Chrissy Teigen has shared much of her journey through motherhood publicly— from her honest social media updates about postpartum depression to her family’s experiences with IVF and pregnancy loss. Now, as a mother of four, she’s addressing yet another chapter in her life: managing her son Miles’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and advocating for early screening.
During her appearance on The Motherly Podcast, Chrissy discussed the unexpected aspects of motherhood, the importance of embracing imperfections, and how her family is adapting with strength and humor.
Meet the expert: Chrissy Teigen is a model, bestselling author of cookbooks, and mother of four with her husband, John Legend. She has gained a reputation not only for her humor and authenticity online but also for her openness about vulnerable experiences—including struggles with postpartum depression, the IVF journey, and the heartbreaking loss of her baby Jack. Most recently, she has embraced advocacy surrounding Type 1 diabetes following Miles’s diagnosis, collaborating with Sanofi to raise awareness about early detection.
Q&A with Chrissy Teigen
Liz Tenety: I like to start by asking my guests what surprised you most about becoming a mother?
Chrissy Teigen: Honestly, I was surprised at how well I would adapt. I entered motherhood rather blindly, without reading many books or attending classes, and I had never changed a diaper or held a newborn until I had my own. I was quite taken aback by how comfortable I felt right away.
Liz Tenety: Did you consider yourself a go-with-the-flow person before, and has that changed with parenting?
Chrissy Teigen: I thought I would be a natural mother, but I didn’t gain real confidence until I had my second child. I experienced severe postpartum depression after Luna, which persisted for several months after her birth. With Miles, I committed to prioritizing my mental health and being more present. I regret that I may not have been present enough during those initial months with Luna, but I’ve strived to improve each time and learned as I went along.
Liz Tenety: You’ve always envisioned a large family. How has having a big family taught you or transformed you?
Chrissy Teigen: Having a big family has shown me that the capacity to love is limitless; your heart can expand to make room for many different people. One of the greatest lessons has been embracing imperfection. Initially, little accidents around the house bothered me, but I have grown to appreciate a lived-in, imperfect home where children can simply be children.
Liz Tenety: I feel as though I’ve followed your motherhood journey because you candidly share both the beautiful and the challenging parts. Why is it important for you to be so transparently authentic about the experiences of women and mothers?
Chrissy Teigen: Growing up, I moved frequently, and the internet became my lifeline. It allowed me to stay connected to old friends and created a sense of community that I lacked in real life. When we go through significant events, sharing them feels natural. When I lost baby Jack, I didn’t expect any backlash. I believed that those who followed our journey deserved to know how it concluded. I was unaware that people had negative views on IVF, but I refused to let that deter me. The incredible conversations I have with women about their IVF experiences and losses are what truly motivate me.
Liz Tenety: You’ve shared so many significant moments in your family’s life, and now there’s a new chapter regarding your son’s diabetes diagnosis. What have you learned from that experience?
Chrissy Teigen: It all hit us unexpectedly. I found myself researching online, wondering what symptoms we might have overlooked. There were no signs, and then we were suddenly thrown into a whirlwind, needing to grasp everything in an instant. It wasn’t something we could plan for; we were giving shots the same day.
Liz Tenety: You mentioned feeling like you transitioned from a mother to a doctor.
Chrissy Teigen: Absolutely. We suddenly had to cancel work commitments for the next month just to ensure everyone around us understood how to keep Miles safe and comfortable. We also needed to empower Miles to take charge of his own care, and he has taken it in stride, enjoying the responsibility of entering his carb intake into his phone. He tells me, ‘The insulin’s going in now. I can feel it.’ He’s fully engaged in the process.
Liz Tenety: Over the past year navigating Type 1 diabetes, you’ve taken on a role as a spokesperson for Sanofi, promoting early detection. Can you share more about that screening initiative?
Chrissy Teigen: What’s remarkable is that both Miles and I get to advocate for Sanofi, highlighting the significance of early detection and giving families time to navigate this with assurance. After Miles was diagnosed, no one informed us about the possibility of screening, which is why we strongly encourage everyone to advocate for themselves and their families by asking their doctors about Type 1 screening options.
Image Source: Chrissy Teigen @ Instagram
