Ashley James slams mothers who give pregnant women ‘stressful’ advice

Ashley James has hit out at mothers for dishing out unsolicited advice to pregnant women, branding the centuries-old practice ‘very misogynistic’.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, is set to welcome the arrival of her first child – a boy – with partner Tom Andrews, 31, on January 3rd, three days after the one-year anniversary of them getting together.

And the celebrity DJ has slammed the barrage of unwanted advice she’s been given since announcing her pregnancy, as she questions why Tom hasn’t also been the target of the same perceived words of wisdom.

‘There’s something very misogynistic about it,’ she told The Sun. ‘Tommy doesn’t have people offering him advice. Before you are pregnant, you’re trusted as an adult to make decisions for yourself. As soon as you are pregnant, it becomes an open invite for everybody, whether they know you or not, to give you their opinions.’

Since sharing her feelings on the issue on social media, Ashley has received an outpouring of gratitude from other pregnant woman, who have thanked her for using her platform to speak out.  

She said: ‘Health professionals say that unsolicited advice causes stress for pregnant women because it makes them worry about things that they may never have to worry about. Making mistakes is how we learn. The most empowering thing we can do is to let pregnant women know that we’re there for them if they need us.’

Ashley, who first met Tom 10 years ago when they were on graduate schemes at fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch, has also revealed that she plans to return to her life as a DJ soon after her bundle of joy arrives.

‘There’s this negative idea that when you have a baby you give up your life,’ she said. ‘Who says I have to give up being me?… I can’t wait to get back to DJing. I hope I can take the baby along in a carrier with little headphones on.’

Over the weekend, Ashley lovingly declared that she would ‘take a sword’ for Tom after Instagram followers quizzed her decision to indulge him with gifts. 

Sharing a picture of Tom and her Poodle dog, Snoop, she penned: ‘A lot of people messaged to say they’re surprised I do “cute” s***t like buy my dog hats to match my man because I’m so independent and I just thought I’d say this… 

‘I treat Tommy like I treat my best friend- with the most love, respect, and romance. Well, obviously he’s treated slightly differently to my friends, but you know what I mean. 

‘I’m independent and I know my worth (and know I’d always be OK on my own), but equally I’ve found someone who deserves my love, romance, thoughtfulness.’ 

Ashley spent six years single before settling down with her tech professional beau in October 2019, however the couple first met ten years ago and became friends. 

Tom gave the expecting mother a Cartier Trinity ring earlier this year to celebrate their love, although Ashley insists that they’re ‘not interested’ in engagement or marriage, and the accessory ‘symbolises’ their growing family. 

In her candid social media post, she also confirmed that treating him with gifts is her way of expressing love and commitment.

Ashley continued: ‘I love treating him, I always looked forward to having someone to do cute things with… in the same way I love that he does cute, thoughtful things for me. 

‘Don’t be fooled, being independent, knowing your boundaries and letting people prove their worth before you do too much for them does not mean you can’t fall head over heels and be romantic. 

‘I’d take a sword for this man, same as my friends. For as long as he loves and respects me, there’s no need for him to ever doubt my love and loyalty (as long as I never have to pick him and Snoop as I think we all know Snoop is the first love.)’ 

In another social media upload on Sunday, she shared a glimpse of adorable Birmingham City FC clothing for her tiny tot, gifted to her by her agent Dan Parker.  

As she counts down the final days til the arrival of her son, Ashley, who is now 38 weeks along, revealed that she’s been struggling with pelvic girdle pain. 

In a honest Instagram post last Friday, the star told her fans that she’s ‘forgotten what it’s like to be able to sit up without pain’. 

The cause of PGP is unknown, with some doctors blaming it on a hormone imbalance, although this is not proven. 

It’s estimated the condition – also called symphysis pubic dysfunction – affects one-in-five pregnant women and, in severe cases, leaves the sufferer unable to walk through pain, with some experiencing lasting effects after the birth. 

Ashley subsequently offered some tips to her social media followers which she’s found helpful, including wearing a brace, sleeping with a pillow between your legs and taking baths.