Former Neighbours star Madeleine West announces birth of seventh child

Australian actress Madeleine West has announced the arrival of her seventh baby, just weeks after penning an emotional article about solo parenting.

Madeleine West has welcomed her seventh child.

The former Neighbours actress, 45, shared a photo of her newborn on social media Sunday night, in which she wrote, “Earthside at last … and utterly perfect.”

West, who played Dee Bliss on the Australian soap in the early 2000s, was met with dozens of supportive comments from famous friends, with TV presenter Jess Rowe writing, “Huge congratulations … so much love to you.”

Newsreader Narelda Jacobs said, “The arrival!!!! So happy for you. What a blessing.”

The Block star Shaynna Blaze added, “Huge congrats x”, while Shelley Craft wrote, “Sending all my love and cuddles. Congratulations.”

Former Home and Away actress Tammin Sursok said, “Congratulations mama!!!!!!!”

West didn’t disclose the baby’s name or gender.

Madeleine West has given birth to her seventh child, describing the newborn as “utterly perfect”. Picture: Instagram

The actress announced her pregnancy in January.

West, who is already a mother to six children with her ex-husband celebrity chef Shannon Bennett, announced her surprise pregnancy on Instagram in January.

“WHOOPS!,” she began her post, alongside a selfie of her growing bump.

“Thought it was perimenopause, I thought WRONG!

“It’s not too much Christmas pudding either. And I couldn’t be happier.

“Not too sure about the title geriatric mum but here we are, and I’m winding back a little to grow this little surprise package I’ve dubbed 007 (baby number 7, couldn’t help myself.”

West was previously married to celeb chef Shannon Bennett.

West’s birth comes weeks after the Byron Bay-based actress penned an emotional article for Stellar, writing she was “terrified and very, very alone.”

“I’m officially up the duff and a certifiable hot mess: equal parts elated, terrified, and very, very alone,” West said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m surrounded by a supportive community of incredible women, but many are embarking on that mysterious and frequently ferocious hot-flash-fest that is menopause, aka The Change, while it seems the only change on my horizon is changing nappies.

“As my friends’ kids are leaving the nest, I’m renovating mine. While my eldest children will be studying for their Ps and HSCs, I’ll be back to potty training.

“I thought I had a handle on the pitter, splatter and clatter of parenting, but I’m back at the start line, on a crash course I thought I was on the cusp of completing.”

Despite her fears, West said she “couldn’t be happier.”

“I’m slowing down, smelling the roses,” she continued.

“I’m proud of my body for everything it has overcome, and everything it still manages to do. I have lumps and bumps, bulgy veins, baggy bits and saggy bits. But they’re all part of the puzzle that’s me – and it has never been so complete.

“I’m still learning to be a better parent, but I’m definitely a better, softer, more joyful version of myself, living large, laughing loud and loving hard.”

West shares Phoenix, Hendrix, Xascha, Xanthe, and twins Xalia and Margaux with Bennett, who is also based in the Byron region.

Originally published as Former Neighbours star Madeleine West announces birth of seventh child