Strictly star reveals 'mum guilt' after returning to work just 3 weeks after giving birth
Fleur East has opened up about experiencing "mum guilt" after returning to work following the birth of her first child. The singer discussed feeling "anxious" before heading back on stage for the first time since becoming a mum.
Fleur, 36, welcomed a baby daughter named Nova with her husband Marcel Badiane-Robin, on 22 March. Exactly three weeks after giving birth, Fleur performed at an undisclosed gig - marking her return to work.
The mum-of-one shared the news on Instagram, alongside a photograph of herself with two of her backing dancers. The singer sported glittery tights and a pearl-studded white blazer, with patent boots.
"While I was still pregnant, I received a booking to perform at a gig. It was touch and go as to whether or not I would do it because it would be so soon after giving birth," Fleur explained. "But this weekend, three weeks after having Nova, I decided I was ready to get back on stage and see how I get on."
She went on to admit her body "doesn't feel the same" but eventually the "energy took over" and she "felt amazing" up on stage. The star continued: "I was anxious being without our baby girl for a bit and my body definitely doesn’t feel the same, but surprisingly the energy took over.
"It felt amazing to perform with these incredible ladies who gave me good, positive vibes on stage. I was able to get out there, move my body, sing and do what I love and then get back to the little person I love with all my heart."
Fleur concluded her post: "I spoke to lots of you on my stories about Mum guilt and feeling anxious and it’s nice to know I’m not alone, we all experience it in some way, I’m told that it will get easier and a happy Mama means a happy bubba."
Fleur announced the arrival of her baby daughter a few days after her birth. She took to Instagram to share photos of her out and about with her baby strapped to her chest, with her and husband Marcel visibly overjoyed.
"And just like that, our baby girl, Nova, is here!!" she announced. "Our daughter entered the world via squat position into the arms of my Husband and I on our living room floor!"
She added: "One day I will share my birth story with you (what a RIDE!), but for now, we are resting and doing well. So thankful to the amazing midwives who were by my side, my birthing partners (my auntie Tina and my Husband @marcel__robin ) and all of our family who have been helping out and showering us with love.
"It really does take a village! So grateful to God for this blessing. Our little Nova was born on the 22nd March and it feels like she’s always been here."
