GEMMA Atkinson has been praised for showing her C-section scar and talking openly about the aftermath of her second birth.
The former Emmerdale actress, 39, welcomed son Thiago last July and is using her platform to reassure other mums who have had the procedure and those who might deliver via C-section in the future.
She shared pictures showing her scar just three days after Thiago's birth as well as what it looks like now.
Writing on Instagram, Gemma said: "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.
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"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."
Gemma admitted she was taken aback when she first caught sight of her scar, but time has helped her grow fond of it.
She continued: "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.
"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."
Following the births of both her children - Mia and Thiago - Gemma underwent a mummy MOT to check her posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles.
She said: "So to anyone who’s had a C section or is due one, take your 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 with the right information & post scar care in place it will heal.
"I now look at my scar and smile because from it I have two beautiful healthy children. It’s my permanent reminder marked on me forever."
The honest post went down well with followers, who shared their own C-section experiences.
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The general consensus is that, in the UK, C-section aftercare simply isn't thorough enough.
C-section UK liked the post and wrote: "Hey Gemma, thank you so so much for this post. We could not agree more with you that there just isn’t the info available for women.
"We’re a group of midwives, doctors and physiotherapists on a mission to change that though. If anyone is in the comments feeling apprehensive about birth or lost in recovery, come and join us, you are so so welcome in our community."
Another person said: "Brilliant post. England is severely lacking in post natal information and care, it really is shocking."
A third wrote: "Omg I needed to hear this today. My baby is 3 months old and this was my 2nd section. I'm. Going on holiday end of next month and I feel so unsteady to be in swimwear! I am so self conscious about my c section shelf and postpartum shape. I know I need to give myself a break. X."
Fitness fan Gemma is now happily back in the gym and sharing tough workouts on social media.
She wakes up at 4.45am each day so that she can fit her sessions in before getting the kids ready.
Promoting consistency over long workouts, Gemma has incorporated running, stretching and circuits - featuring exercises like burpees, bunny hops and high planks - into her routines.
