Jodi Albert has opened up about suffering a miscarriage this year, saying she is "pushing through my fear and speaking out" in order to help other women who have been through the same thing.
The English actress and singer posted a photo of herself and husband Kian Egan on Instagram, saying she decided to share the sad news after a follower commented that she looked pregnant in a photograph she posted on Valentine's Day.
She wrote: "On any other occasion I might have been offended but on this occasion I thought.. ooh she guessed it right, I am and I cannot wait to get to 12 weeks to share our happy news!!!"
Heartbreakingly, the couple lost their baby at nine weeks. Albert said this was her second miscarriage, three and a half years since the first one.
She continued: "This one hit differently because we allowed ourselves to get excited and dream about what the future would look like with a new beautiful little blessing to add to our family."
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Albert said she agonised over whether or not to write this post, but ultimately decided to share their story to help other families experiencing loss.
"I have written out this post and deleted it so many times as my biggest fear has been having to tell people but I know that by talking or posting about it, it can be so helpful for anyone going through this painful loss.. to know that your not alone and although that little baby was never born it still has a huge place in your heart," she wrote.
"The silence after the D&C procedure is deafening because you are left with so many thoughts and questions that can sometimes never be answered.
"I have found comfort in reading and listening to women who have been through the same thing and I suppose this is why I’m pushing through my fear and speaking out.
"I think it’s part of a positive healing process or maybe it’s just for me to remember that it was real and that little baby did exist and was loved so much.
"To my husband who has just been my rock .. you are the most amazing man.. I love you and our boys so much and am so grateful for what I already have."
After sharing the post to Instagram, she said she was "overwhelmed by the support and love" she received.
Writing on her stories, she said: "Thank you to those who are sharing and confiding in me with your own experiences with miscarriage. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
"Thank you for helping me heal too."
Albert and Egan are parents to three boys, Koa, Zekey and Cobi.
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