Jess Wright is nearly six months into life as a first-time mum and she’s finding strength in places she never expected.
The former TOWIE star and entrepreneur, 37, has battled “confidence-shattering” psoriasis since her mid-twenties and would always cover up – until recently, when she boldly took to social media to share a snap showing her autoimmune condition to her 1.5 million followers.
Revealing red rashes on her arms, legs and forehead, Jess explained how the condition – where skin cells build up to form flaky, scaly and itchy patches – had flared-up since giving birth to little Presley, who she shares with businessman husband William Lee-Kemp.
Speaking exclusively to us about why she made the brave move, Jess said: “I’ve got to the point where my psoriasis is everywhere. I had to address it. I still find it hard to wear short sleeves but I’m starting to embrace it.
"I know I should. It’s a relatable subject and I hoped by sharing it on socials, people could talk in the comments below and share remedies, and know that they’re not alone.”
Around 2% of people in the UK suffer from psoriasis and while its cause remains unclear, flare-ups can be triggered by stress and hormonal changes.
Jess added: “It started on my head when I was 23 and has since gone everywhere. Before I was pregnant, it was nowhere near as bad as this, and when I was pregnant it disappeared – it’s since I’ve had the baby.”
In May, Jess gave birth to Presley after discovering she was pregnant days after tying the knot with William last September. Starting a family was all she’d ever wanted and the couple had even frozen embryos as a precaution before conceiving naturally.
But motherhood came as a shock to Jess, who suffered postnatal depression in the first month of Presley’s life.
“I think it’s the stress of having my first baby and not knowing what’s going on,” says Jess about the flare-up. “It’s the lack of sleep and I’m not at my strongest and my immune system is down.”
But having come out the other side, Jess has a newfound confidence.
She said: “I think because I’m happily married I’ve found my confidence now. When I was single I got scared that it was going to put people off. Now I couldn’t care less – my husband loves me for who and what I am. It doesn’t bother him.”
Jess, famed for her incredible bikini body over the years, has now vowed to be kind to herself as she builds her strength back up slowly following the birth.
She had to have her baby boy delivered by emergency c-section five days before her due date.
Jess admitted: “I was worried about my mum-tum. I was beating myself up about going to the gym and then I was like, ‘Do you know what, Jess? Just give it up! If you’re not at the gym five times a week, it is what it is.’ I’m back at the gym now – I love it for my mental health.
“In my job you’re always on show. It’s difficult. You have to get a whole new wardrobe and dress for your new body – but I’m losing the weight and I am doing it slowly. I feel so proud of what my body has been through. Each day, I look in the mirror and think I look better – I’m so proud. I feel empowered.”
Instead, Jess is putting her energy into work and the launch of her lifestyle collaboration with My 1st Years, which personalises beautiful gifts for little ones. “My 1st Years has been my go-to for gifts for my family and friends,” she says.
“I’m so proud of this collab. I love my work. I don’t think I could be a stay-at-home mum at this point. I’m the kind of person that needs that time to be able to fulfil my dreams as well as being a mum – and I shouldn’t feel guilty about that!”
Jess Wright has launched her new collection, Jess Wright Baby at My 1st Years. You can buy the collection at my1styears.com
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