FERNE TALKS TO HEAT
Swapping nights out for night feeds, Essex girl Ferne tells Katie Holloway about the highs and lows of being a first-time parent
A nyone who watched Ferne Mccann eat a live spider on I’m A Celeb in 2015 will already know that she’s made of stern stuff. But 2017 has been one of the toughest years in the 27-year-old former TOWIE star’s life. Pregnancy can be difficult for any first-time mum, but going through it alone, while the baby’s father Arthur Collins was on trial (and eventually convicted) for an acid attack, would test even the strongest person.
Ferne welcomed daughter Sunday in November, and we’ll get to see how they’re getting on in her new show Ferne Mccann: First Time Mum. We caught up with her to find out why she chose the name Sunday, why she doesn’t like being called a single mother, and what on Earth the “ring of fire” is…
So, how are the sleepless nights?
Well, I feel like I made a bit of a breakthrough yesterday. Sunday hadn’t been settling that well during the night-time feeds. The day before, I was up for the whole night, and I’m not even sure if I got to feed her. Obviously, I did, but it’s all such a blur. But last night, we made a real breakthrough and she only woke up three times. So I feel much more energised today. It makes so much difference when you’ve had a little bit of sleep.
What were the best and worst parts of your pregnancy?
Do you know what? I really embraced my pregnancy. I felt like I still did everything that I was doing before, just carrying around my bump. I still exercised and worked right up until the day before because I was filming before I went into labour. I enjoyed it.
Did you have any weird cravings?
The only thing that was super-weird is that I had an obsession with sponges. And damp smells. Honestly, this is a thing – I Googled it. Women love the texture. I was burying my nose in sponges.
But you weren’t eating them?
I wasn’t eating them. But I was loving chocolate every
single night, and I haven’t managed to kick that habit yet.
How did you feel when you knew you’d be doing this as a single mum?
Obviously, for the past six months, I’ve lived with knowing that was going to be the situation. So I’ve got used to the idea, to be honest. I’d done the whole pregnancy on my own and I kind of knew it was coming, so yeah. But I’ve got a fantastic support network around me, so I don’t feel like I’m on my own, do you know what I mean? I’m not really keen on that “single mother” label – to me, I’m just Sunday’s mother.
Arg and vicky Pattison are in your new show. Have they been really supportive?
They’ve been amazing. I’ve seen loads of Arg, and Billie [Faiers] is just round the corner as well. She was amazing when she met Sunday, and throughout my whole pregnancy. I saw Vicky the other day, and she and John [Noble, her fiancé] treated Sunday so much. They bought her a massive hamper of goodies. They’ve all been great.
Are you desperate for a night out?
I haven’t left Sunday with anyone else yet, because I’m breastfeeding. I am keen to express [breast milk for bottle feeding]. I’m definitely going to plan a night out with the girls or maybe a Sunday brunch that turns into an afternoon thing for the New Year, and do it as a little bit of a celebration for Sunday’s birth.
why did you choose the name Sunday?
Because I love the sound of the word and I love the name. There’s that beauty brand, Sunday Riley, and I just always loved how it rolled off the tongue. I don’t feel like it’s as unusual as some people are making out. I don’t think it’s, like, a weird-sounding name.
it’s no Apple or Moses…
Exactly! Yes, it is a day of the week. No, she wasn’t conceived or born on a Sunday. It’s just because I liked it – there’s no real reason for it.
is her name Sunday riley, then?
Ah, well she did have a middle name, but now I’m not so sure. [PR interrupts, telling Ferne she can’t talk about the middle name.] I don’t even want to say, because I’m still not sure. Until I’ve confirmed it and it’s on the birth certificate, then I’ll announce it. But, you know, I just don’t feel like middle names are that much of a big deal.
what has surprised you most about having her?
I was really worried that I wasn’t going to get that rush of unconditional love. I think because I haven’t always been this super-maternal person – I love kids and it was always part of the plan – but not necessarily part of 2017, it was a bit of a shock. So, I was worried that I wasn’t going to be ready for it. But, actually, what has surprised me is how naturally I’ve taken to it. I’m so obsessed with her. It’s a healthy obsession – it just feels so natural and right. I look at her and she makes me so happy. Her face really makes me giggle.
what’s your number-one tip for new mums?
Watch the show! I knew nothing about pregnancy, birth, labour, or being a mum, so it’s a real apprenticeship on motherhood. I go into it not knowing anything and learning everything. I think, sometimes, mothers can kind of gloss over the juicy bits, such as the breastfeeding and labour and the ring of fire and all those things.
erm, what the hell is the ring of fire?
Well, they describe it as the ring of fire – it’s the crowning of the head. i’ ve never experienced a pain like it. The pain kind of just fizzles away as soon as you’ve given birth. It’s intense!
Finally, you know the jungle better than anyone. who do you think will win i’m A Celeb?
I think Toff has got a great shot. I think people would have thought she’d be quite irritating, but she’s really relaxed into it. I think she is going to be the winner, I really do. She’s really entertaining and lovely.
‘She wasn’t conceived on a Sunday – it’s just a lovely name’