Halle Bailey, the rising star known for her role in *The Little Mermaid*, shared her insights on motherhood at The Peabody Awards held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles on 31 May. Speaking to *PEOPLE*, the 26-year-old reflected on her experiences since the birth of her son, Halo, who was born in December 2023. Bailey, who has intentionally kept her journey into motherhood largely private, described this new chapter of her life as “a beautiful thing”.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/halle-bailey-son-halo-instagram-denim-0815244516-66fd66a86bc949f69845d705f600e2b1.jpg)
She expressed her gratitude for her son, deeming him her “biggest blessing.” With a poignant reflection on her hopes for his future, Bailey articulated, “I guess I’m just trying to raise someone who’s loving, who’s kind, who is aware, who’s intuitive. And he’s all of those things.” When asked about her parenting journey, she admitted that she’s focused on doing her best for Halo.
Among her cherished moments as a mother, Bailey highlighted the affection she receives from her son. “It’s definitely the cuddles,” she shared, commenting on Halo’s tendency to be a “very clingy, like cuddly boy.” Such tender interactions bring her immense joy amid the challenges of parenthood.
Bailey’s decision to maintain privacy during her pregnancy was deeply rooted in a desire for protection. She had not publicly confirmed her pregnancy at any stage and revealed Halo’s arrival a month after he was born. At the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards in March 2024, Bailey expressed, “There was no way in hell I was going to share the biggest joy of my world with anyone. Halo was my gift. He is the greatest blessing, and I had no obligation to expose him, me, or my family to that.”
In the months following her son’s birth, Bailey acknowledged the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. During a Snapchat Q&A in January, she mentioned that staying engaged with her projects was beneficial. “It just helps my brain and to feel sane,” she stated, referring to her work during pregnancy. She also revealed that she avoided social media during this time, seeking to safeguard her mental health.
By March 2024, Bailey took a candid approach regarding her experiences with postpartum depression. She shared on Snapchat that she struggled notably when separated from Halo, admitting to “freaking out” after being apart for more than half an hour. The emotional toll of postpartum challenges was unexpected for her. “Now going through it, it almost feels like you’re swimming in this ocean… and you’re trying to come up for air,” she explained, highlighting the profound difficulties many new mothers face.
In a significant personal development, Bailey and her former partner, rapper DDG, split in October 2024 after two years of dating. DDG described the separation as a difficult but necessary decision for both parties. However, the breakup was soon followed by tensions, as both parents were granted restraining orders amid claims of domestic violence and disputes over custody of Halo.
Fast-forward to August 2025, when a judge imposed restrictions on both Bailey and DDG, preventing them from sharing any photos or videos of Halo on social media. After months of legal disputes, including a custody battle, the couple reached an agreement in October 2025 that allowed them to co-parent more amicably. Reports indicated that they had both withdrawn their restraining orders and established a cooperative framework for raising Halo.
Through her journey as a mother and in navigating a complicated personal life, Bailey’s reflections reveal the multifaceted nature of parenthood, marked by joy and challenges. As she continues to build her career and manage her role as a mother, her experiences resonate with many who face similar struggles in balancing personal aspirations and family responsibilities.