The Sopranos’ Jamie-Lynn Sigler gets real about breastfeeding with MS
If you ever watched The Sopranos, you are probably besotted with Jamie-Lynn Sigler on account of her brilliant depiction of Meadow Soprano, godfather Tony Soprano’s daughter. You’ll love her even more when you hear about her brilliant attitude to a tricky mum life struggle.
Mum life with MS
The (fictional) challenges she faced trying to carve out a life of legitimacy, while being a mobster’s daughter, bare no comparison the the real life hurdles she has had to jump.
Jamie-Lynn was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 20. The mum-of-two had kept her condition private until a couple of years ago.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves – MS Australia
In 2016, she made the decision to share her diagnosis, in the hopes of helping others and moving forward with positivity.
“I had to take my power back because I was starting to feel like it was running everything in my life,” she told Today. “It allowed me to open all of myself up.”
“Fifteen years of holding a secret can make anyone start to harbor feelings of guilt and shame.”
Jamie-Lynn and baseball player Cutter Dykstra married in 2016, but had been dating since 2012. They have two kids together, five-year-old Beau and new baby Jack. (ALSO look how adorable they are – below)
“I’m having to stop breastfeeding”
Jamie-Lynn took to Instagram over the weekend to explain how MS has impacted her breastfeeding goals.
“All my fellow mommies that deal with MS or anything that causes them to have to make choices they didn’t necessarily want to … this is for you,” Jamie-Lynn began.
“I’m having to stop breastfeeding soon so I can get back on meds. The truth is, the toll of two kids and a newborn lifestyle is not the easiest on me … and I need some help.”
Read more about breastfeeding:
- 23 breast care tips for breastfeeding mums
- 5 ways breastfeeding makes me feel like I have superpowers
- Neighbours star responds to breastfeeding criticism
“I was able to do something really awesome with this body”
While she admits she’s disappointed, Jamie-Lynn is looking for the silver lining – and celebrating the fact that she’s been able to have two gorgeous and healthy kids.
“What sucks is that I live with a disease that makes decisions for me a lot, and with breastfeeding I took SUCH pride that I was able to do something really awesome with this body that I am constantly at war with.”
Jack and Jamie-Lynn are facing some early hiccups – both physical and emotional – and she reached out to other mums for much-needed support and advice.
“This little guy’s tummy is struggling with the formula, and I KNOW we will both be fine, but I’m emotionally having to deal with the guilt and sadness that is coming along with weaning us both off this magical time. Any advice from my fellow mommies on how this can be any easier?”
“Be proud”
The mums of Instagram had compassionate and clever advice for Jamie-Lynn, and lots of it applies to new mums who don’t have MS.
“Allow yourself to grieve this loss!” one wise mum wrote. “Your emotions are valid, no matter what they are. But don’t let yourself end up settling on a feeling of guilt. This sweet baby is going to love you so much because you’re his best mama.”
“I had to quit breastfeeding sooner than I’d planned on because of medical issues,” another sympathised. “I was really mourning the breastfeeding and worried about how it would affect the bond with my son but I’m happy to report that our bottle feeding sessions are very sweet and I’m able to be more present for him because I am healthier. Be proud of what you’ve been able to give your baby and embrace the next chapter – the tie between you and your little is so powerful.”
So. Gosh. Darned. True. “Be proud”.
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