Are you OK? Are you sleeping? Are you eating properly? Are you seeing shit? Do you want to shave your head?'' said Farley. 'I shaved the side of my head after I had Milani. Nobody questioned it.'
Related: 'Nobody warned me about this': The postpartum truths moms wish they knew sooner
For Farley, the work is deeply personal, but it's also a call to action. 'If we start talking about these things more, and we start showing them more, people will understand them better—and help,' she said.
JWoww's story may be dramatized onscreen, but the fear and confusion she describes are deeply real for many moms, especially those whose struggles go unseen.
Postpartum Support International
The Motherhood Center
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746
Talk to your doctor or OB-GYN about symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
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