Gemma Atkinson has only been a mum for a couple of weeks, but she’s already finding that awful people will judge your every move.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, who gave birth to baby Mia earlier this month, admitted it feels like you “can never win with your choices” after trolls told her off for taking a ten-minute stroll without her baby.
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The former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star took to Instagram on Thursday, to rant about the judgemental messages, after taking a short walk with her boyfriend, Gorka Marquez.
Next to a message that read: “Sometimes all you need is a bout of fresh air” the 34-year-old wrote: “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 & health visitor advised me to take a walk if I could as it’s good for mental health in new mums.”
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She then explained how a photographer had followed them, saying: “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 it 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).”
And when the pictures emerged online, Gemma says she started getting criticised. “Being a new mum can be a little overwhelming and you can never win with your choices,” she continued. “I’ve had the ‘how could you leave her so young’ messages and also the ‘good for you for getting out’ messages.”
Despite the comments, the TV star – who started dating the Strictly dancer a year and a half ago – said she enjoyed her break, adding: “I’ve been in my garden in the sun loads but it was still nice to actually see other human beings! It was also nice to have some time alone with Gorks.
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“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 2hrs unaware we had even left 🤦🏼♀️😂.”
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Gemma’s 1.1m followers were outraged at the mum-shaming, with one commenting: “Oh my gosh who would message saying she’s too young for you to leave your house for 10 minutes. Who are these people? Leave them for ten minutes or never leave them for years? Who the hell cares??”
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Another told her: “I can’t believe people send you messages like that. Mum needs time for herself and connect with the world.” A third instructed: “Don’t worry what anyone thinks. Everyone will have an opinion, everyone will want to give advice, but none of them will understand your circumstances or know what’s best more than you and Gorka.”
Others praised the outspoken actress for getting out, with one writing: “Good for you for popping out though! When my daughter was 2 weeks old, my mum looked after her while my husband and I went for a pizza. It was hard but so nice to spend some time out of the house with him. Keep going! Having a mini me is the best thing 💕.”
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A second commented: “Good for you getting out. Nana needs bonding time too plus you will always need some ‘me’ time that’s healthy for everyone.” A third added: “Like you said, Dad needs attention too!! Well done for making that first step.”
There was also a lovely comment from 28-year-old Gorka, who is currently working away, who wrote: “I miss you both so much!!♥️😭.”
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The hilarious dancer also shared a picture of them aged by an app, joking that it was caused by: “two weeks of parenthood 😂😂 @glouiseatkinson.”
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We can’t imagine a situation where it’s EVER appropriate to shame a new mum. We’re glad to see Gemma isn’t letting those messages get to her.
Would you ever criticise a new mum? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.