Rebecca Adlington hits back at mum guilt shamer who claims ‘kids should always come first’ after Olympic swimmer treated herself to a manicure for some self-care after giving birth to daughter Thea

by

Rebecca Adlington responded to criticism from someone who felt parents shouldn’t prioritize their own needs after having children. The commenter claimed they would always put their child first.

The 37-year-old former Olympic swimmer recently welcomed her third child, Thea Joy, after experiencing the loss of two pregnancies over the past three years.

On Thursday, the new mother shared that she’d gotten a manicure, but had a difficult time when her baby, Thea, started crying.

Rebecca shared on Instagram about a kind stranger who helped her while she was trying to breastfeed and get a little self-care done. While attempting to feed her baby, Thea, one-handed, a woman at the salon offered to watch Thea so Rebecca could enjoy her appointment.

She wrote a heartfelt message expressing her gratitude. She said a simple act of kindness, someone taking the time to help her, meant a lot because it was the first self-care she’d allowed herself in a long time, and she was very thankful.

Despite the positive aspects of the story, some fans zeroed in on a negative message Rebecca shared on her Instagram Story.

The social media user stated that Rebecca’s decision to have another child was her own, and that children should be the priority. They added that they would have felt guilty if they were in Rebecca’s position.

I was really moved when Rebecca shared her thoughts – she admitted it had genuinely upset her to speak up against the whole idea of ‘mum guilt,’ and I totally get why. It’s something I feel strongly about too, and it was brave of her to address it.

I received a sad message yesterday after sharing a photo of my nails. I don’t usually share things like this, but it really upset me.

It wasn’t my decision alone to have another child – we decided together. It’s frustrating that mothers often feel the guilt, instead of both parents sharing that feeling.

I really understand how this woman feels, and I’m sure many of you do too. I want to improve how I care for you, and that will help you become a better parent.

Earlier this month, Rebecca shared that her grandmother passed away on the same day she welcomed her ‘rainbow baby’ – a child born after a loss.

Rebecca and her husband, Andy Parsons, are already parents to two-year-old son Albie. She also has an eight-year-old daughter, Summer, with her former husband, Harry Needs.

The actress revealed she was hospitalized for three days while giving birth to her daughter, and described her pregnancy and delivery as an emotional ‘rollercoaster’.

It’s been an incredible journey! The past three years have been full of ups and downs, including two miscarriages. After 39 weeks of pregnancy, we finally welcomed our beautiful ‘rainbow baby’ girl, but it took 87 hours in the hospital to bring her into the world.

Our daughter, Thea Joy Parsons, was born on February 28th, the same day my grandmother, Joyce, passed away. It felt like a beautiful, meaningful coincidence. We named her Joy in honor of my nana, and we’re so excited for all the happiness she’ll bring to our lives.

We’re overjoyed to have her home safe and sound. We know it’s hard waiting for good news, and we’re sending all our love and support to everyone still hoping for a positive outcome.

Read More

2026-03-27 15:11