Actor Divyanka Tripathi has shared a deeply personal account of her breastfeeding journey, opening up about the physical discomfort, emotional pressure and self-doubt she experienced after becoming a mother to twin boys.
Speaking in a recent YouTube vlog during World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from 1–7 August and coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, Divyanka encouraged greater awareness of the realities mothers face beyond childbirth.
Her message focused not only on the benefits of breastfeeding for babies but also on the importance of supporting mothers throughout the process.
“Why Doesn’t Anyone Talk About the Mother?”
Celebrating the two-month milestone of her twin sons, whom she welcomed with husband Vivek Dahiya on 26 May, Divyanka reflected on how little she knew about breastfeeding before becoming a mother.
She questioned why discussions around breastfeeding often focus exclusively on the baby while overlooking the mother’s physical and emotional well-being.
According to Divyanka, despite speaking with family members and friends before childbirth, no one fully prepared her for what breastfeeding would actually feel like.
The Physical Challenges of Breastfeeding
Divyanka explained that breastfeeding involves much more than feeding a newborn.
She described how the body naturally responds when it’s time to nurse, sometimes leading to unexpected milk leakage, which many new mothers may find uncomfortable or embarrassing.
She also spoke about the pain that can occur when feeding sessions are delayed.
The actor shared that while welcoming visitors eager to meet and bless her babies, she occasionally postponed feeding, only to experience significant physical discomfort afterward.
Alongside the physical pain, she said many mothers also struggle with feelings of guilt—an aspect she believes deserves more open discussion.
Learning Rather Than Perfection
One of Divyanka’s strongest messages was that breastfeeding is a skill learned over time by both mother and baby.
She emphasized that successful breastfeeding should not be viewed as a test or something mothers are expected to know instinctively.
Instead, she encouraged women to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals, particularly if they face challenges with latching or feeding.
According to Divyanka, learning proper latching techniques with expert support transformed her own breastfeeding experience and made the process far more comfortable.
Asking for Help Is Not a Weakness
Reflecting on her early days of motherhood, Divyanka admitted she often compared herself with other mothers.
She recalled feeling that everyone else seemed more knowledgeable and confident, leading her to question whether she was doing enough.
Over time, she realised that every mother’s journey is unique and that asking questions or seeking advice should never be a source of embarrassment.
She encouraged new parents to reach out to doctors, lactation consultants and experienced support networks whenever needed.
Gaining Confidence With Time
Divyanka also shared how the first few weeks brought constant worries.
Like many new mothers, she found herself awake through the night, concerned about whether her babies were feeding properly or receiving enough milk.
She recalled moments of waking suddenly after falling asleep during a feeding session, anxious about her babies’ safety.
Gradually, with experience, guidance from experts and conversations with other mothers, she said her confidence grew and many of her fears eased.
Her message to new mothers was reassuring: every stage of early parenthood becomes easier with time and patience.
Breastfeeding: What Health Experts Recommend
Health organizations, including the WHO and UNICEF, recommend exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of a baby’s life whenever possible. Breastfeeding offers important nutritional and immune benefits for infants while also supporting maternal health.
At the same time, experts emphasize that every family’s circumstances are different. Mothers who face challenges with breastfeeding are encouraged to seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals rather than feeling pressure or guilt.
HeZindagi Verdict
By speaking openly about breastfeeding, Divyanka Tripathi has helped bring attention to conversations that many mothers say are often overlooked. Her experience highlights that breastfeeding can involve both rewarding moments and genuine challenges. Her message—that seeking help, learning gradually and showing compassion toward oneself are all part of motherhood—resonates with advice shared by healthcare professionals around the world.
