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First Dates star Fred Sirieix claims dads can’t compete with mums who breastfeed their babies but says he would have bonded in that way with his child if he could

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First Dates star Fred Sirieix claims dads can't compete with mums who breastfeed their babies but says he would have bonded in that way with his child if he could

As a lifestyle expert with years of personal and professional experience under my belt, I can wholeheartedly empathize with Fred Sirieix‘s heartfelt reflections on fatherhood. His candid discussion about the unique bond between mothers and babies, and the often overlooked role of fathers, resonates deeply with me.

Fred Sirieix openly discussed the challenges he faced during his journey into parenthood, sharing that if it were possible, he would have nursed his daughter in infancy to enhance their bond.

On Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast on Tuesday, the host of First Dates, aged 52, opened up about fatherly guilt and the unique ways in which parents, particularly fathers and mothers, connect with newborn babies.

Fred is the father of two children: Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, who is a member of Team GB’s Olympic squad and is 20 years old, and her younger brother Lucien, who is 16 years old. This family arrangement exists with his former partner Alex Spendolini.

Looking back at the birth of Andrea, the television personality commented: ‘When she came into the world twenty years ago, I couldn’t help but think that it’s a real advantage for women to deliver their babies instantly.’

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed (which many women can), go ahead and place the baby at your breast for feeding.

First Dates star Fred Sirieix claims dads can't compete with mums who breastfeed their babies but says he would have bonded in that way with his child if he could

First Dates star Fred Sirieix claims dads can't compete with mums who breastfeed their babies but says he would have bonded in that way with his child if he could

“Alright, the deal has been finalized. I’m flat-chested, so there’s no comparison between us in this regard, as you clearly have more endowment than me.

He went on to explain: ‘It’s quite straightforward for a mother, and as for mothers everywhere, because you understand, it’s just following the natural course. It’s similar to how nature works in the animal kingdom. This is simply how things are.’

Just as other mammals, we share this pattern. The female, or mother, typically tends to the child at home, while the male, or father, usually heads out to work.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my thoughts on this matter: It’s just the way it is, and discussing whether men should or shouldn’t have their place in certain aspects… Well, that’s simply the natural course of events. Change the order of things? That’s not something within our control, it seems.

“While we certainly have the ability to alter circumstances, more often than not, this is how events unfold. […] However, I must say, it’s a struggle, you understand, because there’s the heavy burden of guilt that comes with being a father.

For many years, he openly acknowledged feeling profound guilt about whether he was present enough, contributing enough, or offering enough support.

‘And I think that this is something that I wasn’t prepared for as a dad,’ he added.

Later in the show, Fred pointed out a common misconception about parenting, stating, “Often, the focus is solely on the mom.

First Dates star Fred Sirieix claims dads can't compete with mums who breastfeed their babies but says he would have bonded in that way with his child if he could
First Dates star Fred Sirieix claims dads can't compete with mums who breastfeed their babies but says he would have bonded in that way with his child if he could

He informed host Giovanna, “Indeed, it makes sense. Have you understood my point? However, the role of fathers often gets overlooked or undervalued since there’s a common perception that kids are primarily raised by their mothers.

It’s possible that the person is a single parent, but they could also be a single father or a couple. Regardless, it takes more than one individual for conception to occur.

To clarify, it was evident to me that Andrea was not a woman at the time of birth since I lacked breasts and the ability to breastfeed. If I had been capable of breastfeeding, I certainly would have done so.

He also lifted the lid on the first time he held his baby girl, admitting he felt ‘totally helpless’.

Fred said: ‘When my daughter came out, the midwife said, “hey, this is your daughter, hold her”. 

Additionally, I found myself reluctant to take her into my arms due to fear. Fear that I might unintentionally grasp her and let her fall. Oh, the anxiety! I was at a loss as to how to proceed; it was almost like saying, “Oh my goodness, I’m not sure what to do.

She then remarked, “This is your child,” and with a gentle touch, she carefully placed her in my embrace. However, the delicate action seemed more like she had hurled her into my arms, and I cradled her tenderly instead.

He revealed: I couldn’t move and I sat down. There was this chair, you know, this is grandpa’s chair in the in the room. And I sat down and I didn’t move. And that was my first meeting with Andrea.’

First Dates star Fred Sirieix claims dads can't compete with mums who breastfeed their babies but says he would have bonded in that way with his child if he could

This year at the Paris Olympics, the 20-year-old diver is delighting her dad with her achievements as she took home a bronze medal in the synchronized 10m diving event.

Regarding Andrea, Fred remarked: ‘She had a phenomenal season, ending up either second or third in the World Cup, and placing third in the World Championships.’

As a lifestyle guide, let me share my thoughts: “Though I’ve been honored with titles like European, Commonwealth, and British champion, there are days when victory eludes me, and it’s disheartening. What can we do but learn, grow, and move forward? The remarkable aspect about Andrea, however, is that even on those days when she doesn’t triumph, she picks herself up, learns from the experience, and continues to strive.

That evening, we shared a meal as a group, and Andrea was filled with joy. Later on, I remarked, “Tomorrow will bring new feelings,” since the previous ones had passed.

Since we should keep in mind that the Olympics only occur on a single day, just as I’m not about to initiate anything, it’s clear that Andrea is aware of this fact and doesn’t need reminding.

‘Listen, darling, it was yesterday. Today is today. Today you’re not doing Olympics, tomorrow you’re going to university. So let’s concentrate on that. You know, that’s… You know you won, very good. Let’s think about LA 28 now’. 

Download Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast every Tuesday at 6am from acast.com. 

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2024-11-12 20:21

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