Model Iskra Lawrence 'feeling super protective' of newborn: 'We've received death threats and hate'
Iskra Lawrence has welcomed her first baby after giving birth at home during the coronavirus lockdown.
The 29-year-old British model revealed she was “in awe” after confirming the arrival of her baby via home birth, with boyfriend Philip Payne, on Instagram.
On Sunday, the body-positive activist told fans she was already feeling “super protective” over the newborn.
“I have no idea how to even think right now let alone “do an announcement post” but I feel so close to so many of you - you’ve been my online fam for so many years and I’m beyond overwhelmed to tell you baby P has arrived,” she wrote alongside a series of images of her heavily pregnant.
Read more: Could fears over the coronavirus pandemic lead to a rise in home births?
Iskra went on to explain that she will be taking some time off from social media to focus on her new addition and settle into new motherhood.
“When I’m ready I cannot wait to share more details with you all on my home birth and this tiny human that we love beyond measure. I cannot thank you all enough of the love and support through this journey.”
The British model opted not to share a photo of her new baby or share any further details about the arrival, revealing that while she is comfortable being open on social media, sharing her child online is something of a new situation, and something she’s going to take time to consider.
“Thanks for reading all of this, we are all safe and well and just in heaven - it’s going to be a huge decision to figure out how much to share online with millions of people and as you know most of you have shown nothing but kindness but we also have received death threats and hate so I’m feeling super protective and never want my baby to feel like we over exposed them and they never got the choice whether they wanted intimate details or photos shared.
“So it’s new territory because I’m very open with you all about many aspects of my life and health etc... so thank you again sending you all so so much love.,” she finished her post.
Read more: Pregnant during the coronavirus outbreak
The birth announcement comes after the 29-year-old shared that she was days overdue to give birth.
Putting on a fashion show on Instagram, she showed off a series of maternity outfits, making a quip about her situation.
“Yesssss I know I’m STILL pregnant…overdue 2 days now. But it means I’ve had time to film my Maternity Must haves,” she wrote.
The model first revealed she was expecting her first child back in November, but the body-confident advocate admitted pregnancy had caused her some struggles with her body image.
The British model, 29, is considered a role model for body positivity, and has featured in a number of unretouched campaigns for American Eagle Outfitters’ lingerie line, Aerie.
The model has previously suffered from body dysmorphia and an eating disorder and in a video shared to Instagram she addressed these struggles, together with the difficulties she has faced during her pregnancy journey.
Lawrence explained that she has embraced the “changes” in her body, which have included acne on her chest and stretch marks around her stomach, and treated it as a “positive challenge” to continue to “love [herself]” throughout the journey.
Read more: Mum of Britain's biggest family Sue Radford gives birth to baby number 22
The British model also previously shared an empowering message about her changing body shape during pregnancy and how she learned to love it.
Sharing some pictures to her Instagram from between 2015-16, the body positive advocate described how she’s recognised that her body may never be the same.
“Bye old body (pics from 2015-2016 when I worked out 4times a week) it’s been fun, thank you, I love you,” she started her message.
“Buttttt my new ever changing body I love you too and you will continue to be stronger and more magical than ever,” she added.
