British rapper and singer Stephanie Victoria Allen, popularly known as Stefflon Don, has welcomed her second child, and revealed that she was hospitalised for four days after developing a serious pregnancy-related complication following childbirth.
The 34-year-old rapper disclosed this in an interview with American magazine, PEOPLE, published on Friday, saying she gave birth to a boy, Don Claes, on April 26.
Don, said she developed postpartum pre-eclampsia after delivery, experiencing severe swelling in her legs and feet, dangerously high blood pressure and breathing difficulties.
She also said fluid accumulated in her lungs, leaving her hospitalised for four days with her newborn and nearly requiring admission into the intensive care unit.
“One thing I really want other mothers to know is that giving birth doesn’t mean the journey is over
“I experienced pre-eclampsia after having my baby, and it made me realise just how important it is for us as women to look after ourselves, even after our babies arrive,” she said.
The rapper said she and her doctors later discovered severe mould in the ventilation system of the apartment where she was staying, raising further concerns about her health and breathing.
Describing the experience as frightening, she urged mothers not to ignore unusual swelling, difficulty breathing, severe headaches or changes in vision after childbirth.
“Postpartum pre-eclampsia is real and can happen even after you’ve given birth. Please don’t ignore symptoms like unusual swelling, difficulty breathing, severe headaches or changes in your vision. Seek medical help immediately if something doesn’t feel right,” she said.
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs such as the kidneys or liver.
Although it commonly develops during pregnancy, it can also occur after childbirth, a condition known as postpartum pre-eclampsia.
Symptoms may include severe headaches, blurred vision, swelling of the face, hands or feet, and difficulty breathing. It can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Don is also mother to a 17-year-old son, Jaylen.
Don is the former girlfriend of Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, whom she dated for about three years before their separation in 2021.
The relationship attracted considerable attention in Nigeria, particularly after Burna Boy released his 2022 hit song, Last Last, which he acknowledged was about the relationship.
In May 2022, The PUNCH reported that Don released a response titled First of All, in which she told critics to “mind their business”.
The former couple had also spoken publicly about their relationship. In 2019, The PUNCH reported Burna Boy as saying he wanted to raise a child with Don away from public attention.
Meanwhile, Don said motherhood had changed her outlook and strengthened her motivation to build something her children could be proud of.
She took time away from music to focus on her family but said she was preparing to return to the industry.
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