Kathryn Thomas revealed she felt judged for returning to work just eight weeks after giving birth to her first child.
The TV presenter stepped in to replace Mairead Ronan on Ireland’s Fittest Family in 2018 – two months after she welcomed her now three-year-old daughter Ellie.
Recalling the judgement she faced at the time when people had commented on her decision, she urged people to be mindful about what they say to new mothers.
The Operation Transformation said: “When Ellie went to her childminder at eight weeks old, I was doing Ireland’s Fittest Family at the time and I remember somebody had said to me, ‘Oh my God that is very young to be putting her in.’
“I knew it was young, but the job came up and I wanted to do it. I would have preferred if it hadn’t come up so soon, but was I delighted to be able to do it while Mairead Ronan was on maternity leave.
“Of course I felt guilty and yes I still get guilty days, but they don’t stay with me because I love my work and being the best mum I can be means being happy where I am in my own life too.
“There is not a right or a wrong way to parent and the fact that comment still stays with me and sticks in my head is testament to the need for people to be mindful of what they say to new mums.”
Kathryn told RSVP magazine: “In a lot of instances you are better off in keeping your opinions to yourself. You’ve got to do what’s right for your family and people coming out with comments like, ‘Oh she’s very young for creche’ is not being supportive.
“I knew that shoot was only on for a few weeks, I knew my baby was being very well cared for.”
