Former Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson supported as she shares candid C-section recovery post

Former Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson has been praised by fans as she shared a candid post on her C-section recovery.

The Hits Radio host is in a long term relationship with Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez. The couple welcomed their first daughter Mia into the world back in 2019.

At the time Gemma needed an emergency cesarean when Mia's heart rate dropped after every contraction. Last year, the couple welcomed their second child, son Thiago. At the time Gemma revealed that she had to have a second C-section. Now Gemma has shared the reality of her post-partum recovery.

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The mum-of-two took to Instagram and shared two different pictures showing her scars after giving birth, compared to them now.

Alongside the post, she wrote: "The reality of my 2nd C section. 3 days postpartum to now. The amount of messages I get from new mums asking is it normal for them to be sore & swollen after a section is unbelievable. A C section is a BIG operation. It’s essentially birth & abdominal surgery. They cut through 7 layers to get your baby out and in my opinion there unfortunately isn’t enough information about the after care.

"I was bruised, swollen & tender for a while with both mine, and I didn’t even contemplate exercising until around 15 weeks PP. It just isn’t worth it. I know some women who are so upset at having to have a section they can’t even look at their scar. When my bandages first came off I was shocked at the mess my tummy was in. It hurt when I coughed, sneezed, had a poo and when I held Mia & Thiago. I couldn’t even open the fridge without being in pain."

Gemma continued: "Now is a completely different story. Its barely visible and has turned from pink to a very pale white. It used to be tender to touch but that stopped after about 6 months. I regularly massage it myself in bed with oil to increase movement & flexibility around it. It also helps soften the scar and decrease scar tissue build up.

"Believe it or not, after I had Mia it was actually my friend who’s a PT who advised me to do that when it had fully closed. I had no clue I could but he said to me I must when the time is right in terms of healing. I then booked my mummy MOT @mummymotmanchester and they confirmed that he was right!

"So to anyone who’s had a C section or is due one, take you time postpartum. Be kind to yourself and your body and allow the healing process to take place. I strongly recommend a Mummy MOT but I know it’s not possible for everyone so try to do your own research. Online, from other mums, women’s health specialists. Ask the questions. Don’t be left feeling worried & anxious about how it looks because it will in time heal."

She added: "I’m at a place where I see my scar and smile because from it I have two beautiful healthy children. It’s my permanent reminder marked on me forever. I'm so grateful to the staff at Bolton hospital for delivering my babies the way they did."

The comment section was flooded with sweet support as fans praised the star for her honestly. @Uk_hannah88 wrote: “I love this post and I agree, not spoken about enough, definitely love my scar as my beautiful daughter came out of there. It’s remembering not to be ashamed of it, just embrace it.”

@Flower_in_the_thorns said: “Thank you so much for sharing such an honest and relatable post I work with so many women who really struggle to accept their body after giving birth, particularly after having a c-section, and I really wish that more women would share stories/posts like this.”

@lisabuckers86 commented: “So true @glouiseatkinson I felt so uncomfortable for months and months after my c section with no after care. Just have the baby and go. Love the advice and thanks for being so open about it all.”

While @Wendy_badders82 added: “Love this!!! Raising awareness about C section recovery is so important planned or otherwise the healing process is so different from person to person. I really realllllly struggled with the pain for a long time after surgery. Thank for for sharing your story and love your gorge ickle family.”

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