Former Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson has bravely announced her desire to have another child in 2026, despite almost losing her life during the traumatic birth of her first son three years ago.
A Harrowing Birth and Severe Health Complications
The 35-year-old television personality suffered a catastrophic haemorrhage during an emergency caesarean section to deliver her son, Leo-Hunter, in 2021. She lost a staggering 12.5 litres of blood during the procedure, which left her fighting for her life.
In the aftermath, Louise was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe postnatal anxiety. Her physical health also deteriorated significantly. She has since been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Lupus and Asherman's syndrome, endured a second haemorrhage, and has had to adapt to life with a stoma bag.
Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Watch
The psychological toll was profound. In a recent podcast appearance, her fiancé, Ryan Libbey, 34, disclosed the heartbreaking extent of her struggle with postpartum depression. He revealed that a crisis-management team was brought in to conduct suicide watch over Louise, who was "mentally checked out" and in a state of utter surrender.
"She'd lost the fight," Ryan shared on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast. "I could understand that she was in shock... but I couldn't understand that we were in the place of potential: she wants to end her life." He admitted to struggling to process the severity of the situation at the time.
Hopeful Glimpse into the Future
Despite the ongoing challenges, which included a hospital visit on Christmas Eve for a medical procedure, Louise is looking forward with remarkable courage. On New Year's Eve, she took to Instagram to share her aspirations for the coming years.
"Next year is going to be full of health, growth and prosperity," she wrote. "I'm ready for newness and if we are lucky family expansion." She further teased an upcoming post on her Substack platform, pointedly titled 'all I want for 2026 is a baby'.
During her recent hospital stay, Louise was effusive in her praise for the National Health Service. She thanked NHS staff for working over the bank holiday, stating, "The NHS never sleeps... Thanks for keeping the country ticking along and for keeping our loved ones alive."
Louise's candid journey through trauma, severe physical and mental health battles, and her hopeful path towards recovery and future motherhood continues to resonate with many, highlighting critical issues within maternity and postnatal care.
