Chrissy Teigen Calls To 'Normalise Formula' As She Opens Up About Breastfeeding Experience

From ELLE

Chrissy Teigen is known and adored for her willingness to open up and her authenticity on social media.

The model and presenter, who shares children Luna (4) and Miles (2) with Grammy award-winning husband John Legend, has been a vocal advocate for mothers on a variety of subjects.

Earlier this year, Teigen - who experienced the loss of her third child during pregnancy in September - chose to bravely share the emotional photos from the hospital room.

Since sharing news of the couple's tragic loss, Chrissy has gone on to continually speak freely and truthfully about the realities of the grief and depression she has experienced of late. Last week, the 35-year-old also came to the defence of Meghan Markle, after a Twitter user criticised the The Duchess of Sussex moving New York Times' essay about her own miscarriage.

Teigen, has now contributed to dispelling the stigma that comes with giving your baby formula over breast milk. On Sunday November 29, the presenter took to Twitter to share the difficulties she experienced breastfeeding, explaining that it was made all the worse by people insisting it was the best option for her baby.

Teigen wrote 'ok I'm gonna say something and you all are definitely gonna make it a thing but here goes: normalise formula," Chrissy shared in a lengthy thread. '"Normalise breastfeeding" is such a huge, wonderful thing. But I absolutely felt way more shame having to use formula because of lack of milk from depression and whatnot.'

The Cravings author continued to delve even further into the societal expectations placed on mothers, saying, 'people have surrogates, people have trouble breastfeeding and all you hear as a new, anxious mom is how breast is best.'

'"Normalise breastfeeding" is great. "Normalise formula" is great, too! So yeah. That's all! Normalise formula! Your baby is gonna be BEAUTIFUL, PERFECT, AND OKAY.'

Concluding, Teigen added, 'the stress of it, combined with the guilt that you cannot do nature's most natural thing for your own baby is too much. I dunno why this is my crusade now. I just remember the sadness I felt and want you to know you are doing it right if your baby is fed, mama.'

Fans praised the model's timely and honest take on motherhood. One user replied to the thread by saying: 'I agree. Not all women can breastfeed and no one should be shamed because of it. Or even if they just don’t want to.' Another wrote that we should 'Normalise everything a mother wants to choose.'

Chrissy's call for more understanding for differences in early motherhood is a poignant reminder of the importance of choice women should be allowed to exercise today, within all their parenting decisions and beyond.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

In need of more inspiration, thoughtful journalism and at-home beauty tips? Subscribe to ELLE's print magazine today! SUBSCRIBE HERE

You Might Also Like

• Pyjamas You Can Wear All Day

• 10 Hand Soaps To Make Your Bathroom Feel Like A Fancy Hotel

• 8 Of The Best Natural Deodorants