Ileana D'Cruz Candidly Shares About Her Early Breastfeeding Struggles And Parenthood, Says 'It Was Painful'

Ileana D'Cruz opens up about her early breastfeeding struggles, painful yet rewarding motherhood journey, and embracing parenthood with honesty and strength.

Ileana D'Cruz is married to Michael Dolan and has two sons. Koa Phoenix Dolan, their first child, was born on August 1, 2023. On June 19, 2025, they welcomed their second son, Keanu Rafe Dolan. They live in Houston, Texas. Ileana described her experience as parenting took the main stage in her life.

On an Instagram Live on August 30 for Live for Freedom To Feed, Ileana D'Cruz spoke candidly with actor Neha Dhupia about how she is handling parenting. She discussed one of the first needs of early motherhood, breastfeeding, and how the journey went, including any initial inhibitions.

Ileana Opens Up About Breastfeeding Challenges

Before becoming a mother, particularly around the time of birth, many women seek advice from close friends on what to expect. Ileana did the same, gathering information on what to expect so she could prepare.

The actress said, "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." The initial reaction was overwhelming, with concerns about potential issues and how painful the breastfeeding process may be.

Breastfeeding is a Privilege for Ileana

But Ileana realised that breastfeeding is a privilege. She further continued, "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 your child, and the connection that you can have with your baby is really lovely." Breastfeeding allows a mother to bond and connect with the child, especially.

Ileana's Experience With Breastfeeding

Ileana also recalled her first breastfeeding experience, which occurred while she was quite anxious. As a new mother navigating her first moments, Ileana recalls feeling scrutinised by a lactation expert at the hospital.

"At the hospital, we were told, you know, 'Would you like a lactation consultant to come and speak with you'? So I was like, 'Yeah, of course, you know, I'd love to have an expert come and talk to me. ' And I just felt so much judgment from this woman. She was like, the first question, she's like, 'Do you plan to breastfeed? Are you going to be formula feeding as well? And I'm like, 'Well, I plan to breastfeed only, but you know, you don't know what's going to happen'... I'm like, every woman has her own journey. Every mother has her own journey with her child, and you know, what's best for your kid, instinctively, " she shared.

Ileana's Health Concerns During The Early Days

There was a lot of conflicting information from everyone around, which initially puzzled the actor because everyone had their own opinion. Ileana also revealed a personal incident in which a hospital employee ordered her not to pump milk for six weeks, even though her doctor had previously suggested it due to inflammation. Looking back, Ileana recalls being really concerned: "I think I was so worried. It's very, very painful. So like I had a fever and everything was really bad."

Breastfeeding can be challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding, and no mother should feel alone in the process.