Actor Ileana D’Cruz, who is married to Michael Dolan and lives with their family in Houston, Texas, has been opening up about her journey as a mother of two sons: Koa Phoenix Dolan, born on August 1, 2023, and Keanu Rafe Dolan, born on June 19, 2025.
In an Instagram Live on August 30 for Live for Freedom To Feed, she spoke candidly with actor Neha Dhupia about navigating early motherhood and the reality of breastfeeding. Like many first-time mothers, Ileana prepared by asking her close friends what to expect after delivery. However, despite all the guidance, she was taken by surprise when she started breastfeeding herself. She revealed, “She did tell me, you know, breastfeeding is really intense. It can be really painful, but she’s like, it’s the most beautiful thing as well. And she was absolutely right. She’s like, it was definitely painful initially. And then, you know, you have the other complications that come with breastfeeding… I had no idea it was going to be as intensely painful as it was.”
While the physical intensity and challenges of breastfeeding surprised her, Ileana also emphasised how meaningful the process became. “But it is such a, I don’t know, maybe privilege is the right word. It’s such a privilege to be able to feed our child, and the connection that you can have with your baby is really lovely.”
But, why is breastfeeding often physically painful in the beginning, and what can mothers do to manage this stage more comfortably?
Dr Shaily Sharma, consultant gynaecologist at Cloudnine hospital, Faridabad, tells indianexpress.com, “Breastfeeding is natural, but for many new mothers, the first few days can be surprisingly painful. This discomfort usually happens because the baby’s latch may not be deep enough, leading to sore or cracked nipples. The breasts also undergo rapid changes after birth as milk supply increases, which can cause engorgement and tenderness.”
She suggests that to make this stage more comfortable, mothers can try positioning techniques that help the baby latch properly, use warm compresses before feeding to ease milk flow, and apply soothing nipple creams or natural remedies like expressed breast milk afterward. With the right support, most mothers find that the pain improves within a couple of weeks.
The most common breastfeeding-related complications new mothers face
According to Dr Sharma, some common complications include blocked milk ducts, mastitis (an infection that causes swelling, redness, and fever), and persistent nipple pain. Oversupply or undersupply of milk can also make breastfeeding a stressful experience. Thrush, a yeast infection that affects the nipples and the baby’s mouth, is another challenge. “While mild soreness is common in the beginning, mothers should seek medical help if they experience severe breast pain, high fever, pus-like discharge, or if the baby isn’t gaining weight properly. Early consultation with a lactation specialist or doctor can prevent minor issues from becoming major complications,” notes the expert.
Beyond nutrition, how does breastfeeding impact emotional bonding and mental well-being for both the mother and the child?
Dr Sharma explains that breastfeeding is more than just nourishment; it fosters emotional closeness between mother and baby. Skin-to-skin contact during feeding releases oxytocin, which helps the mother feel calmer and more connected to her child.
“For the baby, breastfeeding provides a sense of warmth, safety, and comfort, which strengthens attachment. This bond also supports the mother’s mental well-being by reducing stress and lowering the risk of postpartum depression. In this way, breastfeeding nurtures both physical health and emotional resilience for mother and baby alike,” she concludes.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.