Kathryn Thomas has revealed she felt judged for returning to work just eight weeks after giving birth.
Back in 2018, the TV presenter stepped in to replace Mairead Ronan on Ireland’s Fittest Family – two months after she welcomed her now three-year-old daughter Ellie.
Speaking to RSVP Magazine, the Carlow native said: “When Ellie went to her childminder at eight weeks old, I was doing Ireland’s Fittest Family at the time and I remember somebody had said to me ‘Oh my God that is very young to be putting her in.'”
“I knew it was young, but the job came up and I wanted to do it. I would have preferred if it hadn’t come up so soon, but was I delighted to be able to do it while Mairéad Ronan was on maternity leave.”
“Of course I felt guilty and yes I still get guilty days, but they don’t stay with me because I love my work and being the best mom I can be means being happy where I am in my own life too.”
Kathryn continued: “There is not a right or a wrong way to parent and the fact that comment still stays with me and sticks in my head is testament to the need for people to be mindful of what they say to new moms.”
“In a lot of instances you are better off in keeping your opinions to yourself.”
“You’ve got to do what’s right for your family and people coming out with comments like ‘Oh she’s very young for crèche’ is not being supportive.”
“I knew that shoot was only on for a few weeks, I knew my baby was being very well cared for, and being self-employed flexibility is key,” she added.
