Gemma Atkinson has opened up about her experience as a breastfeeding mum.
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress chose to breast feed daughter Mia and she admits that at first it was "tough and tiring and at times frustrating" for mother and daughter.
But the Hits Radio presenter says they persevered and eventually it "clicked" for them, with Mia almost doubling in size.
She wrote on her Instagram: "Some of us are C section Mums, some of us are water birth mums, some are assisted birth mums.
"Some of us are bottle feeding mums and some of us are breast feeding mums.
"Whichever you are, YOU ARE DOING GREAT! I’ve found the last month a whole new ball game and I’m constantly learning new things along the way.
"I personally chose to breast feed Mia and at first it was tough, and tiring and at times frustrating for us both. We persevered and eventually it clicked. She piled on her weight and almost doubled in size."
Gemma, 34, from Bury, told her Instagram followers that a "downside of the constant feeding is the sore nipples that come with it" but she's found relief in a nipple balm.
The actress and broadcaster, who previously revealed that Mia has managed to switch to breast milk from a bottle during her night feed, also shared a tip for soothing while breastfeeding.
"When I switch to bottle I’ve been told to stock up on cabbage leaves for soothing so hopefully they work too!" she said.
One follower said: "Well done on persevering with the breastfeeding. I remember wanting to give up after the first week because I was so sore but we pushed through and I’m still feeding my little girl one year later! It’s a wonderful experience."
"Well done Gemma," said another.
"I work in scbu( special care baby unit) I'm a registered nurse associate, some other advice for sore nipples, you can use your own breast milk."
And another said: "When I was in hospital having my son I stayed in for 8 days with him. Every new mum had a savoy cabbage in the fridge with our names on! (best thing by the way. Perfect relief)"
Gemma took to social media to praise the 'incredible' NHS staff who saved her after she almost died following Mia's dramatic birth last month.
She posted a photo of herself and her baby daughter with Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez on Instagram, alongside a explanation about how doctors feared for her child and later for her during an ordeal-filled childbirth which saw Gemma hemorrhaging huge amounts of blood.
Before revealing the full extent of Mia's birth, Gemma thanked the 'angel' midwives who cared for her at The Royal Bolton Hospital.
