Dr. Nicole Martin, a cast member on Bravo’s reality show The Real Housewives of Miami, will reduce her role for the upcoming seventh season. The anesthesiologist said in an interview that mental health concerns related to her daughter’s premature birth led to this choice.
Martin, 40, gave birth prematurely in March. Her daughter Genevieve spent almost two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit due to complications. Martin said this challenging experience has caused her to have postpartum anxiety symptoms including worry, fear, increased heart rate, and trouble relaxing. As she explained, “This is way more than just the normal new mom worries.”
Postpartum anxiety affects up to 20% of new mothers, though symptoms may vary. It can be triggered by hormone changes, lack of sleep, stress from childbirth and early parenting responsibilities. Martin described feeling her anxiety “consumed” her from “out of nowhere.”
Though offered a full-time contract, Martin decided to limit her role on the show to prioritize her mental health and family. “I just don’t think that I am ready to film a full season right now with the long hours and drama between castmates,” she said. Regular therapy sessions and stopping breastfeeding earlier helped lower Martin’s stress, helping her “feel more like myself.”
Martin assured viewers this is not goodbye forever. She will still make occasional appearances but shift to a reduced capacity since full filming commitments could negatively impact her recovery. By speaking out on her struggles, Martin hopes to bring more attention to postpartum anxiety, a condition often misunderstood.
Previous seasons of the show stream on Peacock as other cast members begin production for the new season without Martin’s full participation for now. Her candid discussion may help new moms feel less alone in facing mental health challenges after birth. Martin said she aims to prioritize her healing at this time over sharing all details with viewers immediately.
