Three months after welcoming baby Everley, the dancer shares her emotional rollercoaster of parenting.
Category: Arts & Culture
Have you ever felt torn between joy and sorrow? If you’re a new parent, you might know that feeling all too well. Hayley Erbert, the wife of Dancing With the Stars alum Derek Hough, recently shared her emotional experience of motherhood just three months after welcoming their daughter, Everley Capri Hough.
In an Instagram post on April 10, 2026, Hayley opened up about the complex emotions she’s been experiencing since becoming a mother. She described motherhood as a beautiful contradiction, saying, "Motherhood is even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined." Hayley articulated the duality of her feelings, noting that it often feels like living in two places at once, where joy and heartache can coexist. "My heart is constantly bursting open, whilst also breaking into a million pieces," she shared.
Hayley’s reflections resonate deeply with many parents who find themselves grappling with the rapid growth of their children. "I’m so excited for all the ‘firsts’ and the life ahead of you/us, yet wishing I could freeze time and never have any ‘lasts,’" she wrote, capturing the bittersweet nature of watching Everley grow. This emotional push and pull, she explains, defines her motherhood experience so far. "It’s the most beautiful contradiction. This pull between holding on and letting go, between wanting time to slow down and knowing it never will," she said.
In her heartfelt post, Hayley promised to embrace the challenges of motherhood with open arms. "If this is the dichotomy of motherhood, then I’ll try my best to meet it with open arms," she expressed, vowing to soak in every detail, every version of Everley, and every fleeting moment they share together. This commitment to cherishing the present, even as she mourns the passing of earlier stages, reflects a common sentiment among parents.
Derek Hough, 40, has been a constant source of support for Hayley throughout this emotional rollercoaster. He publicly praised her parenting skills, commenting on her Instagram post with a heartfelt message: "My girls," accompanied by heart and tear-face emojis. In a previous interview with E! News, he emphasized his admiration for Hayley, saying, "I tell her every day, ‘You’re amazing. You were meant for this. You’re such a great mom.’" He added, "I’m even more in love with her. I’m just so in awe of her. It’s amazing."
The couple's path to parenthood was not without its challenges. Hayley, who married Derek in 2023, experienced a life-threatening health crisis before becoming pregnant. After undergoing an emergency craniectomy and cranioplasty, she bravely faced her recovery, with Everley’s arrival symbolizing hope and resilience. The couple announced their pregnancy in July 2025, just months after her health struggles, and they refer to Everley as their “rainbow baby,” a term used for children born after hardship.
In a touching moment, they even witnessed a double rainbow on Christmas Day, which they viewed as a powerful symbol celebrating their daughter’s impending arrival.
Hayley and Derek have embraced family life wholeheartedly, sharing their experiences with fans. They celebrated Everley’s first Easter on April 6, 2026, posting sweet family photos on Instagram. In one photo, Hayley and Everley donned matching outfits, evoking springtime vibes, as they posed together near a pond. The couple’s joy is evident, and they are making the most of every moment, even as they navigate the ups and downs of parenthood.
Hayley Erbert’s candid reflections on motherhood remind us that parenting is a complex, often contradictory experience filled with both joy and heartache. As she navigates this new chapter with Derek, their love for Everley shines through in every post and interaction. "I love being your mom. I love you beyond, Everley. I have truly never felt a love like this," Hayley concluded, encapsulating the depth of emotion that comes with being a parent.