"Everyone's postpartum journey is different": Barbara Palvin addresses criticism over return to Victoria's Secret show weeks after giving birth

Barbara Palvin is addressing mixed reactions to her return to the Victoria's Secret runway just six weeks after welcoming her first child with her husband, Dylan Sprouse.

The 33-year-old model walked in the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show following the Sept. 7 birth of their daughter, Sylvie. Her appearance drew criticism from people who felt she should have spent more time resting after childbirth.

Speaking exclusively to E! News during the Sprouse House Halloween Party in Los Angeles on Oct. 31, Barbara Palvin said the response to her comeback was "50-50."

"Some people loved that I was back, and some people were like, maybe I should be resting at home."

Barbara Palvin also emphasized that postpartum recovery looks different for every mother, explaining:

"Everyone's postpartum journey is different, and this is just mine."

The model and mom of one admitted she felt "overwhelmed" by the widespread reaction to her return, but she expressed gratitude for her family's support.

"I'm lucky that I have the support from my husband and my family. And they were able to get me there."

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse welcomed their daughter in September, marking a new chapter for the couple, three years after tying the knot in Albertirsa, Hungary.

Dylan Sprouse shows support for wife Barbara Palvin, opens up about being a first-time dad

Meanwhile, Dylan Sprouse remains supportive of his supermodel wife. He acknowledged that what Barbara Palvin did was “difficult,” but emphasized that it shouldn’t be considered “extraordinary” to show support for “someone you love” doing what they love doing.

His comments echoed his earlier statements from when Barbara Palvin walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. At the time, he shared with fashion journalist Zanna Roberts Rassi:

“I don't know where she finds the energy. I'm a tired guy all the time, and obviously having a newborn makes you more tired. Barbara's just up and in super mom mode, and now she's walking the show. I'm like, ‘Where does it come from?’”

He added:

“I'm extremely proud of my wife. I'm excited to see what happens.”

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During the conversation, the actor also gushed about his daughter Sylvie, and shared what it feels like to be a first-time dad.

“She’s six weeks. The doctor said that her eyesight’s clearing up, which means that she’ll start to recognize faces, and she’ll start to see you, and understand, associate you a little better with what you’re doing. And she laughed at my jokes today. So I’m officially in! I like to think, thankfully, she’s got Barbara’s beautiful blue eyes. Dude, they’re huge too! Huge. Thankfully. If all goes right, she’s got my sense of humor and everything else from Barbara.”

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