‘Important to be real’ – Doireann Garrihy’s post-birth honesty is reassuring

Doireann Garrihy welcomed her baby girl in October

Doireann gave birth to her first child, a baby girl, last month, but has confirmed her delivery didn't go according to plan.

The new mum bravely discussed what it was like to go through an emergency C-section on her Instagram stories.

Doireann said it has been three weeks since her little girl's arrival.

"A massive thank you so much for all of the gorgeous messages and comments. There’s nothing I can say to summarise how amazing it’s been.

Doireann continued, "It’s just been the most gorgeous bubble of love, so thank you."

The new mum said the support has been incredible from fellow mums since she welcomed her little girl.

"I just can’t get over how amazing women, mothers are, the DMs and the comments at all hours of the day.”

The mum said it "was obvious from the first photo we posted that I had a C-section."

Doireann said it was a last-minute emergency C-section, but the support from other mums has been incredibly empowering.

“It was an emergency C-section, and the amount of other women who’ve had that and reached out with advice about recovery or just to say ‘Go easy on yourself.’ Every bit of advice and support has been amazing.

“I knew people would know when we posted that photo that I’d had a C-section. I’d never said in advance that I was going to have one. I think it was very obvious it was a last-minute thing."

Doireann said she didn't "look her best" in the photo, but she wanted to post it "because I wanted to show what it was really like in the moment.”

“Mark looks like something out of Grey’s Anatomy in the photo. I do not look my best," she added.

The new mum will undoubtedly reassure and comfort others by sharing a 'real' photo. Even after giving birth, there is pressure on new mums to share the most perfect photo, but that expectation can trickle down through society and leave many feeling pressured to look a certain way after birth.

Mums should be able to embrace the newborn bubble without worrying about whether or not they got the perfect shot for Instagram.

After all, the perfect photo is simply one of you and your healthy baby in your arms. It doesn't matter about angles, or the setting, or the perfect pose.

Doireann's photo reminded me of one of the ones taken of my mam when my little sister was born, and it was heartwarming to see on my Instagram feed.

"It’s great to do all the picture-perfect stuff and the lovely baby bits, but it’s important to be real as well," Doireann shared.

The new mum said she's "excited to eventually speak out about what it was like" and to share more of her story.