Gemma Atkinson 'can never win' as fans criticise her for leaving her baby for 10 minutes

Gemma Atkinson has only been a mother for two weeks, but she says she’s already been the victim of mum-shaming online.

The former Hollyoaks star took to Instagram earlier today (18 July) to reveal “how good it felt” to have “ventured out yesterday for the first time” since giving birth to hers and partner Gorka Marquez’s daughter Mia two weeks ago.

However, her excitement was ruined when she returned to judgemental comments who didn’t agree with her decision to leave her newborn with a relative while she enjoyed some fresh air.

Read more: Gemma Atkinson reveals the name of her newborn baby

"My midwife and health visitor advised me to take a walk if I could as it's good for mental health in new mums,” she recalled on social media. “I've had a pap sat in a car on my street ever since I gave birth, so I explained to them that was kinda putting me off leaving my house.

"Being a new mum can be a little overwhelming and you can never win with your choices,” the 34-year-old continued. “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!"

Seemingly relatively unperturbed by the criticisms, Atkinson suggested that it’s so important to carve out time for your loved ones in the early stages of parenthood as they “can feel a little left out or on the sidelines when baby arrives, because as a mum your priorities shift.”

Read more: Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez reveal why they're not sharing photos of their baby yet

She went to add that Strictly Come Dancing professional Marquez has “been SO great with everything” but “it's been tough for him being on the road.

“I'm glad we got the ten minute trip in and although we dashed back, Mia continued to sleep a further two hours unaware we had even left."