STRICTLY Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse has been praised by fans and mums after sharing her own struggles with becoming a parent.
The Dancing On Ice judge welcomed her first baby with husband Marius Iepure at the end of 2023, announcing the little girl’s arrival on Instagram on Christmas day.
Since then she’s been sharing small updates of her baby’s life online, making sure to cover her face from the cameras.
Oti later admitted she was left ‘traumatised’ when her baby was both premature, and needed to spend six weeks in hospital with jaundice, while Oti was also diagnosed with sepsis, which could be life-threatening.
In her new post, 33-year-old Oti appeared fresh-faced and away from her usual glam look, posting intimate selfies of her looking worried and tired as she shared new fears.
In it, she begged her fans for advice, in a brutally honest post about the ups and downs of life as a new mum.
“Ok mummies I have a few questions – would love any suggestions/advice,” she said. “This is the face of a mum who should be beaming but I think I’m even more tired.”
“Baby is sleeping so brilliantly every night this week 9pm to 9am (what an angel),” she wrote. “But I’m not… because 1. I still have to pump every 2-4 hours at night if I don’t I will explode,
“2. I’m worried if I don’t pump at night as she’s asleep long hours now without a feed my supply will be less,
“3. All that sleep makes me even more worried because SIDS stays in the back of my mind on a daily so I’m constantly waking up to check if she’s still breathing.”
“So how do I enjoy getting sleep again but not lose my supply and learn to control my mummy paranoia?” she asked. “Oh yes, happy Easter.”
Oti’s honesty was praised by mums who all agreed it’s not as easy as some make it out to be, especially when you’ve just had your first child.
Thankfully, plenty were on hand with advice and to share some love to make sure Oti knows she doesn’t feel alone.
“You can buy a sensor for her cot which detects breathing- that might help with your peace of mind,” one suggested.
“It’s a delicate balance with supply but if she’s happy sleeping then you can pump less across the next week so your supply can naturally adjust – it’s like magic!” added a second.
“As for SIDS it can be so hard to relax but room sharing, putting her on her back to sleep, and breastfeeding are great protectors”
“Hey lovely. Just want to say you are doing amazing!” added a third. “If baby is sleeping through then she doesn’t need that night feed so it is ok to not pump as much.”
