‘I’d heard it was challenging’: Ashley James details her breastfeeding journey with son Alfie as she talks about the ‘stigma’ of nursing in public
She welcomed her son, Alfie Rivers, with partner Tommy Andrews to the world last month.
And Ashley James has spoken out about her breastfeeding journey on Instagram as she described how she overcame her concerns and the stigma attached to breastfeeding in public.
The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, shared a trio of snaps feeding her boy on Wednesday alongside a lengthy caption.
Her story: Ashley James has spoken out about her breastfeeding journey on Instagram following the birth of her son Alfie Rivers
Ashley wrote: ‘Breastfeeding was something I was slightly apprehensive about because I’d heard it was challenging, but also because my boobs are SO big I felt like I couldn’t get away with subtle feeding in public.
‘I know there’s so much stigma and judgement around breastfeeding anyway, and the thought of having to get a boob bigger than my baby’s head out was a terrifying thought. That said, it was also something I felt quite passionate about trying to do.
‘I found the first few days really difficult to get Alf in a good position. Between the stitches, and the size of my boobs making a lot of positions quite difficult to master…
Mummy duties: The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, shared a trio of snaps feeding her boy on Wednesday alongside a lengthy caption
Worries: Ashley wrote: ‘Breastfeeding was something I was slightly apprehensive about because I’d heard it was challenging, but also because my boobs are SO big’
‘Plus I had a 250g lump removed from my left boob when I was 15, so I didn’t even know if I could breastfeed from that side. I was worried Alf wouldn’t get back up to his birth weight, as was my midwife.’
Ashley said she hired a lactation consultant to help her master breastfeed positions.
She continued: ‘On days 3&4, my boobs were incredibly painful as the milk came in. One boob was so engorged, Alf couldn’t even feed off it so we used the @haakaa_ukandireland and massaged my boobs and it’s been pretty smooth sailing since.
Honest: Ashley concluded: ‘If people have a problem with me using my breasts for what nature intended then I think that would say a lot more about them than me’
‘As for the embarrassment of feeding in public or the shame around the size of my boobs – well, I suppose lockdown has taken restaurants out of the equation.
‘Although I have had to feed twice whilst out in the park. But my thoughts around it have changed.’
Ashley also said the experience is the ‘first time since having boobs at 13 that my boobs haven’t felt inappropriate or sexual’ and said it has bonded her with her son.
She concluded: ‘If people have a problem with me using my breasts for what nature intended then I think that would say a lot more about them than me.
‘I feel sorry for the person who dares to tut or confront me about it once we’re allowed back in public spaces…What I will say is that we’re all unique, as are our babies, so it’s finding what works for you.’
Touching: She shared an adorable snap of her beloved boy