By Elsa McEvoy
Amanda Byram has bravely opened up about her struggle with breastfeeding where painful night feeds have left her wanting to “scream and cry at 4am”.
The former DWTS presenter and her husband Julian Okines welcomed their first baby boy Phoenix last month.
The 48-year-old took to social media today to honestly discuss her experience of breastfeeding.
She admitted that there is a lot of pressure on new mums to get it right but she has found it “really fiddly”.
The Dublin native wrote: “My nipples have gone to war and it’s tough in the trenches…
“You’d think after millions of years of evolution breastfeeding would be easy.
“Maybe for some it is but I’ve found it to be really fiddly.
“So many differing techniques to learn and heaps of pressure to get it right.
“It’s like doing the Strictly final where both of you are still learning to dance.
“Only difference is on Strictly when you get it wrong they don’t tweak your nipples raw until you want to scream and cry at 4am!!!”
The telly personality explained that by sharing her experience, she may help new mums going through the same thing.
She said: “I wanted to write this post for any other mamas out there going through the same thing.
“I wasn’t prepared for this, and so much pressure is put on us to get it right off the bat.
So please know you’re not alone, I’m with you in those painful night feeds, and I feel your cracked nipple pain, endless hot baths, and swollen, bruised Montgomery’s.
‘Turning a corner’
Amanda added that after five weeks, her baby boy is growing and is happy and healthy.
She said: “5 weeks in and we are finally turning a corner…
“Still tender and some days are better than others and Phoenix is gaining lots of weight, is happy and healthy which is my driving force..
“I hope I can keep going because when we get it right it is the most special feeling.
“Remember, however you feed, your baby needs YOU to be happy, that’s all that really matters in the end.
“Everyone’s journey is different and is equally special.
‘Not easy’
“Shout out to all the ladies who have given me the mental strength to power through @katequilton @emmapickettibclc and my amazing Mum and my sister Natasha.”
Fans and friends flocked to her comment section praising Amanda for being so honest online.
Virgin Media star Lucy Kennedy said: “I know exactly how you are feeling. It was like that for me with Jack. Not easy. You’re doing so well. Xxx”
Lorraine Keane added: “Well done you. I was lucky to be able to breastfeed too. I know not everyone can. It’s not easy but it gets easier. Sending love and strength.”
Susan wrote: “Thank you for such a wonderfully honest post.”
This article was first published here. Read the original article here.