TV presenter Jamelia has opened up about the 'traumatic' early arrival of her fourth child after her baby's heart rate dropped forcing her to undergo an emergency C-section.
The former Loose Women star, 41, told how it was 'so scary' when her waters broke at just 32 weeks pregnant but was told 'to hold on' to her baby for as long as possible and spent a month under close monitoring.
But she said when checks showed her baby's heart rate had dropped dangerously low she was rushed for an emergency C-section at Birmingham Women's Hospital.
The former Strictly star gave birth to a baby girl but found it 'incredibly traumatic'.
She told Hello Magazine: “I’d only ever seen a C-section on the telly, and thought: ‘Oh well, at least it’s going to be straightforward and I’ll be out in five minutes.'"
She said there was nothing 'easier' about recovering from major surgery while looking after a newborn.
But she was thrilled to share her baby girl's arrival with her older children 17-year-old daughter Tiani – who had tossed a coin with her big sister Teja, 21, to see who would be the birthing partner.
And with the support of her daughter at her side she made the decision to let her husband of five years, who has stayed out of the media spotlight, to stay home to look after their daughter, four-year-old True, while she was at the hospital.
She added: "As selfish as it might sound, I wanted to share this experience with my girls."
Sharing the announcement on Instagram she penned: "Look who’s here…
"I’ve officially got my own Girl Group now!!"
Girls Aloud star Kimberley Wyatt posted: "Congratulations she's adorable."
And singer Lemar showed his appreciation for her quip repeating: "girl group" with a string of emojis.
And after experiencing motherhood in her 20s, 30s and now 40s, Jamelia says she feels her four daughters are 'the most incredible gift'.
But after raising her grown up daughters she can't help but reflect on her journey and openly admits her new addition is the “easiest and most straightforward baby” to date.
The Superstar singer admitted she's still learning motherhood as each decade has passed adding: “She’s a good communicator, very chilled and has seamlessly imprinted herself onto the family. It’s been a dream to have her.”
Jamelia has previously used her TV personality status to raise awareness of the need for conversations around Maternal Mental Health as figures show black women are five times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth.
