Stacey Solomon reflected on being judged and called a ‘baby with a baby’ during her teen pregnancy, as she celebrated her son Leighton’s ninth birthday on Wednesday.
The Loose Women panellist, 31, who became pregnant with her first son Zachary at 17, appeared on the verge of crying in a candid Instagram video as she discussed how proud she is of her three children, despite people assuming she would be a ‘disgrace’ of a parent.
But first, she shared a video of Leighton blowing out tealight candles alongside her sons Zach, 13, and Rex, 23 months, while her fiance Joe Swash, 39, captured the birthday celebration.
‘People used to tut’: Stacey Solomon reflected on being judged and called a ‘baby with a baby’ during her teen pregnancy, as she celebrated her son Leighton’s ninth birthday on Wednesday
Zach affectionately wrapped his arms around his younger brother before an emotional Stacey went outside to gather her thoughts.
While sat underneath a stunning blossom tree, she penned: ‘I need to stop watching that video back of Zach cuddling Leighton [crying laughing emojis]. I am clearly overtired but it’s making me an emotional wreck [crying laughing emojis]’. (sic)
Stacey, who swept her auburn tresses over to the side in a plait and wore a grey robe, explained her feelings in greater detail as she said: ‘I’ve got to stop watching that cuddle video because it’s doing me in.
‘I think it’s mostly because I am very tired, but also because, you know when you get pregnant at 17 you don’t know – or some of you might know – everyone looks at you like you’re going to fail and be an absolute terrible parent.
Family: The Loose Women panellist, 31, who became pregnant with her first son Zachary at 17 (left), appeared on the verge of crying in a candid Instagram video as she discussed how proud she is of her three children, despite people assuming she would be a ‘disgrace’ of a parent
‘And then they grow up and they turn out to be really nice people and you’re like, “I did it,”‘ the star laughed. ‘Even though you thought I was an absolute disgrace. Oh my god.’
She proceeded to write a lengthy caption and elaborated: ‘I keep thinking about when I got pregnant with Zachy and people used to tut at me “a baby with a baby” and literally tell me to my face what a terrible decision I’d made and how I’d be bringing a child into the world who will be so unhappy.
‘I’m so lucky I had my family who supported me. [crying face emoji]
‘I think about those left alone to do it without any support all of the time. You are amazing… I look at them all now and how kind and caring they are.’ (sic)
Sweet: But first, she shared a video of Leighton blowing out tealight candles alongside her sons Zach, 13, and Rex, 23 months, while her fiance Joe Swash, 39, captured the birthday celebration
Loving older brother: Zach affectionately wrapped his arms around his younger brother before an emotional Stacey went outside to gather her thoughts
Stacey continued: ‘And it just makes me want to cry my eyes out [crying emoji]
‘I mean they fight and argue and dodge the shower but they’re good people and that’s all I’ve ever wanted. My biggest achievement ever. I NEED TO GO TO BED,’ (sic) she wrote with a series of crying emojis.
During a discussion on Loose Women earlier this year, Stacey recalled feeling ‘ashamed’ when she became pregnant at 17 with her first child and admitted that she looked six-years-old at the time.
The TV presenter remembered the judgmental looks she would receive from others as an expecting teenager due to her youthful appearance.
Judgement: While sat beneath a blossom tree in her garden, she admitted to being an ’emotional wreck’ and said: ‘When you get pregnant at 17 you don’t know – or some of you might know – everyone looks at you like you’re going to fail and be an absolute terrible parent’
Stacey said: ‘I adore my children, I loved giving birth and having babies, I would love to do it again.
‘I don’t love being pregnant and I really hate saying that, it’s not because I’m ungrateful. I think about all those people who would give anything to be pregnant.
‘It feels like something has taken over my body, I don’t have control any more and everyone is looking at me. The teenage mum looks were like…’ Stacey said as she gave a concerned expression.
She added: ‘I just remember feeling so ashamed, I know that sounds awful but when I was pregnant with Zach, all I felt the whole way through was shame. I looked like a baby as well, I looked about six!
‘I think people just looked and were like, “ugh why is she pregnant?” Maybe it’s a bit of a trauma I just haven’t addressed.’
Shamed: Stacey continued: ‘I keep thinking about when I got pregnant with Zachy and people used to tut at me “a baby with a baby” and literally tell me to my face what a terrible decision I’d made’
Receiving ‘looks’: During a discussion on Loose Women earlier this year, Stacey recalled feeling ‘ashamed’ when she became pregnant as a teenager with her first child and admitted that she looked six-years-old at the time