Chris and Rosie Ramsey, the hosts of the popular podcast “Shagged Married Annoyed,” have shared their challenges with breastfeeding after the birth of their second child.
The couple, already parents to five-year-old son Robin, welcomed their second son, Rafe, in January. On their podcast, Rosie candidly discussed her difficulties with breastfeeding.
“I just can’t breastfeed,” she admitted, adding humorously, “My children will not suck on my tits for love nor money! They won’t have it.”
Rosie, married to “Strictly Come Dancing” star Chris Ramsey since 2014, explained that she had similar issues with their first child, Robin, as her milk took a long time to come in. Determined to breastfeed Rafe, she tried various methods.
“I really wanted to do it, so I was syringing [colostrum] into his mouth, but he wouldn’t latch,” Rosie said. “I kept at it for three days, but he was getting frustrated. We were then told he’d lost 13% of his bodyweight and might need hospitalization.”
The couple had to switch to bottle feeding, but Rosie continued to express breast milk for four weeks, combining it with formula. Despite her efforts, Rafe wouldn’t nurse directly, and when he did, it was painful for Rosie.
“I’m at the point now where I wonder, ‘How many times am I going to have to wrestle with you to get you to nurse? I can’t do it anymore,'” she said.
Chris also shared his frustration. “I had to take him to the hospital because he’d lost so much weight. The doctor asked what happened. People had been telling us to make sure he breastfeeds, saying he’d eventually get it. Then the doctors questioned why he’d lost weight. It was like giving him a sandwich in a Tupperware that doesn’t open for three days. Of course, he lost weight.”
“My boobs are meant to feed my baby, but he doesn’t want it. I just thought it would happen,” Rosie said, offering words of encouragement to other struggling mothers.
Rosie’s experience is not uncommon. Many mothers find breastfeeding challenging. For more guidance and support, listen to their podcast or visit the NHS website.
