Actor Ileana D’Cruz, who’s married to Michael Dolan and lives with their household in Houston, Texas, has been opening up about her journey as a mom of two sons: Koa Phoenix Dolan, born on August 1, 2023, and Keanu Rafe Dolan, born on June 19, 2025.
In an Instagram Reside on August 30 for Reside for Freedom To Feed, she spoke candidly with actor Neha Dhupia about navigating early motherhood and the truth of breastfeeding. Like many first-time moms, Ileana ready by asking her shut associates what to anticipate after supply. Nevertheless, regardless of all of the steering, she was taken abruptly when she began breastfeeding herself. She revealed, “She did inform me, you already know, breastfeeding is absolutely intense. It may be actually painful, however she’s like, it’s probably the most stunning factor as properly. And he or she was completely proper. She’s like, it was positively painful initially. After which, you already know, you have got the opposite problems that include breastfeeding… I had no thought it was going to be as intensely painful because it was.”
Whereas the bodily depth and challenges of breastfeeding stunned her, Ileana additionally emphasised how significant the method grew to become. “However it’s such a, I don’t know, possibly privilege is the suitable phrase. It’s such a privilege to have the ability to feed our youngster, and the connection which you could have together with your child is absolutely beautiful.”
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However, why is breastfeeding usually bodily painful to start with, and what can moms do to handle this stage extra comfortably?
Dr Shaily Sharma, guide gynaecologist at Cloudnine hospital, Faridabad, tells indianexpress.com, “Breastfeeding is pure, however for a lot of new moms, the primary few days could be surprisingly painful. This discomfort often occurs as a result of the newborn’s latch will not be deep sufficient, resulting in sore or cracked nipples. The breasts additionally bear fast modifications after delivery as milk provide will increase, which may trigger engorgement and tenderness.”
She means that to make this stage extra snug, moms can strive positioning methods that assist the newborn latch correctly, use heat compresses earlier than feeding to ease milk move, and apply soothing nipple lotions or pure treatments like expressed breast milk afterward. With the suitable help, most moms discover that the ache improves inside a few weeks.
The commonest breastfeeding-related problems new moms face
Based on Dr Sharma, some frequent problems embody blocked milk ducts, mastitis (an an infection that causes swelling, redness, and fever), and protracted nipple ache. Oversupply or undersupply of milk may also make breastfeeding a traumatic expertise. Thrush, a yeast an infection that impacts the nipples and the newborn’s mouth, is one other problem. “Whereas gentle soreness is frequent to start with, moms ought to search medical assist in the event that they expertise extreme breast ache, excessive fever, pus-like discharge, or if the newborn isn’t gaining weight correctly. Early session with a lactation specialist or physician can stop minor points from changing into main problems,” notes the knowledgeable.
Past diet, how does breastfeeding affect emotional bonding and psychological well-being for each the mom and the kid?
Dr Sharma explains that breastfeeding is extra than simply nourishment; it fosters emotional closeness between mom and child. Pores and skin-to-skin contact throughout feeding releases oxytocin, which helps the mom really feel calmer and extra linked to her youngster.
“For the newborn, breastfeeding offers a way of heat, security, and luxury, which strengthens attachment. This bond additionally helps the mom’s psychological well-being by decreasing stress and decreasing the chance of postpartum despair. On this approach, breastfeeding nurtures each bodily well being and emotional resilience for mom and child alike,” she concludes.
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DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
