Nicole Kidman Once Shared Her Fear of Being Unable to Breastfeed: Here’s What You Can Do If You Struggle

Nicole Kidman has been making headlines again, this time not for a movie but for her personal life. Reports about her divorce have put her under the spotlight, reminding fans of the ups and downs she has faced off-screen. But beyond the headlines, Nicole has also opened up about something far more personal, and that is her fear of being unable to breastfeed. 

Like many women, she carried the worry of whether she would be able to nurse her baby. Her honesty struck a chord because breastfeeding struggles are something countless mothers quietly battle, even if they don’t always talk about it.

What Nicole Kidman Said About Her Fear of Breastfeeding

Kidman has been frank about her struggles as a new mom. After the birth of her first biological daughter, Sunday Rose, she shared that she was “terrified” when breastfeeding didn’t come easily. Her words show just how intensely the pressure hits, even for celebrities.

In an interview with Time, she said, “I was so terrified, asking, What just happened? Where’s my milk?”. Standing in a shower after delivery, Kidman leaned on her sister for support and guidance. “She’d had five children; she had the wisdom to pass on,” Kidman recalled. This fear and uncertainty are deeply familiar to many women. 

ALSO READ: What Is the 120-Minute Rule in Breastfeeding? Things Every Lactating Mom Should Know

Why Breastfeeding Can Be So Difficult

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), less than half of all infants under six months worldwide are exclusively breastfed, despite strong recommendations supporting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is personal, but struggles are incredibly common. In our previous article, Ruth Patterson, Chief Lactation Consultant at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, listed several obstacles can make nursing overwhelming:

• Difficulty latching: Babies may have trouble attaching properly, leading to pain and anxiety.
• Sore nipples: Early weeks can be tough, with discomfort or even cracked skin.
• Engorgement: Overfull breasts can be painful and make feeding tricky.
• Low milk supply fears: Moms often worry they aren’t producing enough, though frequent feeding and good hydration help.
• Blocked ducts: These can become painful and even lead to infection (mastitis).
• Nutrition: Keeping up with a healthy diet and drinking enough water is essential.
• Breastfeeding in public: Social pressure or embarrassment can add stress.
• Mental load: Anxiety, guilt, and postpartum depression can affect the whole experience.

What You Can Do If You Struggle With Breastfeeding

Expert Ruth Patterson suggests practical solutions for each:

• Get help from a lactation consultant for latch issues.
• Use healing balms for soreness; let nipples air dry after feeding.
• Try warm compresses before feeding, cold ones after, for swelling.
• Feed often to help milk supply; ensure the baby drains the breast with each feed.
• Massage and use warmth for blocked ducts, and seek medical help if infection develops.
• Breastfeed in private at first, build confidence, and use covers when needed.
• Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and consider support groups or therapy for emotional challenges.
• Know when to ask for help, and if pain is severe, milk supply is extremely low, or signs of mastitis appear (fever, swelling, redness), see a healthcare provider.

ALSO READ: How Breast Size Changes After Delivery? Expert Shares What New Moms Need to Know

Conclusion

Nicole Kidman’s willingness to talk about her fear of not being able to breastfeed underscores a truth many mothers know: it’s okay to feel vulnerable. Breastfeeding isn’t always easy or straightforward. But by recognising common obstacles, seeking support, and accepting flexibility in methods, new mothers can often find a way forward that feels right for them and their baby.