Gemma Atkinson hits back at mum-shamers following criticism over photograph

Anna Martin

Gemma Atkinson has hit back at mum-shamers.

The former Hollyoaks actress was forced to defend herself after trolls were quick to criticise her for a photo of her newborn son, Thiago, sleeping.

Gemma had posted the snap to mark the moment that she introduced her radio co-host, Mike Toolan, to her little boy.

The baby could be seen napping in a wicker basket while lying on his front which sparked concern amongst some of Gemma’s followers.

Initially, Gemma was cheery writing in the caption: “When Thiago met Toolan! Tools came round today and he gently leaned over the sleeping beauty to a welcoming sound of a wet fart.

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A post shared by Gemma Atkinson (@glouiseatkinson)

“As usual Tools ate half the contents in the fridge and left with more food boxed up for his tea. Someone’s gotta look after him!”.

However, the comments that followed forced her to respond seriously on the topic.

“There is substantial evidence from around the world to show that sleeping your baby on their back at the beginning of every sleep or nap (day and night) significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS),” penned one worried parent.

“I fully respect any decision the parent makes (and some babies indeed hate being on their back). However the evidence does strongly recommend that babies are placed on their back – and Gemma has a large following so I don’t see an issue with people expressing some concern,” another added.

A third then wrote: “Oh not sure about babies sleeping on their front, that could be quite dangerous.”

The 38-year-old decided to clap back at the comments and wrote: “He does sleep on his back. He naps on his front a few times throughout the day when I’m sat on the chair next to him.

“He’s also able to lift and move his head in both directions when on his front. Not my first rodeo with babies.” Gemma has previously had to hit back at trolls when she revealed she had stopped breast feeding Thiago.

The mum of two gave birth to her son, who she shares with fiancé Gorka Márquez, in July. The couple, who met on Strictly Come Dancing, already have four-year-old daughter, Mia, together.