Kate Lawler says she’s in the ‘darkest place she’s ever been’ and struggling with newborn baby Noa in emotional post

KATE Lawler said she's in the "darkest place she's ever been" and is struggling with her newborn baby Noa in an emotional Instagram post.

The Virgin Radio host faced a backlash on social media after posting a picture of her two dogs Baxter and Shirley - instead of Noa or her own mother.

Kate - whose daughter recently battled an infection in hospital - posted a lengthy defence on her Instagram where she revealed she is "not coping well mentally".

She wrote: "If you must know, being a mum to a newborn is not the best thing ever right now. It's broken me. I feel as though I've been treading water since February 11th and the last two days I've felt like I'm at breaking point.

"I'm not coping well mentally and wish I could be stronger for my daughter. I'm not enjoying what I'm going through, yes I'm struggling and you're right, I am sad behind the eyes because I've always taken on new challenges like a duck to water but this one is testing me & I feel like I'm failing.

"I'm not afraid to say it because thanks to people like you, there's far too much pressure on new parents to say how blissful the 'newborn bubble' is when really it's different for EVERY parent because EVERY baby is different.

"In Noa's case, of her first 33 days outside the womb, 14 were spent in hospital, she's still not sleeping (barely two hours a night) due to trapped win, reflux or colic.

"We'll know more as we're taking her to the GP later today. But how dare you say I put my dogs before my child. They've not been walked half as much since she was born because is right now the priority which again, makes me feel guilty as I can't give my dogs the attention they're used to.

"But I love my child and for nearly five weeks I've devoted myself to keeping her alive. I breastfeed day and night, I comfort, hold, kiss and cuddle her, bath and dress her, I sing and play with her.

"I'm trying to get to know her and learn what she's communicating to me. It's not been on Insta because I'm focusing on HER, not doing a ton of InstaStories like before.

"I actually want to share all these new experiences with you but I'm putting Noa first and doing my job - being a Mother and making sure her needs are met.

"There HAVE been moment of joy, but hand on heart, I'm just exhausted, frustrated and the newborn days are not what I thought they'd be.

"If that upsets of angers you then it's your problem. I'm in the darkest place I've ever been in, trying to stay positive but I'm not the earth mother you want me to be so accept it and stop with the hurtful comments."

Kate went on to explain she didn't post photos of her mum or her daughter as it can negatively affect people with fertility issues.

She captioned the post: "It’s long but it needs to be said. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and supported me recently, especially my family, friends and fiancé who has been my rock now more than ever. #BeKind"

Kate welcomed baby Noa with her fiancé Martin in February this year.

She recently documented her sleepless night with Noa on her Instagram.