Rebecca Adlington's baby takes first swim

Rebecca Adlington, a celebrated Olympic swimmer, recently shared heartwarming photos on Instagram as she introduced her newborn daughter, Thea Joy, to the swimming pool for the very first time. Thea, who was born last month, is Adlington's third child and her first 'rainbow baby' after experiencing two miscarriages over a three-year period. Adlington was joined by her husband, Andy Parsons, their two-year-old son Albie, and her eight-year-old daughter Summer.

The former Olympian also used her platform to address the issue of 'mum guilt.' This discussion arose after a social media user criticized her for prioritizing herself by getting a manicure. Adlington shared her experience of receiving a message that suggested children should 'always come first,' leading her to speak out against the unfair narrative that places guilt solely on mothers rather than on 'we' as a couple.

Earlier in February, Adlington revealed that her grandmother, Joyce, passed away on the same day Thea Joy was born. She honored her grandmother by giving her daughter the middle name Joy. Adlington described the journey to motherhood with Thea as a 'rollercoaster,' involving three years of trying, two miscarriages, a 39-week pregnancy, and an 87-hour labor. Thea Joy Parsons was born on February 28th, marking a poignant 'full circle moment.'