24 February 2024 , 19:23
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Like every new mum, all Strictly star Janette Manrara wanted to do was hold and hug her child.
But having daughter Lyra by Caesarian section left her in so much pain it was weeks before she could and the physical separation sent Janette spiralling “properly down” as she struggled to bond with her.
Janette’s connection with Lyra grew from the moment she was strong enough to cradle her and the dancer, 40, believes it is unfair C-section deliveries are seen as “easy options”, as their aftermath can be so tough.
She and her husband, fellow Strictly star Aljaz Skorjanec, 34, welcomed their “miracle” baby last July after spending two years trying to conceive.
Speaking on our Invite Only podcast, Janette said: “It was hard as a C-section, it’s a long recovery. I couldn’t carry Lyra as much as I wanted to. That was really hard for me emotionally. It’s weird because you’ve carried this baby in your belly for nine months – you feel so connected to it. Then she’s born, and in the hospital you’re dealing with stitches, you’re dealing with all the drugs in your body.”
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Janette and Aljaz with family“I thought when I get home it’ll be fine. But then at home, obviously I still couldn’t, so Aljaz took the helm and I went properly down. I just thought, ‘How can I not hold my baby now? I’ve just done this and now I can’t hold her’. That was really tough.”
Janette was supported through the ordeal by her friend and ex-Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson, 39, who danced with Aljaz on Strictly in 2017. Tiago, Gemma’s second child with Strictly pro Gorka Marquez, was delivered by C-section a month before Lyra.
She said: “[Gemma] really wanted to have a natural birth and we both had C-sections, and there’s this kind of thing where women are compared. It’s equally as difficult because when you have a vaginal birth, it’s painful… you’re in labour for hours. When you have a C-section, you cut the incision and you’re done and you’re out but the aftermath is very hard. I think sometimes women can be each other’s worst friends. Gemma was like, ‘Equally, we struggle. No matter how you give birth to your child, both are hard and we’re all superwomen for doing it’. It’s true.”
Miami-born Janette and Aljaz, who wed in 2017, struggled to conceive and she said the monthly disappointments were like experiencing grief. But weeks before they were due to start IVF treatment, she got pregnant naturally.
'It was really tough' says Janette
Janette has just finished a tour of Strictly LiveAljaz admitted their marriage might not have survived the toll of their fertility struggles had they not been upfront with each other. He said: “We are always so good with communication and making sure we talk everything through – I don’t think we could have gone through it without that. If you’re sort of left on your own, then you can feel like you’re on separate sides of the river.”
Despite being so open, Janette has been trolled by mum-shamers saying her return to work four months after giving birth “normalised” fast returns to work for other women. But Janette said she has to take work when it comes and she cannot take a year’s maternity leave.
She said: “If I felt physically ready to do that and Lyra was healthy enough, I don’t see where the problem lies. Aljaz is more than happy to be at home with Lyra so I can do It Takes Two. We’re 50/50. I think it’s wonderful she sees her mom is working and loves her job.”
Alijaz with Gemma Atkinson on Strictly (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Family on the Strictly setThe couple have just finished touring with Strictly Come Dancing Live! and Slovenian-born Aljaz joked he had a problem reverting from stay-at-home dad to star. He said: “I’ve literally just been there for Lyra and for Janette throughout the pregnancy. Going into rehearsals on the first day… I felt so out of place. I walked into the costume department and the lady went pale. I didn’t click why, then I put on the trousers and I was like, ‘Now I get it’. But I’ve got there now. I’m almost at my pre-baby weight!”
Aljaz also has a newfound respect for stay-at-home parents, saying: “I’m more tired now than if I did 10 shows a week. But it’s the most beautiful thing in the world to look after someone so dependent on you and who unquestionably loves you.”
Parenthood has also brought him and Janette closer. He said: “With Lyra, we have spent more time together than ever – and we absolutely love it.”
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Janette and Aljaz initially struggled to conceiveSad for pal Robin
Janette and Aljaz paid tribute to their late friend Robin Windsor, “who filled the room with sunshine”.
It was announced on Tuesday that professional dancer Robin had died at 44. And Janette and Aljaz, who danced alongside the star on BBC show Strictly, said they are devastated.
They said: “We are so saddened by the news of Robin Windsor. He was a dear friend of ours and filled the room up with sunshine whenever he walked in. His energy and smile were infectious and we will miss him deeply.”
Robin’s death sparked a flood of tributes for the charismatic dancer, who was forced to leave Strictly after suffering a back injury.
Former show partner Susannah Reid fought back tears as she announced the news on Good Morning Britain. Other stars paying emotional tributes included former dance partner Kristina Rihanoff, Strictly celebrity partner and friend Lisa Riley, and show host Tess Daly.