Helen Flanagan has been flooded with support from fans as she spoke honestly about ending her breastfeeding journey. Over the weekend the Coronation Street actress took to her Instagram page to chat about a decision she had made over her son, Charlie.
She shared how she decided to stop breastfeeding her one-year-old as despite having enjoyed the experience, she said for the past month she'd "had enough".
"I love being a mum and I'm so grateful for my babies, but I've just felt so drained so making some changes," Helen added before going on to share that she had experienced a "challenging" few weeks and was planning on getting childcare to help out with her children.
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In a fresh update, Helen, who is also mum to six-yer-old Matilda and three-year-old Delilah took to Instagram with a video of her breastfeeding Charlie. Wearing a beige all-in-one jumpsuit, the mum-of-three nursed her son as children's TV could be heard in the background.
" So this week I have been focusing on trying to get Charlie off the boob during the day," she started by telling her millions of followers. I’ve decided I want to stop breastfeeding but for me I’ve decided to do it gradually as I think that’s best for Charlie.
Charlie was feeding so regularly during the day like a newborn really and had no interest in food whatsoever, it’s day 3 now of no boob milk during the day and he is doing so well with his eating. Maybe next week I’ll work on cutting out night feeds but I am going to see how he goes as I don’t want to upset him so I thought gradual is best."
She then shared that she'd managed to find help with childcare. "I was feeling really stressed with it and felt like I needed that support and it’s okay to get a bit of help sometimes," she wrote. "All I’ve known really how to look after a baby is just to feed them as soon as they cry.
"I wanted to have some nice memories and pictures and videos of nursing my baby... it’s highly likely Charlie is my last baby. I wanted to do a nice pretty reel with nice music and maybe a pretty floaty dress but this is the reality of mum life... ironing board in the back, clutter on the sofa and Delilah's cartoons in the back.
The Bury-born actress, best known for playing Corrie's Rosie Webster, ended her post: "Stopping nursing can be quite emotional, there is no right or wrong, I just think happy mummy happy baby. I wanted to stop feeding as I just felt I wanted my body back to normal, I wanted more independence and I felt it was better for Charlie for his eating during the day. I suppose as mums all we can do is our best."
Former Corrie star Victoria Ekanoye was among the first to respond to Helen, writing beneath the post: " You’re a queen and your babies are incredibly lucky. We all need help…don’t know what I’d do without my mummy.
Fans were also sharing their support. @juggling_mum2017 said: "Such an emotional time. You have done so well and should feel really proud."
"Didn’t even notice Ironing Board, Clutter or Cartoons to be honest Helen. Just saw a gorgeous Mamma and her stunningly beautiful baby boy," @banrion1 commented.
@agneskennington replied: "Your a great mum. doing your best. Keep going. Stay positive, Stay healthy, look after no.1 hun.."
@sophiec___x added: "This is the most beautiful video in the world - be proud of yourself mama you’ve done incredible."
