Louise Thompson has candidly opened up on meeting her son for the first time after her traumatic birth.
The former Made In Chelsea star, 34, became a mum for the first time in 2021 when she welcomed baby Leo. However, she has suffered with multiple medical complications since and last month told fans that she had undergone surgery to have a stoma bag fitted. Louise introduced "the grey bag that may well save my life" to her Instagram followers, telling fans: "Isn’t it bizarre that this little grey pouch is the price I pay for good health! I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon."
She has now opened up on on birth to mark Maternal Mental Health Week. The TV star shared a photo of her wearing a hospital gown as she held Leo in her arms. Fiance Ryan Libbey held onto Leo as he snuggled into Louise. Alongside the powerful moment, Louise shared: "My camera roll post-birth is a bit atypical.
"Instead of taking pictures of my baby, I seemed to be taking pictures of my battle wounds and tracking them. However, I do have a few pictures and videos from those early months and when I feel strong enough I have a quick glance back. Sometimes it makes me feel funny, other times it makes me feel sad, but often it simply reminds me of what is possible even during those darkest moments.
"The one thing it makes me do every time without fail is run upstairs to watch Leo while he sleeps (normally the only time I would scroll through photos) or if he happens to be awake I’ll hug him extra tight." She continued: "So here is the moment I met Leo for the first time. I can’t quite believe that I managed to conjure up a smile for a photo. Then there was a pause. In many respects."
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Louise shared a photo of the moment she met Leo (Instagram)
She has suffered severe health complications since (Instagram)Louise shared how she is hoping to "raise public and professional awareness of perinatal mental health problems". "It’s important to advocate for women and families impacted, to change attitudes, and to break down the taboo surrounding MH as well as to help people access the information, care, and support they need to recover," she added.
The mum-of-one encouraged her followers to share their own stories in her comment section and was also flooded with support and praise. One said: "Thank you for sharing reality. There's so much pressure these days for insta-perfect snaps, which turns to pressure of being a "perfect parent"." Another added: "You are one brave girl."
Someone else commented: "Not sure where to start in thanking you for talking about this. We are sorry you found things so difficult for so long but so pleased to hear you're feeling better and like yourself again. That hopeful message is such an important one for people to hear who are right in the thick of it."
Louise spent weeks at the start of this year in hospital following health complications. The reality TV star broke down in tears in December last year, as she detailed her bid to recover from PTSD two years on from son Leo-Hunter's arrival into the world. Louise and Ryan welcomed their "little miracle baby" in November 2021, but the birth left both mother and baby "dancing with death".
Despite giving birth in November, Louise almost didn't make it home for Christmas due to serious complications. The former Made in Chelsea star spent a month in hospital recovering and kept the birth of her first baby a secret for five weeks. She said at the time: "5 weeks ago I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy Leo-Hunter Libbey weighing in at 7lbs. Unfortunately it wasn't the easiest start for either of us. One ended up in NICU and the other ended up in ICU. To dance with death twice brings a whole new view of the world."
If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
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