Becoming a parent is often described as a life-changing journey, but for Jesy Nelson, it came with an unimaginable mixture of joy and heartbreak.
The former Little Mix star, 34, recently opened up about the emotional strain that led to her split from fiancé Zion Foster, 26, just four months after their engagement.
The breakup came only weeks after their twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a rare and serious genetic condition that affects muscle development.
Jesy candidly told the Daily Mail that the challenges of her daughters’ diagnosis shifted the dynamics of her relationship with Zion.
“We have been through such a traumatic experience, and our girls are our main focus,” she explained.
“The energy between us wasn’t right, which is understandable, given what we’ve gone through.
We’re still friends and united in co-parenting. That’s all that matters right now.”
A Joyful Arrival Marred by Unexpected Diagnosis
Jesy’s pregnancy was complicated from the start.
She discovered her daughters were identical twins sharing a placenta—a condition known as monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA)—and suffered from twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
While she celebrated their safe arrival, her joy was short-lived. Six months later, the SMA Type 1 diagnosis arrived, shattering her sense of security and altering her path into motherhood.
Driven to raise awareness, Jesy has become a vocal advocate for newborns to be screened for SMA at birth.
She stresses that early diagnosis is critical, as a single infusion treatment can greatly improve muscle development.
She admitted feeling both “sad” and “angry” that her daughters were not diagnosed earlier, noting that advice to not compare her twins’ development to other babies compounded her distress.
Coping One Day at a Time
Jesy describes her current approach to motherhood as taking things day by day.
“If I try to look too far ahead, I’ll drive myself crazy,” she admitted.
“The girls are doing really well, and they’re happy—that’s all I can ask for.”
Her journey into parenthood coincides with the launch of her Prime Video documentary, Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, which captures her pregnancy, labor, and the early days with her twins.
The series also shows the bond she shared with Zion before their split, highlighting him as her “best friend” and someone who made her feel “everything is going to be okay.”
Unexpected Motherhood and Shifting Priorities
Jesy confessed that pregnancy came as a surprise, and she initially doubted whether Zion was ready to become a first-time father to twins.
Over time, she grew confident in his calm, supportive nature and his ability to be a great dad. Initially, she planned the documentary as an uplifting film to one day show her daughters.
However, as events unfolded, her focus shifted to documenting the raw realities of her journey.
“No one could prepare me for what was about to happen,” Jesy reflected.
“The cameras captured everything—the birth, the early struggles—and I’m grateful they were there. My girls will see how strong they are, and hopefully it raises awareness about SMA.”
The Shocking Reality of SMA
Jesy shared the emotional moment her daughters were diagnosed with SMA Type 1 on TikTok, revealing early warning signs like feeding difficulties and limited movement in their legs.
She described the months leading to the diagnosis as “gruelling” and explained the devastating impact of the condition if left untreated.
“Your baby’s life expectancy may not exceed two years if untreated,” she said, fighting back tears.
Jesy admitted that after overcoming the complications of premature birth, she thought she could finally enjoy motherhood—only to face a new and terrifying challenge.
“When the girls got their diagnosis, it felt like my world fell apart,” she revealed.
From Reluctant to Devoted Mother
Interestingly, Jesy never imagined motherhood for herself when she was younger.
She had openly discussed her disinterest in having children with her bandmates during her time in Little Mix. However, falling pregnant unexpectedly shifted her perspective completely.
“My life is for them now,” she said.
“I can’t imagine my life without them. They’ve given me purpose, something I had been searching for for so long.
Sometimes I just look at them and think, ‘Wow, look what I’ve created.’ They survived TTTS and SMA—it’s miraculous, and they’re still smiling.”
Advocating for Early SMA Detection
Jesy has used her platform to campaign for routine SMA screening in newborns.
Meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, she emphasized the importance of reducing delays in diagnosis.
While grateful her voice is being heard, Jesy admits she still feels anger for families who suffered before her twins’ condition gained attention.
“It makes me sad and angry,” she confessed. “So many families were ignored for years. I can only hope that my experience helps create change for future babies.”
Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix
Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix premieres on Prime Video on February 13, offering fans an intimate look at Jesy’s life after leaving the band, the realities of pregnancy, and the challenges of raising children with SMA.
Beyond entertainment, the series is a testament to resilience, love, and advocacy for a cause that Jesy now champions passionately.
