MAFS’ Jamie Otis Shares Honest Account of Postpartum Challenges and Fears About Infidelity

Jamie Otis, 37, is currently pregnant with twins and she is concerned about the possibility of experiencing postpartum depression after giving birth.

In an exclusive interview with We on Thursday, May 9, Otis shared her past struggles with postpartum depression after the birth of her son. As a labor and delivery nurse, she was able to recognize the symptoms and irrational thoughts, but found it difficult to help herself during that challenging time.

Otis has started seeing a therapist for treatment, but she is worried about experiencing postpartum depression again when she gives birth later this year. She and Hehner, 40, have a 6-year-old daughter named Henley, a 3-year-old son named Hendrix, and are expecting twins.

While eagerly getting ready for the twins, Otis reflected on her struggles with postpartum depression during her last pregnancy.

I used to think my life was going great, but I found myself feeling suicidal. It didn't make sense to me, and deep down, I knew it wasn't rational. However, I couldn't shake off those feelings.

“If you're pregnant and want to avoid postpartum depression, my advice is to ask for help,” she suggested. “I was overwhelmed and stressed. Maybe if I had taken a break without feeling guilty about it, things would have been different. It's okay to have someone else take care of your baby for a day so you can rest. I'm taking that advice to heart now so I don't end up in that dark place again.”

Jamie Otis Recalls Irrational Postpartum Thoughts Including Concerns Husband Doug Was Cheating

Doug Hehner and Jamie Otis have been together for 10 years after getting married on season 1 of Married at First Sight. Recently, Otis opened up about struggling with "irrational" thoughts about Hehner's fidelity.

Otis expressed his worries about her partner potentially cheating on her. She noticed he was often away and has a tendency to wander. According to Otis, he tends to take his time with tasks. She shared with Us her genuine concerns and how even the smallest signs made her worry more. Despite this, he reassured her that he was not having an affair.

During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Otis became convinced that Hehner was being unfaithful when she discovered a face mask in his car.

She recalled being surprised to find a woman's mask in the car, only to realize it belonged to the nanny. Hehner denied the accusations repeatedly. Signs can be misleading and lead to creating stories in one's mind, but having a therapist provided an outside perspective and clarity.

Otis expressed gratitude for therapy in helping them navigate through that challenging situation.

Otis mentioned that coming out of postpartum depression helped them see the situation in a new light. They have also made the decision to stop discussing relationship issues with family and friends. They emphasized that cheating is a dealbreaker and they will not tolerate it.

On the other hand, Hehner admitted that he did not initially recognize Otis' postpartum depression symptoms.

"I'm just doing my best," he mentioned. "But I believe that with therapy, couples counseling, and other resources, we are better prepared now to handle any challenges."

Hehner added, "My partner is a strong fighter who has overcome many obstacles in life. She has always been independent and used to relying on herself. When you feel powerless but determined to do everything on your own, it can lead to feeling overwhelmed."

What Is the Best Reality Dating Franchise?

As the couple prepare to expand their family, they continue to share milestones via their “Hanging With the Hehner’s” YouTube channel.

We feel fortunate to have fans who have supported us since the beginning. They have witnessed our journey to love," Hehner expressed. "From Henley's birth on Married at First Sight to Hendrix's birth on Married at First Sight, our fans have been there every step of the way. We are grateful for the opportunity to capture those special and unexpected moments that arise.

Otis and Hehner plan to share their pregnancy journey with the twins through "super raw and unedited" videos, documenting every step of the way.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

Jamie Otis' candid account of her postpartum depression struggles is a powerful reminder of the mental health challenges that can accompany childbirth. Her experiences highlight the importance of recognizing the symptoms, seeking professional help, and prioritizing self-care. As Otis emphasizes, asking for help and taking breaks from childcare responsibilities can make a significant difference in preventing or managing postpartum depression.

It's also crucial to address relationship concerns, like the irrational thoughts Otis experienced about her partner's fidelity. Otis and Hehner's journey shows the value of therapy in providing an outside perspective, clarifying situations, and strengthening their bond. Their decision to keep relationship issues private is a wise one, as involving others can often exacerbate problems. By prioritizing their relationship and seeking professional support, Otis and Hehner demonstrate that postpartum depression and relationship challenges can be overcome with determination and resilience.