Kate Lawler says breastfeeding is leaving her feeling guilty and exhausted after five weeks as she asks fans for help
KATE Lawler has issued a plea for advice as she admits breastfeeding her daughter Noa is leaving her feeling guilty and exhausted after five weeks.
The Virgin Radio host recently became a first-time mum in February and has been honestly updating her social media followers on the ups and downs.
On Sunday she posted a fresh-faced snap of herself with "a bit of makeup on" as she shared her thoughts on whether to continue breastfeeding her daughter.
Kate, 40, captioned her snap with her plans to go for a walk with her dogs, Noa and boyfriend Martin.
"We’re heading back to the park we used to live next door to then walking to our favourite bakery for egg rolls," she explained.
"I will be getting cake too because breastfeeding diet.
"Talking of which, those who breastfed, how long did you do it for?
"I’ve done just over five weeks but considering switching to formula as it’s so demanding and my let-down is so fast I’m basically water boarding Noa every time she latches the poor little potato. 😂💦"
Kate went on: "I know a happy baby is a fed baby but the pressure from healthcare professionals and others, along with my stubbornness makes me feel guilty about stopping.
"It’s just so time consuming and does anyone else feel exhausted after feeding? It’s like a bloody workout. No wonder you burn up to 500 calories per feed! Hats off to anyone who does this for longer.
"Also so many of you have said ‘get Boj [Martin} to help’. Since day one he’s fed Noa a bottle of expressed milk each day and is currently staying up with her until 3am so I can sleep and then take over.
"I don’t know what I’d do without him. X"
Kate's posts received an array of responses which ranged from encouraging her to stick with the breastfeeding as "it gets easier", to assuring her that they had "happy and healthy" babies who were bottle fed.
It's been a rollercoaster ride for Kate whose daughter recently battled an infection in hospital.
And earlier this week she honestly revealed she was in "the darkest place she's ever been" as she adjusts to being a mum.
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She wrote: "If you must know, being a mum to a newborn is not the best thing ever right now. It's broken me. I feel as though I've been treading water since February 11th and the last two days I've felt like I'm at breaking point.
"I'm not coping well mentally and wish I could be stronger for my daughter.
"I'm not enjoying what I'm going through, yes I'm struggling and you're right, I am sad behind the eyes because I've always taken on new challenges like a duck to water but this one is testing me & I feel like I'm failing."
She followed up a day later to thank fans for their support - and assured them with a T-shirt that read "It's ok to feel s**t".
She captioned the post: "I’m absolutely blown away by the response from my last post over the past 24 hours. Initially I felt scared about posting it because of a fear I’d be labelled insensitive or ungrateful but THANK YOU, it was the right thing to do.
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"So many people have reached out, sent messages of love, support, advice & understanding. Just because you’ve chosen and been fortunate enough to conceive, carry and birth a little human, it doesn’t mean that it’s all sunshine & rainbows.
"For some it’s dark, stormy & no parent should have to pretend it’s going well when it isn’t. It’s okay to feel shit."