While breastfeeding creates the most intimate bond between a mother and her baby, it does come with its fair share of challenges. In fact, it is safe to say that all new mums experience the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding in some shape or form.
While many choose not to talk about their challenges publicly, celeb mums in Singapore are breaking the taboo and candidly sharing their breastfeeding journeys with the public.
Here are five celebrity mums who opened up about their own experiences with breastfeeding.
Celeb Mums Share The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Breastfeeding
1. Naomi Neo
Image source: Instagram / naomineo_
Ever since influencer Naomi Neo gave birth earlier this year, she’s been actively updating her social media followers about being a mum the second time around. Among these updates are some candid posts about the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding.
In her recent Instagram post dated July 20, the celeb mum opened up about the struggles of breastfeeding as well as “the pressure, anxiety, sleep deprivation, pain, and the list goes on.”
“No one should ever feel ashamed of these problems and it’s completely okay to reach out or seek help when needed,” said Naomi.
She also shared an “embarrassing moment” where she was late to find out that she had both mastitis and thrush which is a yeast infection. As mastitis is a breast infection due to an untreated duct from bacteria, Naomi initially felt the pain but thought “come and go very quickly.”
After this, she advised mums to never ignore the pain and seek help from a doctor as early as possible.
Breastfeeding tip from Naomi Neo:
“One of the most important things in maintaining a good and healthy milk supply has gotta do with what you consume. I eat whenever I’m hungry (snack during my night/morning pumping sessions when I need to) and I drink LOTSSSS of water. I usually take one litre water bottle with me wherever I go.”
2. Sheila Sim
Image source: Instagram / sheila_sim
Being a brand new mummy, actress Sheila Sim often posts about her baby daughter, Layla. Just as she freely talks about being a mum on her Instagram, Sheila is also open to sharing her breastfeeding experiences.
She wrote a post last year about exclusively breastfeeding her baby. While admitting that bottle feeding would give her a bit “more freedom,” Sheila says it was her decision “to choose the journey of exclusive latching.”
“On most days, Layla is like a magnet. When I put her down, she’d cry or wake up very quickly from her nap. Some days are tougher than others, and on those days, I question if my decision is a right one,” wrote Sheila.
She added, “But with every choice comes with its own set of pros and cons. And everyday I remind myself that this is my decision and it is what I chose.”
Breastfeeding tip from Sheila Sim:
“I know that I have the option of bottle feeding or formula feeding, and it’s not like one is better than the other, but latching is my ultimate decision. So on days where it gets overwhelming, I remind myself that I CHOSE THIS.”
3. Melissa Koh
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Lifestyle blogger Melissa Koh recently shared that her second baby was born on June 17, with a serious heart condition and has been in the hospital since.
Along with her updates on baby Asher’s health, Melissa has also been sharing her ‘different’ breastfeeding journey, the second time around.
In an Instagram post, Melissa opened up about the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding based on her experience with her two kids.
She wrote, “The past week has been emotional, confronting and an absolute whirlwind. But especially in a time like now, I’d like to use this platform to advocate and normalise breastfeeding.”
“Normalising breastfeeding may mean that every woman in the world is supported in every way she needs to be. All of which, can have a profound effect on her and her decision to continue the biological norm — that is breastfeeding,” she added.
Breastfeeding tip from Melissa Koh:
“Breastfeeding is a challenging journey and it is imperative to acknowledge the importance of breastfeeding- where and when it’s possible.”
4. Lim Peifen
Image source: Instagram / limpeifen
Back when she was nursing her second born baby Jude, YES 93.3FM DJ Lim Peifen shared some advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding, based on her personal experience.
In an Instagram post shared on December last year, she candidly shared her struggles with breastfeeding her son.
She wrote, “Just about 20 minutes ago, he threw up like the Merlion (again) while I tried to nurse him to sleep in bed. I feel like a failure every time this happens. Why can’t I stop him before he throws up? Why can’t I soothe him any other way besides nursing?”
But right after, the celeb mum also shared an important benefit of breastfeeding and wrote, “And then, this smile. He flashes me this exact smile after throwing up. No fussing, no crying. It’s like ‘Ah Mama thanks for over-feeding me till I threw up, now I feel better!'”
Breastfeeding tip from Lim Peifen:
“Some websites claim you never have to unlatch a baby; babies will know when they are full and unlatch themselves. Not true. Jude will nurse and nurse all day if I let him, or until he throws up like the Merlion. And no, it’s not a growth spurt. Because it’s every. single. day.”
5. Kelly Latimer
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Founder of Kelly’s Kitchen and presenter Kelly Latimer shared a funny side-by-side photo of herself and her baby with matching milk stains on their faces. She captioned her post with a witty, “Who wore it better?”
“Half an inch to the right and it would’ve been GG,” she writes.
Kelly added, “Also, pretty sure that giving birth gives you bigger boobs not to hold more milk for your baby, but so that your cleavage will save you epic cleanups.”
But despite the mess, the celeb mum has shared nothing but love-filled messages for her newborn baby Luca since his birth in March.
Breastfeeding tip from Kelly Latimer:
While not exactly a tip, Kelly gave a bit of an insight on breastfeeding with a comment asking, “Is breast milk sour?”
Kelly humorously yet honestly answered, “Not until its been drunk, processed, curdled and spit back up.”
ALSO READ:
Naomi Neo Opens Up About Her Breastfeeding Challenges, Shares An ‘Embarrassing’ Moment
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