TV nanny Kathryn Mewes has admitted to feeling like she ‘failed’ her daughter after struggling to bond with her after her birth two months ago.
Opening up during an interview on ITV’s This Morning, Kathryn said: “I think I would say when Harriet came into the world I failed her. I found it really hard to bond with Harriet when she first arrived – after 26 hours of labour I can honestly say I was just glad she arrived.”
“I was exhausted and happily handed her over to my husband and for the first three days I was quite distant, and it took me time to accept I was a mum,” she added.
Kathryn, who assists families who are having trouble with their own children, went on to surmise that she ‘lost control’ after welcoming her daughter.
Recalling how she believed she could carry on with her hectic career as she had before, Kathryn told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langford that she placed far too much pressure on herself.
“It was chaos. I think losing that control after going into people’s houses for 20 years and showing them how to take control…I have something that size that won’t even let me put my lipgloss on – that is what is so hard,” she said.
Needless to say, many viewers were able to empathise with Kathryn’s experience, and she came in for major praise for her refreshing honesty.
“Well done. My baby is 15 months. I’m back to work but could identify with you in those early newborn days!” wrote a fellow mum on Twitter.
Another mum tweeted: “Loved Kathryn Mewes on This Morning. I also struggled to bond with my son and blamed myself. You’re doing fab! Being a mum is hard work!”
I loved watching #ThreeDayNanny on C4.. But thought @KathrynMewes was amazing and brave talking about being a mother on @itvthismorning!
— Danielle Mullin (@Danielle3_x) October 2, 2015
Loved @KathrynMewes on @thismorningitv I also struggled to bond with my son and blamed myself. You're doing fab! Being a mum is hard work! X
— Linda Baker (@linbakerolo) October 2, 2015
We’re sure Kathryn’s experience and account will touch the hearts of mums everywhere.
