Angela Scanlon has opened up about the struggles mums encounter with breastfeeding.
As world breastfeeding week sweeps social media, Angela spoke about the importance of highlighting the difficulties some people face and that it doesn’t always come naturally to each mum.
“It’s #worldbreastfeedingweek lots of chat about boobs & bonding & nipples & hardship,” she said.
The presenter, who welcomed baby Ruby back in February admitted that she had hoped to adapt to that aspect of motherhood straight away.
“It was something I was determined to do it, I thought about how idyllic it would be to feed my baby anytime, anywhere. How “natural” it would be, how fabulous I would feel.
“The reality was so devastatingly different it almost broke me,” she said on Instagram.
“Labour was tough but at least there was an end in sight, a timeline, the relentlessness of breastfeeding is something noone really talks about. The pressure of feeling like you’re the sole source of life for this brand new baby. The idea that your “inability” to get it, to master that bloody latch means you’re failing. It’s easy to feel the weight of pressure from other people but it’s mostly your own head you battle with,” she said.
The TV star added that help from other people who had gone through similar sturggles made her feel less alone.
“In those dark hours I had random people & close friends message me with a little support or a tip or just a hug & the isolation felt a little less painful. *thank you* I could write a book (I won’t) about the many many layers but all I will say is that, as women, we should be helping each other to make decisions that are right for each of us at the time, without judgement.”
The mum-of-one added that it is up to each parent to make their own decision when it comes to breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
“It’s f*cking hard as hell but we can help each other to do it, teach each other & support each other when it doesn’t just *happen* like in those damn videos (finger length nipples are not gifted to every woman!) & to women who choose to not to it or who can’t do it for a while host of reasons, we are all in it together. Whatever works for you, works for the baby.
She added: “Be kind to all mothers who are bloody knackered & sore & trying their best. And be kind to yourself. You are amazing x END. OF. ESSAY Tag a pal who is a bloody trooper & would may just need to be reminded x”
