Priyanka Chopra has recently shared intimate details about her daughter Malti Marie's challenging start to life, offering a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster she and her husband, Nick Jonas, experienced. Malti, born in January 2022 via surrogacy, arrived prematurely, leading to an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Chopra has opened up about the immense fear and uncertainty she faced during those critical first months, revealing the profound impact it had on her perspective as a mother.
In various interviews, Chopra has described Malti's early arrival, a full trimester before her due date, as an incredibly vulnerable time. She recounted the moment she saw her daughter for the first time in the operating room, emphasizing how tiny Malti was, "smaller than my hand". The actress admitted to the harrowing reality of not knowing if her daughter would survive, a sentiment echoed in numerous conversations about that period.
The initial 100-plus days in the NICU were fraught with emotional and physical challenges. Chopra and Jonas navigated the complexities of having a child in intensive care, splitting their time to ensure Malti was never alone. Chopra revealed that they would take turns being with Malti, providing skin-to-skin contact and offering comfort while relying on the expertise of the NICU nurses. She praised the nurses' tireless work, acknowledging their vital role in Malti's care.
During Malti's NICU stay, Chopra said she sang Hindi lullabies to her daughter, the same songs her own mother sang to her. The actress said she and Nick divided their days to make sure Malti always had one of them with her.
The actress has also spoken about the transition of bringing Malti home after such a prolonged period in the hospital. Leaving the constant monitoring of the NICU was terrifying. Chopra confessed she "couldn't sleep for days" initially, constantly checking on Malti to ensure she was okay. "I used to put my ear on her chest," Chopra shared, highlighting the deep-seated anxiety that lingered.
Despite the initial fears and challenges, Chopra has emphasized Malti's resilience and positive spirit. Describing her as a "super smiley, happy baby," Chopra has conveyed how Malti's joy has become her primary focus. She has also spoken about how she thinks she won't be able to scold her daughter because she has faced the fear of losing her.
Chopra has addressed the difficult decision to use a surrogate, stating it was due to "medical complications." She has also spoken out against the criticism and judgement she faced for choosing surrogacy, emphasizing the personal nature of the decision and requesting privacy for her family.
Now, Malti is thriving. Recently, Chopra shared a heartwarming Instagram post with her daughter Malti, who softly said, “My mama” while watching her on TV. The actress is currently promoting her new film 'Heads of State' and Bollywood fans eagerly await updates on her upcoming movie 'Jee Le Zaraa'. The toddler's affectionate response has won over fans, who are delighted by this intimate and loving glimpse into their special bond.
In various interviews this past month, Chopra has also shared insights into Malti's personality and interests. Malti is attending school in New York, has her own set of friends, and enjoys planning playdates. Chopra has also revealed that Malti is a big fan of Moana and insists on introducing herself as "Malti Marie Moana Chopra Jonas".
Priyanka Chopra's openness about Malti's early struggles has resonated with many parents who have experienced similar challenges. Her story highlights the importance of support, resilience, and cherishing every moment.