LAURA Adlington has revealed she is “plagued with intrusive thoughts” just five months after giving birth.
The TV star, 36, also admitted that at times, she “hates” her husband Matt.
But that’s not all, as the Great British Bake Off icon opened up on “hearing phantom cries” and finding some days on maternity “boring as f**k.”
Posting on social media, Laura, who revealed last April that she was expecting her first child after using IVF revealed the things she wished she had known before becoming a mother.
Posting on Instagram, the blonde, who gave birth to a baby boy named George back in October, said: “You might not feel an instant connection with your baby because DUH, you don’t know them yet.
“It will grow. I promise. Don’t be so hard on yourself…”
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As well as this, the curvy content creator who made a name for herself as a plus-size fashion influencer since her TV stint, added: “Some days are boring as f**k and you’d rather lick the wall than listen to more nursery rhymes..”
Following this, the mother, who appeared on The Great British Bake Off in 2020, opened up on missing her “old life” and the “massive strain” that becoming a parent has put on her marriage.
She expressed: “You will love your baby more than life itself but you’ll also miss your freedom/your old life. It doesn’t make you a bad mum…”
“At times you will hate your partner. Having a baby puts a massive strain on even the strongest relationships. It’s completely normal and it does get better…”
Not only this, but the mum-of-one then reflected that becoming a mother “very quickly” enabled her to find out who her “real friends” were.
She also touched on “frequent wakes up and intense sleep deprivation,” as well as “intrusive thoughts” and “phantom cries” – hallucinations commonly experienced by new parents where they believe they hear their baby crying when the child is actually quiet or not nearby.
Laura continued: “You’ll often wake up in the night convinced you’re crushing your baby in the bed when they’re fast asleep in their moses basket next to you…
“Everyone will have an opinion on how you feed your baby and put pressure on you to breastfeed. It’s very important you tell them to f**k off and mind their own business…
“You will be in a constant cycle of feeling both overstimulated and like you haven’t used a single brain cell…
“You’ll be plagued with intrusive thoughts about your baby falling down the stairs or them throwing themselves out the window…
“You’ll also hear phantom cries while you’re in another room or in the shower – even though they’re perfectly safe and being looked after…”
Different parenting techniques
Here are some widely recognised methods:
Authoritative Parenting
This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children.
It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations – enforcing rules – whilst also showing warmth and support.
Authoritarian Parenting
This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness.
It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority.
Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development.
Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children’s lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child’s ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills.
Free-Range Parenting
Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful.
Attachment Parenting
According to Marriage.com, Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents.
Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family’s values and meets the child’s needs for a healthy, happy upbringing.
Sharing her advice to new mothers, Laura gushed: “If you’re in the thick of it right now – please know you’re not alone, that it does get easier, and that you’re doing great.”
Parents and fans couldn’t agree more with Laura’s post and eagerly raced to the comments to praise the mother for her honesty.
One fan said: “Can’t relate as I’m not a mum, but I love your honesty Laura. You’re doing a grand job!”
Another added: “Love this! So true.”
A third commented: “Wow I felt every single one!!”
Meanwhile, a mother chimed in: “Thanks for mentioning the intrusive thoughts! I wish people talked about them more – they can be super unsettling.”
At the same time, another mother gushed: “This is THE most accurate thing I have read all day!! Thank you for being so honest and brave. Why does no-one mention sleep deprivation? You are doing amazingly.”
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