Presenter and DJ Ashley James recently jetted off to sunnier climes to ring in the new year with her Partner Tommy and baby son Alf. In the midst of enjoying a little bit of paradise, she is struggling big time with breastfeeding her almost one-year-old son Alf.
Breastfeeding is becoming torture due to biting
In her latest Instagram post Ashley is pictured breastfeeding Alf whilst wearing a bikini. The image may look idyllic but Ashley admitted: “breastfeeding is becoming torture” explaining further that “Alf is still biting with no sign of change and no understanding yet that it hurts me.” Heartbreakingly she says: “It’s causing huge upset and tension for both of us.”
This is not a new issue for Ashley, as she has previously shared with her followers that Alf was biting her whilst breastfeeding. However, it now seems like things are getting worse rather than better.
Despite trying lots of different tips and techniques for stopping the biting, Ashley is no better off. She said: “We give Calpol and Nurofen, teething toys, teething gel (I’m gutted I forgot to bring the Anbesol with us on holiday). I’ve been really consistent with saying “Alfie no biting it’s hurts mummy”, and we’re seeing no change. He feeds and then bites and tears. I’m sure you can imagine the pain and state my nipples are in.”
Ashley is begging for help with biting during breastfeeds
She implored her followers for offer help and advice and needless to say, they have flooded her account with comments, well wishes, and varying forms of recommendations and advice.
One fellow mama @omgitsmrsg admitted: “I’m going through exactly the same with my 10month old and will keep checking the comments for answers. It’s making me so stressed…”
Breastfeeding author @sebtheseries reached out to say: “I think a consultation with an IBCLC would be invaluable at this stage as they could look at the whole picture and provide personalised support. I have lots of support on my grid for weaning if any of that could help you…
Her celeb pals also commiserated with Ashely’s predicament. Apprentice star @luisazissman said: “Hoping you get sorted soon, the biting debacle makes me wince for you!!”
Trying to stay positive
Ashley tried to end her post positively by writing: “I really hope I can stop going on about this soon and come to a happy solution because I feel like this is putting a lot of strain on us and causing Alf a lot of confusion and distress too.”
Ashley has become a huge source of inspiration for many new mothers since having Alf in early 2021 and being open and honest about her breastfeeding and motherhood struggles. Just last month she spoke about the realities of breastfeeding in public whilst out and about in London.
Ashley is currently on a sunny holiday with her little family – which she booked very last minute after enduring a stressful Christmas spent in and out of hospital with a poorly Alf.