From pregnancy to giving birth, Eva Amurri Martino has always been candid about her life experiences. Now, she's opening up about a controversial topic that's deeply affected her relationship with her newborn son.
Writing on her blog, HappilyEvaAfter, she shared her story of struggling to breastfeed. Shortly after Major was born, her son was involved in a freak accident at the hands of his night nurse that landed him in the hospital. Because of the stress, the daughter of Susan Sarandon, says her milk supply all but dried up.
Eva pictured here with her mother Susan Sarandon
"My breastfeeding journey got totally thrown off," the 31-year-old wrote. "While we were in the hospital with him, and in the next couple of weeks, my milk supply dipped big time. The stress was just too much for my body, and I had to start pumping to up my supply, as well as use lactation tea to increase it... But then, my post-partum anxiety began, and my milk supply has been so troubled ever since."
Though she tried desperately to pump, it was to no avail. Eventually, her husband Kyle convinced her to start giving her son formula. This would free up some of her time so she could seek therapy and implement a program of self-care. "When I gave him the first bottle of formula, I was fighting back tears," she noted. "I felt like a failure and was worried that he wouldn’t accept the change. But Major took a few gulps, and then he pulled away from the bottle, and looked up at me. He cooed a bit and then gave me the biggest smile. My heart just burst with gratitude. I felt in that moment like he was telling me it was OK - not to worry, and that he knew how much I love him."
Eva and Kyle share two children together
She went on to say that though the past few months have been difficult for her and her family, she's looking forward to what 2017 brings. "The theme of 2017 so far for me has been about moving forward, letting go of unproductive feelings, and trying to be the best version of myself for my family. Luckily, I feel like I’m on the right road to accomplish that."
Back in October, Eva spoke openly about the traumatic accident that left her son with a serious head injury. "Kyle and I were sleeping at the time and were awoken by the sound of his head hitting the floor, and then hysterical piercing screams," she revealed. "He suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on his brain, and was transported by ambulance to Yale Medical Center where I spent two harrowing days with him to receive emergency care and further testing. To say these were the most traumatic and anxious two days of my life is an understatement." She went on to say the support she's received from fans has helped her overcome her grief. "Even when you didn't know that I needed help, you all helped me so much."