Call The Midwife star Jennifer Kirby gives birth to first child via emergency caesarean section with Killing Eve actor Robert Gilbert
And the star, 36, has described having 'panic attacks' in recent months while navigating motherhood for the first time.
The actress, who played Nurse Valerie Dyer in the hit BBC period drama for four seasons, shared the news on Sunday evening alongside a selfie showing the scar from her C-section.
Posting the candid photo on Instagram, Jennifer wrote: 'One emergency caesarean, many crying sessions, a few panic attacks, infinite love, one glorious little baby, and one whole year.'
She thanked her husband, Killing Eve star Robert Gilbert, and added: 'Thank you little body for all you've endured and all you've done.
'I won't take you for granted again.'
Fans praised her honesty and strength in sharing the photo, with many admiring her openness about the realities of childbirth
Jennifer and Robert, 37, met when they both starred in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Henry V in 2015.
After tying the knot last year, the couple welcomed their first child at Christmas but kept the news out of the spotlight - making her new post a surprise to many fans.
Her former Call The Midwife co-star Nell Hudson, who is nine months pregnant, commented with a string of heart emojis and clapping hands, while The Crown actress Yolanda Kettle added red heart emojis.
Robert commented cheekily: 'Don't try it lads SHE'S MARRIED.'
Fans praised her honesty and strength in sharing the photo, with many admiring her openness about the realities of childbirth.
'Nurse Valerie would have been proud of you,' one fan wrote.
Another commented: 'Beautiful lady. I have a similar scar too from my C-section with my second. Just amazes me how utterly fabulous our bodies are.'
Jennifer played Nurse Valerie Dyer on Call The Midwife from 2017 until 2020, appearing in some of the show's most emotionally charged storylines - including several scenes involving complex labour and delivery.
She left the award-winning period drama after four seasons, telling fans she was 'proud' to have been part of the show but felt it was time to 'move on'
She left the award-winning period drama after four seasons, telling fans she was 'proud' to have been part of the show but felt it was time to 'move on'.
Since then, she has largely kept her personal life out of the spotlight, although she has made several stage and screen appearances.
Robert has enjoyed a steady rise through in recent years.
In Killing Eve, he appeared in the final season as tech genius Yusuf, helping Jodie Comer's Villanelle and Sandra Oh's Eve on their mission.
He has also appeared in Channel 4 comedy Big Mood with Irish actress Nicola Coughlan and the crime series Bergerac.
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