Hayley Erbert Opens Up About Motherhood's Joys and Heartaches

Hayley Erbert, the wife of renowned dancer Derek Hough, has recently shared the complex emotions she has experienced since becoming a mother. Just three months after welcoming their daughter, Everley Capri Hough, on December 29, 2025, Erbert took to Instagram on April 10, 2026, to express the bittersweet nature of motherhood.

In her heartfelt post, Erbert described motherhood as "even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined," elaborating that it feels like "living in two places at once." She explained the dual nature of her experience, stating that "joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time." This sentiment resonated with many new parents, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies the arrival of a child.

Erbert conveyed her overwhelming joy at witnessing Everley’s growth, but she also expressed a sense of loss for the fleeting moments of her daughter’s early life. "My heart is constantly bursting open, but also breaking into a million pieces," she shared. This powerful imagery captures the essence of a mother’s struggle to savor every moment, even as those moments pass by all too quickly.

Addressing her daughter directly, Erbert expressed both excitement and nostalgia. "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. This pull between holding on and letting go defines her motherhood experience, as she navigates the joys of new milestones alongside the grief of change.

Erbert characterized this emotional complexity as "the most beautiful contradiction," promising 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 wrote. "Soaking in every little detail, every version of you, every fleeting moment we have together." Her words resonate deeply with parents who often feel the same tension between joy and sorrow.

Derek Hough, 40, has been a steadfast support for his wife throughout this new chapter. He publicly praised her transition into motherhood, commenting on her Instagram post with heartfelt emojis, stating, "My girls." In a previous interview with E! News, Hough expressed his admiration for Erbert, saying, "I tell her every day, ‘You're amazing. You were meant for this. You're such a great mom.’" His support exemplifies the couple's strong partnership as they navigate parenthood together.

The couple, who married in 2023, celebrated Everley’s first Easter on April 6, 2026, sharing heartwarming family photos on social media. The images depicted the family near a pond, with Hayley and Everley coordinating outfits in yellow pants and white tops, evoking a springtime mood. The joy of these shared moments reflects the couple's commitment to family life.

Hayley and Derek's path to parenthood was not without its challenges. Everley is considered a "rainbow baby," a term used for children born after health struggles or loss. Before becoming pregnant, Erbert faced a life-threatening health crisis, undergoing an emergency craniectomy followed by a cranioplasty. Upon waking from her medical ordeal, her first question was whether she could still have children. Everley’s birth, following this tumultuous period, holds deep significance for the family.

In sharing their experiences, the couple has inspired many fans who relate to their parenting journeys and the resilience that comes with it. They documented Everley’s home water birth, describing the experience as "raw, wild, primal, vulnerable, and sacred." Erbert emphasized the strength she discovered within herself through motherhood, affirming that she would "do it a million times over again" without hesitation.

As they embrace their new roles, both Hayley and Derek have expressed how parenthood has reshaped their perspectives on life. Hough noted the cultural differences he feels as a first-time father at 40, contrasting it with his upbringing in Utah, where marrying young and starting a family is more common. He described his new role as a chance to "start over," bringing renewed meaning and fulfillment to his life after years of success in dance and television.

In her emotional reflection, Hayley Erbert captures the essence of motherhood—a blend of joy and sorrow, excitement and nostalgia. Her willingness to share these intimate thoughts highlights her vulnerability and resonates with countless parents experiencing the same highs and lows. As she continues to navigate this new chapter, her commitment to cherishing every moment with Everley remains at the forefront of her heart.

As the couple looks forward to the future, Hayley concluded her post with a powerful declaration of love: "I love being your mom. I love you beyond, Everley. I have truly never felt a love like this." These words capture the essence of motherhood, a beautiful contradiction that many parents know all too well.