Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has openly discussed the profound challenges of motherhood following the heartbreaking diagnosis of her twin daughters with a rare genetic condition. The 34-year-old star, who revealed earlier this month that her eight-month-old twins Ocean and Story have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, has been balancing personal struggles with public advocacy while navigating recent relationship changes.
A Mother's Dual Reality
In a recent social media post that showcased her glamorous side, Jesy Nelson humorously remarked that she's 'not always a haggard old mum' after having her makeup professionally done. This moment of levity comes amidst what she describes as an incredibly difficult period, following the diagnosis that her infant daughters have SMA Type 1 - a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy from birth.
Campaigning for Newborn Screening
Since receiving the diagnosis, Nelson has become a tireless campaigner for introducing SMA testing for all newborns. The star recognises that early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the long-term effects of this genetic condition, which is considered the most severe form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Symptoms typically appear in infancy and can include extreme muscle weakness, swallowing difficulties, and respiratory challenges.
Jesy has initiated a petition to have SMA Type 1 added to the standard newborn blood spot screening test, commonly known as the heel prick test. Her advocacy work represents a determined effort to ensure other families might avoid similar diagnostic delays and receive crucial early intervention.
Personal Life Developments
The singer's personal life has undergone significant changes alongside her daughters' health journey. Jesy and her fiancé Zion Foster, who got engaged in September 2025, have reportedly ended their romantic relationship after three years together. Despite this separation, both parents have emphasised their commitment to remaining 'united as co-parents' focused entirely on their daughters' wellbeing.
Zion Foster recently reflected on their challenging year via Instagram, describing it as a 'rollercoaster' filled with 'traumatic moments' for their family. He expressed prayers for 'clarity, peace and growth' as they navigate ongoing challenges while providing the best possible support system for Ocean and Story.
Documentary Revelation
The couple's journey to parenthood and the subsequent challenges will be documented in Jesy Nelson's forthcoming Amazon documentary titled 'Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix', scheduled for release on February 13. The documentary promises to offer a raw and authentic portrayal of what Nelson describes as 'the most painful' period of her life.
The series charts her pregnancy complications, including Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome - a rare and potentially life-threatening condition - followed by the birth of her daughters and their subsequent SMA diagnosis. In trailer footage, Jesy becomes emotional while discussing her departure from Little Mix, stating she 'always stayed quiet because I was the one that left' the band.
From Pop Stardom to Personal Struggles
Jesy Nelson first found fame as part of Little Mix after winning The X Factor in 2011 alongside bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, and Perrie Edwards. However, the singer faced severe online trolling about her appearance that significantly impacted her mental health, eventually leading to her departure from the group in 2020.
Her documentary includes cameo appearances from former mentor Tulisa Contostavlos, who comments on Jesy's struggles during her time in the spotlight. The series also features Jesy's mother, Janice, expressing concern during her daughter's complicated pregnancy, unaware of the additional challenges that would follow with the twins' diagnosis.
Despite the immense pressures and traumatic experiences of the past year, both Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster maintain that they have reached this point through resilience and shared commitment to their daughters. As they face the ongoing challenges of parenting children with a serious genetic condition, their focus remains firmly on providing Ocean and Story with the best possible support and advocating for broader awareness and screening for SMA Type 1.
