The “16 Shots” rapper is already mom to son Jaylen, 17

NEED TO KNOW

• Stefflon Don has welcomed her second baby, sharing the news exclusively with PEOPLE
• The rapper is also mom to 17-year-old son Jaylen
• Don shares that she spent four days hospitalized after experiencing serious postpartum preeclampsia symptoms

Stefflon Don has welcomed another little one.

The U.K. rapper, 34, has welcomed her second baby via a natural birth, sharing the news exclusively with PEOPLE. Don, born Stephanie Victoria Allen, welcomed her son Don Claes on Sunday, April 26 at 3:05 pm. He weighed 7.5 lbs at birth.

The rapper, who is already mom to son Jaylen, 17, shares with PEOPLE that she experienced preeclampsia after giving birth.

“One thing I really want other mothers to know is that giving birth doesn’t mean the journey is over,” Don, whose new single “Tun Up” with French Montana drops Nov. 20, tells PEOPLE. “I experienced preeclampsia after having my baby, and it made me realize just how important it is for us as women to look after ourselves, even after our babies arrive.”

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“As mothers, we naturally put our babies first, but our health matters just as much. Preeclampsia can be serious and can develop even after you’ve given birth, which I don’t think enough women are aware of,” she continues. “My legs and feet were extremely swollen, my blood pressure was dangerously high, I was struggling to breathe and had fluid building up in my lungs.”

Don shares that she spent four days in the hospital in the hospital with her baby by her side, and things became so serious that she was almost admitted into the ICU.

“We later discovered severe mold in the ventilation system of the apartment I was staying in, which raised concerns about my health and breathing,” she explains. “It was such a frightening experience, especially during a time that should have been filled with nothing but joy. I’m just so grateful to have come through it.”

The new mom goes on to say that she hopes other expectant moms know that it’s okay to ask questions and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

“Postpartum preeclampsia is real and can happen even after you’ve given birth,” says Don. “Please don’t ignore symptoms like unusual swelling, difficulty breathing, severe headaches or changes in your vision. Seek medical help immediately if something doesn’t feel right. Please don’t ignore changes in your body or feel like you have to be strong all the time.”

“Motherhood is such a beautiful blessing, but we need love, care and support too,” she adds. “And I hope sharing my personal experience helps mothers all around the world, as other mothers online helped me severely when they shared their experiences.”

Don has taken some time away from her music in order to focus on her family, which she says has been “one of the most beautiful and meaningful chapters of her life.” But now, she is eyeing a return.

“Music has always been such a huge part of who I am, but becoming a mother again has shown me a whole different kind of love, one that you really can’t explain until you experience it,” she shares. “Motherhood has changed me in the best way. It’s made me softer in some ways, stronger in others and given me an even bigger reason to keep pushing and building something my children can be proud of.”

“I am so excited to jump back into music. My first love. I’m focused and ready. I’m coming back with a whole new energy, a different perspective and so much more to give. Can’t wait for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on.”

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