Anne-Marie on Motherhood: Finding Strength in a Second Child

During an appearance on the podcast Mad, Sad, and Bad with Paloma Faith, singer Anne-Marie opened up about her personal journey through motherhood. The artist, known for hits like "2002" and "Rockabye," discussed the difficulties she faced after her first child and how her second pregnancy changed her perspective.

The conversation revealed a candid look at the pressures new parents face, particularly the fear of appearing incapable. Anne-Marie's story highlights a common struggle: the hesitation to seek support when navigating the overwhelming early stages of parenting.

For Anne-Marie, the transition to motherhood did not come with the instinctual ease she had expected. Speaking with podcast host Paloma Faith, the singer admitted that she felt lost when her daughter was born in February 2024.

"I think with my first, I didn't know what I was doing. I just was like, I don't know how to be a mom, and I thought it would just come, because everyone tells you that. But I was like, no, it hasn't come to me. So what do I do?"

The singer shared that she was afraid to reach out for assistance due to societal expectations. She worried that admitting she needed help would lead others to judge her parenting abilities.

• Fear of being judged by others
• Worrying she would be seen as a "bad mom"
• Concerns about lacking natural motherly instincts

Consequently, she chose to handle the first year largely on her own. She explained that she "grin and beared it" for a year without daytime help, relying only on a night nanny. Her breastfeeding schedule meant she was often awake more frequently than her baby to pump.

Following the birth of her daughter, Anne-Marie became pregnant again while still breastfeeding her first child. This left her with little time to rest or recover physically. Her body, she noted, "started changing again" almost immediately.

Her second pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of her son in May 2025, brought its own set of physical hurdles. The singer faced a wave of health complications during this period.

Specifically, Anne-Marie dealt with two significant medical conditions:

• Gestational diabetes
• Anemia

Despite these difficulties, the postpartum experience following her son's arrival felt markedly different from her first. The physical toll was compounded by the lack of a break between pregnancies, creating a demanding period for the singer and her husband, British rapper Slowthai.

While the physical challenges were significant, Anne-Marie described the emotional aftermath of her second birth as restorative. She noted that having "done it before" provided a sense of familiarity that eased her anxiety.

The singer attributed much of her newfound confidence to her son. She described him as a healing presence in her life, helping her realize she was capable of handling motherhood.

"Weirdly, because I'd done it before, he's like healing me along his life, because he's making me feel like I can do it."

A crucial part of this healing was her shift in mindset regarding support. Unlike her first experience, Anne-Marie actively sought assistance with her second child. She acknowledged that asking for help was a vital step in her recovery and adjustment.

This change allowed her to navigate the postpartum period with more grace and less pressure, proving that the second time around can offer a different, more positive emotional landscape.

Anne-Marie's transparency places her among a growing number of public figures sharing the realities of postpartum life. Her willingness to discuss the lack of "natural" instinct challenges the perfection often portrayed in celebrity culture.

Other celebrities have recently shared similar stories:

• Ashley Tisdale felt "robbed" of her first experience due to postpartum depression.
• Hailey Bieber discussed struggling with postpartum body dysmorphia.

These candid discussions help normalize the diverse experiences of new parents. By sharing her story, Anne-Marie contributes to a more honest dialogue about the pressures of early parenthood.

Anne-Marie's journey illustrates that motherhood is not always an instant connection but a process of learning and adaptation. Her story emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Key points from her experience include:

• The pressure to appear perfect can prevent new parents from getting needed support.
• Subsequent children can sometimes help parents heal from previous anxieties.
• Open communication about struggles benefits both the parent and the child.

Ultimately, Anne-Marie found that allowing herself to be vulnerable and asking for assistance transformed her experience into one of healing and confidence.