Jesinta Franklin has revealed she underwent surgery for a pregnancy-related health issue, urging mothers to 'put themselves first'. The 34-year-old model and wife of AFL legend Buddy Franklin shared her experience on Instagram, detailing how she finally addressed painful leg veins caused by her pregnancies.
Health Struggles After Three Pregnancies
Franklin, mother to Tullulah (5), Rocky (4), and Bam (7 months), suffered from leaking and swollen veins in her right leg. She noted that her sons Rocky and Bam were 'big boys to carry', leading to discomfort that persisted for years. 'One was leaking and caused swelling and constant bruising around my ankle, it then went on to cause me lots of discomfort with Bam,' she wrote.
A Call to Prioritise Self-Care
'You know what’s not spoken about enough? HOW much our bodies go through to bring life into the world and the long term impact pregnancy and birth can have on our bodies,' Franklin said. After postponing treatment for five years, she decided to act. 'One of the hardest things about motherhood is choosing to do something for yourself,' she explained. 'One of my goals this year is to take better care of myself. That means no longer delaying the important things when it comes to my health and wellbeing.'
No More Putting Others First
Franklin emphasised that self-care is not selfish. 'I guarantee there are so many mums carrying visible and invisible changes from pregnancy and birth, quietly accepting them or putting off getting help because we’re so used to prioritising everyone else,' she said. 'Birth was incredibly kind to my body, but my pregnancy wasn’t. This is my reminder as much as anyone else — that looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.' The former Miss Universe Australia winner hopes her story encourages other mothers to address their own health needs.
