Kay Dudley Reveals How Deciding to Breastfeed Caused Her to Feel ‘Miserable’ Postpartum

**Kay Dudley Opens Up About the Challenges of Raising Three Daughters While Living With Lupus**

Since revealing her lupus diagnosis in 2025, Kay Dudley has been candid about the daily impact this chronic illness has on her life as a mother. The influencer and her husband, Tay Dudley, share three daughters: Kinsley, 13, from a previous relationship, and their two younger daughters, Ellie, 2, and Sutton, six months old. In her recent appearance on the podcast *The Squeeze*, hosted by Tay Lautner, Kay reflected on her breastfeeding journey while managing the complications associated with lupus.

During the podcast episode, which aired on 13 May, Kay was asked by Tay Lautner about her decision to breastfeed all three of her daughters. Despite the challenges posed by her illness, she confirmed that she had made an effort to breastfeed all of them. However, she cautioned her host to prioritise her own health when considering breastfeeding for her upcoming child. “A fed baby is best, in my opinion,” Kay remarked, emphasising the importance of maternal wellbeing in the parenting experience.

Kay’s battle with lupus, an autoimmune disorder that sees the immune system mistakenly attack healthy tissue, has greatly influenced her parenting choices. Since her diagnosis, she has had to navigate the complexities of breastfeeding without her usual medication, which added additional stress to her postpartum experience. She expressed how important it is for mothers to assess their health and circumstances rather than feeling pressured to adhere to societal expectations around breastfeeding.

Reflecting on her own experience, Kay shared that she initially set goals for breastfeeding her youngest daughter, Ellie. However, she soon discovered that these aspirations took a toll on her physical and mental health. “I was miserable and I felt terrible all postpartum,” she confessed during the podcast. Kay believes it is vital for mothers to consider their mental health when making parenting decisions, asserting that “a mentally sane mum is so much better than a mum who is just… mentally struggling every single day.”

Kay’s openness about her lupus journey coincides with Lupus Awareness Month, a time when she aims to highlight the often invisible nature of the illness. Recently, she shared a collection of emotionally charged photos on her social media accounts, capturing moments both at home and in the hospital while dealing with varying lupus symptoms. “Since lupus is an invisible disease, I want to post my journey to make it more visible,” she explained, indicating her desire to help others who may be experiencing similar struggles feel less isolated.

For Kay, sharing her experience has not only been a way to advocate for lupus awareness but also to foster a sense of community among those affected by the condition. The influencer, who has amassed over 18 million followers alongside her husband, hopes that by revealing her vulnerabilities, she can shine a light on the realities of living with lupus.

As she navigates the challenges of motherhood and chronic illness, Kay asserts that self-compassion is crucial. Her experience serves as a reminder that while societal pressures can weigh heavily on new mothers, prioritising personal health should always take precedence. In her candid discussions, she encourages mothers to identify what works best for them and their families, allowing for flexibility and understanding in a world that often demands perfection.

With each passing day, Kay continues to share her journey, highlighting the ups and downs of both motherhood and living with lupus. By doing so, she not only empowers herself but also inspires others to speak out about their own experiences with chronic illnesses. Kay Dudley’s story is not just about coping with lupus; it reflects the resilience of a mother determined to provide the best for her children while prioritising her health and happiness.