13 September 2023 , 09:33
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Gemma Atkinson explained the reason she decided to stop breastfeeding her son five weeks after giving birth to him.
The 38-year-old actress and Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez welcomed son Thiago Thomas Marquez, their second child, back in July. They also have a daughter named Mia, who they welcomed in 2019. Gemma recently explained she breastfed both children for around five weeks.
After sharing a video of herself feeding Thiago from a bottle, a curious fan asked: "Does he have formula milk as well as breast milk? He's a good lad for you." Gemma screenshotted the message and shared her answer on her Instagram Stories. The former Hollyoaks star said Thiago is only drinking formula now.
"No more sore boobies! He had about a week's worth of breast milk I'd managed to express and freeze but that's all gone. My boobs are slowly shrinking back to normal size which my back is eternally grateful for," she said. Another curious fan asked her why she decided to stop breastfeeding.
Curious fans asked why she stopped breastfeeding (@glouiseatkinson/Instagram)
She took the time to explain her decision (Instagram)"Asked this a lot too which I get. I personally only wanted to do 5wks BF. That's what I did with Mia so I set myself that target. I was fortunate enough to be able to express a lot so he ended up having about 6wks," [sic] Gemma explained. "My choice to stop was because it was exhausting on my own.
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"My boobs and back were quite sore and knowing I had school coming up for Mia and knowing Gorka would be away in London I knew it would be easier and less stressful on the bottle and I've always said that's how feeding should be. I enjoyed feeding them both and having the 5wks with them both, but I'm enjoying this time too." [sic]
She added: "Esp the bit where other ppl can step in and feed him. I know there's a lot of judgment on mothers who bottle feed. There shouldn't be, but there is. My thoughts are "fed is best" and as long as the mum and are happy, that's what matters." [sic]
When she first stopped breastfeeding, the star took to Instagram to update fans on her postnatal journey and said it has been 'quite difficult and sometimes painful'. "I've got lots of expressed milk in the freezer so he'll have about another week taking him to 6 wks which I'm happy with. In 5 wks he's gone from 7lb 13 to almost ilb so I've fattened him up nicely," she said.
"I'm looking forward to my boobs going back to normal size, my back ache to subside and to be able to get gorka on the night feeds as well when he's home. I've always said BF is a personal choice and one you and you alone should make.They are your boobies and your babies so YOU decide. I know some people are made to feel guilty and it really isn't fair. Especially as you feel so vulnerable anyway with a new baby."