Hilary Duff Says She ‘Still Could Cry’ Thinking About Breastfeeding Struggles, Admits She Was ‘Stubborn’ About Combo Feeding

Hilary Duff, the former star of ‘Lizzie McGuire’, has candidly shared her experiences with breastfeeding during a recent episode of the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast. The 38-year-old actress discussed the emotional turmoil and challenges she faced while nursing her children, particularly her youngest daughter, Townes, who is 21 months old.

During her conversation with host Alex Cooper, Duff reflected on her journey through motherhood, explaining the strong desire to be the best possible parent to her children. She expressed the profound bond that comes from giving birth and nurturing her kids, stating, “You wanna be everything for your kid because you grow them and you birth them and they’re yours.” However, this desire also led to feelings of frustration when her breastfeeding attempts did not go according to plan.

Duff revealed that her struggles with breastfeeding affected her self-esteem and emotional well-being as a mother. She shared that while trying to nurse Townes, she faced significant challenges, including concerns about the baby’s weight gain. Duff recalled, “I was trying to nurse her literally around the clock,” but despite her best efforts, the situation was distressing. “That’s my fourth kid. Like, just supplement. What are you doing? You know? And you’re just like, I was so stubborn about it,” she remarked, highlighting her determination to make breastfeeding work.

The actress described the conflicting emotions that arose from her breastfeeding journey. Even as she eventually found freedom beyond nursing, she admitted to feeling overwhelmed in the moment, asking herself, “How will I ever cope with this? How will I … why can’t I be good at this?” Her reflections offer a glimpse into the pressures many parents face when it comes to nurturing their children.

Duff has two daughters, Mae, aged four, and Banks, aged seven, with her husband Matthew Koma, as well as a 13-year-old son, Luca, from a previous marriage to Mike Comrie. Looking back, she noted that her experience with each child was different. “I nursed him the most. It was easier then. And down the line … each child got less and less and less,” she said, acknowledging the changes in her breastfeeding journey over the years.

In previous discussions, Duff had also opened up about the difficulties of nursing, describing her struggles after the birth of Mae in 2021. She indicated that while latching was not an issue, her body did not produce enough milk, which caused emotional distress. “I’m just not a huge milk-producer, so it’s emotional for me,” she admitted during a past podcast episode.

As the conversation progressed, Duff voiced her support for other mothers experiencing similar challenges. She highlighted the importance of openness in motherhood, stating, “Whether you are pre- or postpartum. Or just a busy mom, you are a superhero every day for all that you do.” Her message resonates with many parents who feel the pressures of societal expectations, particularly around breastfeeding.

In an earlier Instagram post from 2019, Duff shared her emotional journey as she transitioned away from breastfeeding her second child. In her post, she expressed a mix of relief and guilt over the decision, stating, “I felt fine and happy and relieved and silly that I even stressed on it so hard.” She reassured other mothers that it was alright to prioritise their well-being, adding that she appreciated the extra time she now had with her children as a result.

Indeed, Duff’s experiences shed light on the often unspoken challenges of breastfeeding and motherhood. Her authenticity and willingness to share her personal struggles provide a sense of solidarity for other parents navigating similar paths. As she continues to embrace her role as a mother, Duff’s message remains clear: it is important to support each other in the parenting journey and to understand that every mother’s experience is unique.