Hayley Erbert Opens Up About the 'Joy and Heartache' of Motherhood After Welcoming First Baby

The new mom says her 'heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces'

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a soft, plush baby blanket in pastel shades of pink and lavender, with dramatic high-contrast studio lighting creating a glowing, glamorous texture that conceptually represents the complex emotions of new motherhood.A new mother's candid reflection on the joys and heartaches of raising a child captures the complex emotions of parenthood.Los Angeles Today

Hayley Erbert, who welcomed her first child with husband Derek Hough in December 2025, has shared a candid Instagram post about the highs and lows of motherhood. The professional dancer said she is experiencing a 'dichotomy' of emotions, with her heart 'bursting open' with joy while also 'breaking into a million pieces' as she navigates the changes that come with becoming a new parent.

Why it matters

Erbert's honest reflection on the complex emotions of motherhood resonates with many new parents who often struggle to reconcile the joy and challenges that come with raising a child. Her willingness to be vulnerable about her experience can help normalize these feelings and provide comfort to others going through similar experiences.

The details

In her Instagram post, Erbert wrote that motherhood feels 'like living in two places at once' where 'joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time.' She described celebrating her daughter Everley's growth while also quietly grieving the versions of her that have already passed. Erbert said she can't wait for Everley's 'firsts' but wishes she could 'freeze time' to avoid any 'lasts.' Despite the contradictions, Erbert said she is trying to 'meet it with open arms' and soak in every moment with her daughter.

  • Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough welcomed their first child, daughter Everley Capri Hough, in December 2025.
  • Erbert's candid Instagram post about motherhood came three months after Everley's birth.

The players

Hayley Erbert

A 31-year-old professional dancer who recently welcomed her first child with husband Derek Hough.

Derek Hough

A 40-year-old professional dancer and judge on Dancing with the Stars, who is married to Hayley Erbert and recently became a first-time father.

Everley Capri Hough

The newborn daughter of Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough, born in December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“My love. My girl. My world♥️. Motherhood is even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined.”

— Hayley Erbert, New Mom

“It feels like living in two places at once. Where joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time. My heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces.”

— Hayley Erbert, New Mom

“😢❤️ My girls.”

— Derek Hough

The takeaway

Erbert's candid reflection on the complex emotions of new motherhood highlights the universal experiences many parents go through, from the overwhelming joy to the bittersweet pangs of watching a child grow. Her willingness to be vulnerable can help normalize these feelings and provide comfort to others navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood.