Gemma Atkinson says she is saddened to spend time away from her baby daughter Mia.
But the soap actress turned Strictly Come Dancing star, 35, says she also doesn’t want to let exciting work opportunities go by.
The mum-of-one says she has felt ‘mum guilt’ over her new work commitments.
Taking to Instagram, she opened up about her current state of mind.
Gemma Atkinson became a first-time mum last year
Sharing in view of her 1.5 million followers, the former Emmerdale actress wrote:
“Happy Tuesday/ Rehearsals for Steph’s Packed Lunch today before my radio show.
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“I’m always torn when it comes to leaving Mia for work as I’ve been totally spoilt having my mornings with her but I also love my career and job opportunities and obviously want to show her the importance of working.
“Mental torture at times this parent stuff ain’t it?”
This is accompanied with an adorable photo of Gemma holding Mia’s, one, hand.
Gemma and Gorka met on Strictly Come Dancing
Followed up with an inspirational quote: “If you ever feel like giving up, just remember there is a little girl watching who wants to be just like you.
“Don’t disappoint her.”
Gemma’s partner and father of Mia, Strictly pro dancer Gorka Marquez posted a series of heart face emojis.
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Meanwhile, dozens of fans rushed to reassure Gemma that she is doing a fantastic job as a mum.
One user gushed: “It is – you’re a great role model and she will see it and blossom. My 8-year-old boy tells everyone his mummy is a physio – they take everything in!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE3n1iTHwzr/
A second user sympathised: “Motherhood is a constant guilt trip isn’t it? We put far too much pressure on ourselves. We’re doing a cracking job.”
Fans reassured Gemma she is doing a great job
And a third user praised: “It’s hard leaving little ones but we must remember it’s healthy for our children to form relationships with others.”
Gemma has spoken of mum guilt several times in the past.
Last year, she said she felt guilty taking time to go Christmas shopping and workout following Mia’s injections.
She shared: “I’m experiencing mum guilt today on a whole new level and I just need to get a grip.
“Tuesdays and Fridays I’m with Evil Steve so I’m with him today and this afternoon I want to start my Christmas shopping,
“I know that sounds ridiculous but I just want everything out the way and to get it all done.
“Yesterday Mia had her third lot of injections, the final ones before she’s one, and they made her really groggy, her little legs are bruised and she was up in the night so I’m a little bit tired.”
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