Soap star Gemma Atkinson has shared a candid message for fans after leaving the house for the first time since giving birth to her daughter.
The former Emmerdale actress, 34, welcomed baby Mia to the world earlier this month with her Strictly Come Dancing pro boyfriend Gorka Marquez.
Taking to Instagram today (July 18), Gemma opened up about finding it difficult to leave the house and taking steps to look after her mental health, admitting that being a new mum can be “a little overwhelming”.
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Read more: New mum Gemma Atkinson shares candid photo hours after her waters broke
Sharing a pic of a quote that read, ‘Sometimes all you need is a bout of fresh air’, Gemma told her followers: “I ventured out yesterday for the first time since I had Mia. Granted it was only a 10-min trip with Gorks while Mia was asleep at home with Nana, but I cannot tell you how good it felt!
“My midwife and health visitor advised me to take a walk if I could as it’s good for mental health in new mums.
“I’ve had a pap sat in a car on my street ever since I gave birth, I know they have a job to do, but I explained to the health visitor that was kinda putting me off leaving my house. (He followed us and got his pics though so that’s that over and done with at least).
“Being a new mum can be a little overwhelming and you can never win with your choices. I’ve had the ‘how could you leave her so young’ messages and also the ‘good for you for getting out’ messages. I’ve been in my garden in the sun loads but it was still nice to actually see other human beings!”
Writing further, Gemma said she also enjoyed spending some time alone with Gorka.
She continued: “I’m fully aware guys can feel a little left out or on the sidelines when baby arrives because as a mum your priorities shift.
“He’s been SO great with everything and it’s been tough for him being on the road. I’m glad we got the 10-min trip in and although we dashed back, Mia continued to sleep a further two hours unaware we had even left.”
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Read more: Gemma Atkinson pays heartfelt tribute to midwives who helped her during childbirth
Gemma gave birth to her first child on July 4th and announced the news the weekend following, but they initially kept the tot’s name private and refrained from sharing snaps of their daughter on Instagram.
But on Wednesday (July 17), the former glamour model revealed her baby’s name to be Mia Louise Marquez and delighted fans with a string of adorable photos.
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