The wife of a former prime minister has opened up about the “struggle” of motherhood. Carrie Johnson, wife of Boris Johnson, recently admitted there’s been “struggle” and “tears” since they welcomed their fourth child into the world just six weeks ago.
She opened up about the couple’s journey on Instagram where she didn’t shy away from the challenges parenthood can bring. Despite being “overwhelming”, she also admitted the family’s time together has been very “happy.”
In the post, she wrote: “The first six weeks of Poppy. The last few weeks have been a real rollercoaster but overwhelmingly, very happy indeed.
“There has been [very] little sleep, quite a few tears and even a dash to hospital. Some days it’s a struggle to even get dressed in the morning, given Pop wants to be held all the time.
“In these pics I look vaguely presentable but most days I’m rocking the mum bun, have huge dark circles under my eyes and am wearing clothes covered in baby vomit. BUT here are some of the highlights – introducing Pop to friends and family, celebrating birthdays and even taking her to Warwick for my university reunion.
“Now all four kids are home for summer, the real chaos begins!”
In June, Carrie, 37, posted a picture of herself and her newborn daughter Poppy Eliza Josephine together in hospital. At the time, she wrote: “Being hospitalised for two nights for severe dehydration was not on my postpartum bingo card.”
She also encouraged other “breastfeeding mums” to ensure they eat and drink plenty “in this heat”, particularly parents who are “clusterfeeding”. Poppy was welcomed into the world on May 21, becoming the couple’s fourth child.
Their son Frank was born in July 2023, while their daughter Romy was born in December 2021 and their son Wilfred was born in April 2020. When she was in hospital, she posted another Instagram story, which said it had been an “honestly brutal week.”
“Mastitis (me), reflux (her), dehydration (me). What a pair we are!,” she added. “But thank you for all the kind messages, especially all the brilliant advice on reflux.
“Really appreciate it and made me feel way less alone going through it all. And as ever, thanks to our amazing NHS.”
After she opened up about the challenges the last six weeks have brought, many were quick to offer support. The post has also been liked over 9,000 times.
One person said: “You’re doing a good job, Carrie. Be proud of yourself mama.” Another wrote: “Poppy doesn’t care. She knows she’s loved.”
A third replied: “Beautiful photos with your words of reality. Keep being you. Grateful you share your lovely family with kindness and the reality.”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “You have a beautiful family Carrie. Cherish these days because before you know it they will be stroppy teenagers.”
Someone else also added: “Glad you’re feeling better and are now safely back home and hydrated! You are doing such a great job as a mum of so many little ones, and they are all such happy, adorable little souls. You really do deserve a big medal.”