Perrie Edwards says becoming a mum doesn’t mean losing yourself

Apple Music’s Music That Soothes Me series is shining a light on Perrie Edwards this time around. The Little Mix singer, who just dropped her first solo album Perrie, sat down with Apple Music for a special Apple News conversation on World Mental Health Day. She opened up about motherhood, mental health, using music to ease anxiety, handling everyday pressures, and finding stability as she promotes her new record.

Perrie shared how she’s worked to maintain balance between being a mum and pursuing her music career.

“Just because you’re a mum doesn’t mean you’re not you anymore. It doesn’t define you as a person. I had so many doubts and thought that people weren’t going to take me seriously anymore because I was pregnant, but I hope I’ve proven that women can actually do it all. I’m heavily pregnant, I’ve got a toddler, and I’m promoting an album. I’ve been nonstop, but I’ve made it work.”

She also spoke openly about how important it has been to lean on her community and the people around her.

“It takes a village. So, it’s not just me. It takes a lot of family members and a lot of my team to make it happen. But I think it’s about balance. I don’t want to not be the best mum possible, but I also don’t want to not be the best artist I can be.”

Perrie reflected on her past struggles with agoraphobia and shared how therapy helped her rebuild her confidence and sense of self.

“I think you have to go through that uncomfortableness and the scaredness. Everything we want is on the other side of fear. It’s all about finding the right therapist and doing the right work on yourself.”

She also offered a few words of encouragement for anyone struggling with a tough day.

“Have sympathy for yourself. We’re all going to get overtired or overstimulated at times, and that’s OK. Don’t make yourself feel worse—just accept that it’s not a good day, and that’s fine. If I want to stay in my pyjamas all day, that’s actually OK.”

Perrie shared one of the biggest ways she takes care of her mental wellbeing, explaining how she prioritises rest and unplugging.

“I make sure I’m well rested, getting enough sleep and taking enough time away from screens,” she says. “I always try and look at the sky in the morning before I look at a screen.”

She also let fans in on a few of the songs that bring her comfort and calm.

SZA, Nobody Gets Me

“The lyrics and melody are beautiful—I just love it!”

Bon Jovi, Always

“My dad used to sing this one in the clubs, and it’s a lovely song to listen to.”

Janet Jackson, Together Again

“This transports me back to my childhood.”

Justin Bieber, Anyone

“I listen to it a lot with Alex [Oxlade-Chamberlain]. It came out the year Axel was born and it takes us back to a happy place.”