Sam Thompson has shared that he is in therapy after the birth of his nephew Leo in 2021, after which his sister Louise ‘nearly died three times’
22:35, 28 Jan 2026Updated 22:35, 28 Jan 2026
Sam Thompson in therapy after sister Louise ‘nearly died three times’
Sam Thompson tearfully revealed that he started therapy after his sister ‘nearly died three times’ following the traumatic birth of her son Leo in 2021. The I’m A Celeb star shared that almost losing his sister was “one of the worst experiences” of his life and that he rushed to the hospital as soon as he heard what happened.
Talking to Jamie Laing on his podcast, Great Company, Sam said: “Louise nearly died three times, one was giving birth, the second was she had a haemorrhage in her uterus when she was at home, that was a really scary one.
READ MORE: Louise Thompson shares unseen clips from traumatic birth that left her with PTSDREAD MORE: Louise Thompson updates on IVF journey after traumatic birth of first baby
Sam shared that he had to start therapy(Image: ITV)
“I was at the ITV Palooza and my mum called me and was like ‘you need to get to the hospital now.’ I was quite p***ed and it was 11pm and I got to Chelsea hospital and it was post Covid, hospitals were still locked down, and I managed to sneak into the hospital. I managed to get into the room where Ryan [Louise’s partner] was and he was on the floor. That was one of the worst experiences of my entire life.”
Louise had to have an emergency caesarean when she gave birth in 2021. During the birth, she haemorrhaged, causing her to almost die. Following the traumatic near-death experience, Louise suffered from PTSD and post-natal anxiety. She was also since diagnosed with Lupus and Asherman’s syndrome – where the walls of the uterus or cervix start to stick together due to scar tissue – and she suffered a second haemorrhage, resulting in the need for a stoma bag.
Sam added: “Louise has to go through it, I mean f*** me I’ve never seen anyone as strong as she is, but that was one of the hardest times in my life by an absolute mile. I remember the doctor came in, twice, and went we can’t stop the bleeding and I was like, ‘Oh my f***ing god’. That was something I will never ever, ever forget that.”
He continued to praise his sister’s “bravery” and said that he was “so lucky” to still have her, especially since she had sepsis in her stomach years later. At the time, Louise thought she was dying and the doctor had to take her colon out.
Louise has shared what it was like to have PTSD after her traumatic labour(Image: Instagram/louise.thompson)
She struggled with post-natal anxiety as well(Image: Instagram/louise.thompson)
Sam shared that he hadn’t “properly processed” everything and had to go to therapy to work through it. “I got to therapy a bit,” he shared. “We haven’t even hit that part yet.”
Speaking on Good Morning Britain this morning, Louise shared that she had several surgeries over the past few years. “I’ve had multiple surgeries over the past four years, like six emergency surgeries. I’ve learnt so much and I can’t sit back and let this happen to more women.”
Louise is joining forces with former MP Theo Clarke, who also had a traumatic labour, to push the government to appoint a maternity commissioner to improve care for mothers and babies.
Louise pointed out the “postcode lottery” of care in the UK. She said: “Maternity care is very fragmented. I think there needs to be more unification. I think we shouldn’t be living in a country where there is a postcode lottery, where people don’t have access to care. There’s some horrible statistics. The first thing that needs to be addressed is that the maternal mortality rates have risen by 20% in the last fifteen years.”
In a separate video, she said: “We NEED a maternity commissioner in this country – because every woman deserves the right to a safe and dignified birth.”
If you need support for your mental health the following resources are available
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family
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