Paloma Faith has spoken candidly about her difficult first pregnancy and her ongoing IVF journey as she prepares to welcome her second child. The singer, who is currently pregnant after six rounds of IVF, described her previous experience with motherhood as far from the 'glorious' vision she had initially imagined.
In 2016, Faith suffered from premature rupture of the membrane (Prom) towards the end of her pregnancy, which confined her to bed for three weeks before an emergency caesarean delivery. She later developed a uterine infection and severe cystitis, leading to convulsions and significant blood loss. Despite these complications, she downplayed her health issues to focus on being the 'ideal mother', which she says contributed to post-partum depression.
Faith also faced media scrutiny when she chose not to reveal her daughter's name or share family photos online, with tabloids speculating about gender-neutral parenting. She was stalked by paparazzi, but now acknowledges that such attention often intensifies when attempts are made to avoid it.
Reflecting on her post-natal depression, Faith noted a surprising shift in perspective: 'You spend all this time going, "Oh my God, I'm terrible at being a mother. I'm awful." Then you suddenly go, one day, "Oh, I'd like some more."' She announced her current pregnancy last month, emphasising the struggle of multiple IVF rounds and her intention to be 'very real' about the experience.
With her fifth album 'Infinite Things' due in November and a tour planned, Faith says hiding the pregnancy is impossible. She aims to own the narrative, rather than letting the media control it. The album's title track draws inspiration from a Jorge Luis Borges story, exploring the coexistence of joy and pain in parenthood.
