NEW mum Megan McKenna has opened up about her breastfeeding ordeal - saying the pain feels like ‘razor blades.’
The former TOWIE star and her footballer fiancé Ollie Burke, welcomed their son Landon Henry Burke into the world on Monday.
The 31-year-old described breastfeeding as the "most beautiful and painful thing I’ve ever experienced."
But following her comments, some onlookers rushed in to warn her that painful breastfeeding requires medical attention.
The star gave birth in Germany after moving there with her fiance who plays for Bundesliga.
Having moved country and started her new family, Megan has been documenting the details of her new life with her 2.9 million followers.
Settling into their new home with their first child, Megan wrote: "Landon had his first night at home… I can’t stop staring at him he’s just perfect."
She announced his name and revealed he was born on October 7 at 8.33am, weighing 9lbs 2oz.
She said: "He’s latched onto my boobies so good, and I have to say, it’s the most beautiful and painful thing I’ve ever experienced at the same time. The first day latch wasn’t right and caused some nipple damage so it’s taking some time to get them back healthy.
"I’m fighting through the razor blades and it’s easing off by the day."
But a maternity nurse left a comment under her post to advise that while breastfeeding can be painful, it should not be excruciating.
One person said: “It shouldn’t feel like razor blades though so maybe get a breastfeeding consultant to take a look. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be that painful.
"If it's hurting that much he might not be latched on as well. Your milk supply might be reduced, he might not be getting enough and it can lead to pain and engorgement. It could be something simple to fix.”
Meanwhile another person commented: “You should never be feeding through pain. Uncomfortable and strange to start with but not painful. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be so painful, please get some skilled support.”
The reality star added that her recovery has been slow and her feet as still swollen “like shrek.”
She added: "But it’s all part of it… sorry if I haven’t got back to you yet, I’m living on not a lot of sleep.
"I cant thank the hospital doctors and nurses enough for the treatment and care we got. It was amazing."
What are the recommendations around breastfeeding?
The NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively (feeding them breast milk only) for the first six months, but it's completely up to you to decide when you want to bring it to an end - and there's really no right or wrong way to do it.
The NHS says weaning often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods.
They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time.
"Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday," recommends the NHS.
"Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes."
You can also combine breastfeeding with formula, too and the NHS says "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often the easiest way.
For example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time.
After around a week, you can begin to think about dropping another.
"If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead," they say.
You can breastfeed for as long as you want, and while the NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months, you shouldn't feel like you cannot continue for longer.
The World Health Organization says: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."
