Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Hunter McGrady has revealed her challenging experiences as a first-time mother who had to breastfeed her baby. The new mom welcomed her son, Hudson Tynan, in June 2021 with her husband Bryan Keys and quickly realized that her notions about nursing her baby were far from reality.
McGrady, 28, opened up about her breastfeeding journey on Instagram as the world observes Breastfeeding Awareness Week. She said that before Hudson arrived, she had a "grand idea" that she would be producing an "amazing supply" of breast milk and provide for her son's nourishment on demand.
Unfortunately, McGrady said that her expectations were crushed after she experienced sore and cracked nipples, alongside frustration and tears as she developed mastitis. When Hudson didn't gain weight, the mother switched to a combination of "breastfeeding, pumped milk, and formula."
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McGrady said that this wasn't her plan at all as she was "overwhelmed by the thought of exclusively breastfeeding." Her perception changed when she realized that her goal of solely breastfeeding Hudson was for her own benefit, not her son.
She ended her message to give a shout-out to all mothers, regardless of their choices, to feed their babies.
Enduring 45 Hours of Labor
Last month, the swimsuit model also shared that she's embracing her postpartum body and loose skin after 45 hours of labor. She said that despite leaky breasts, stretch marks, and gummy tummy, she's learning to love her body's present condition.
McGrady introduced her son to her social media followers in late June, who was 7lbs 1oz and 21" at birth. The mother said that his middle name is in honor of her brother, Tynan, who passed away due to a car accident at 23 years old, a month before Hudson's birth. She had a very close relationship with Tynan and often raved about him on social media.
McGrady and her husband dated in 2016 after meeting on Snapchat. Three months into their relationship, Keys met her whole family and got their blessing to move in with him in New York.
The couple was engaged in June 2017 and married two years later. Keys shares custody of his daughter from a previous marriage, whose lives continue to be private from the press despite his relationship with a famous swimsuit model.
Breastfeeding Awareness Week
Meanwhile, Breastfeeding Awareness Week is celebrated every first week of August to normalize and destigmatize a mother's act of feeding babies naturally, whether in private or public.
The World Health Organization recommends that mothers should breastfeed their newborn within one hour after giving birth and then breastfeed exclusively for at least six months. The experts said that problems like latching on and pain are normal during the first two weeks of breastfeeding.
However, for moms who experience soreness in the nipples or breasts, it's always a good idea to consult with their doctor or seek a lactation consultant's help. In most cases, it takes time to learn the proper techniques, coupled with the mother's commitment.
