Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has spoken candidly about the emotionally draining and physically demanding reality of her daily life since her twin daughters were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. The 34-year-old star revealed to the Daily Mail that the constant medical interventions required for her babies leave her feeling like she is causing them harm, despite knowing these procedures are essential for their wellbeing.
The Daily Emotional Rollercoaster
Jesy described caring for her daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, as an unpredictable journey with weeks that can be "really f***ing s***" followed by periods that feel slightly lighter. The twins received their SMA Type 1 diagnosis eight months after their birth, a rare genetic condition that leads to severe muscle weakness and requires intensive daily management.
"Every day is so full-on," Jesy explained. "I can speak about it, but I'll never be able to explain how intense it is until you see it. There are a lot of medical things I have to do which I am still really struggling with; I'll be honest with you. I never expected that to be part of my life and it's tough."
The Pain of Necessary Medical Procedures
The singer expressed particular distress about administering medical treatments to her daughters, saying: "They're so tiny and I have to do things which I know are doing them good but at the time when they're crying and screaming, it feels like I'm hurting them and I hate that I have to be the person to do that. I just want to be their mum."
Jesy emphasized that no two days are emotionally similar, making it impossible to describe a typical routine with her twins. She acknowledged the advice from other mothers to take each day as it comes, describing the experience as "a rollercoaster" rather than a steady journey.
Campaigning for Newborn Testing
Now Jesy is actively campaigning for SMA testing to be included in the standard newborn blood spot test administered to all babies in the UK. She believes early diagnosis could dramatically improve outcomes for children with the condition, as timely intervention with specialized treatments can significantly enhance muscle development.
"When the girls got their diagnosis, I felt like my whole world just fell apart," Jesy recalled. "I really felt like when I took them home that I was out of the trenches, I thought, thank God we're out of it and I can finally enjoy motherhood. But then this happened, and I was like, what is my life?"
Family Support and Personal Resilience
The former X Factor contestant lives in Brentwood, Essex with her mother and sister, who provide crucial support as she navigates both single motherhood and her daughters' medical needs. Jesy clarified misconceptions about having professional help, stating: "My mum lives with me, I would be screwed without her, and we're doing it us two. I think a lot of people believe that I have help but I don't. It's just me and my mum."
She credits her time in Little Mix with preparing her for the sleepless nights and demanding schedule, though she acknowledges the current situation represents "a battle" of different magnitude. "Women are so resilient," Jesy reflected. "No disrespect to men but I feel like we're a whole different level."
Complicated Pregnancy and Diagnosis Journey
Jesy endured a particularly challenging pregnancy, discovering her daughters were monochorionic diamniotic identical twins who shared Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a rare condition affecting babies who share a placenta. Following their premature birth, it was Jesy's mother who first noticed concerning signs that eventually led to the SMA diagnosis months later.
"There was a point when I was told that the girls' survival rate was next to nothing," Jesy revealed. "I hate even saying it now because it makes me feel really sad. I used to think what the f*** am I going to do if they're not here."
Finding Gratitude Amidst Challenges
Despite the immense difficulties, Jesy expressed profound gratitude for her daughters' continued presence. "I am just so grateful that they're still here because it could have been a very, very different outcome," she said. "I just have to be grateful, and they're just the most beautiful, strongest girls to raise."
The singer's journey is documented in the new Prime Video documentary Life After Little Mix, which captures her transition from pop star to mother navigating extraordinary circumstances. Jesy shares her daughters with ex-partner Zion Foster, 27, with whom she ended her engagement four months after getting engaged, citing relationship pressures following their daughters' diagnosis.
