Gemma Whelan, known for her role as ‘Yara Greyjoy’ in Game of Thrones, recently shared a heartwarming image of herself breastfeeding her daughter while fully dressed in her character’s armor. This moment perfectly encapsulates the essence of modern motherhood, showcasing how mothers can juggle their responsibilities with grace and strength.
Behind the Scenes on Instagram
In an Instagram post, Whelan captioned the photo, “Enjoy tonight’s episode guys…! Yara’s got some big news.” The image, taken during the filming of Season 8, shows her skillfully balancing her duties as a mother and an actress. Responding to fans who speculated about spoilers, Whelan clarified that the photo was simply a glimpse into her life on set. “Just a tease and my actual life on set between whatever we actually were filming,” she explained.
A Fierce Advocate for the Greyjoy Legacy
Whelan, who joined the beloved series in Season 2, has been a fierce advocate for the Iron Islands and the Greyjoy legacy. While fighting for her character’s rightful place on the throne, she was also navigating the challenges of new motherhood, giving birth to her daughter with partner Tom Richards during production. In past interviews, she has been candid about her experiences as a working mom, sharing with Good Morning Britain that her daughter accompanied her throughout filming. “I’m really sort of tied into my armor,” she joked about the difficulties of breastfeeding in full costume.
A Light-Hearted Moment
In a light-hearted moment, she mentioned that her daughter is the only one who knows how the series ends, saying, “She can’t tell anyone.” The image Whelan shared illustrates the often chaotic yet rewarding nature of motherhood, where multitasking is a daily routine, and children always come first. HBO even commented on her post, acknowledging her as both a fierce warrior and a loving mom, a fitting description indeed.
The Pressures of Balancing Career and Family
Whelan has also discussed the pressures women face in balancing their careers and family life, revealing her own fears about disclosing her pregnancy while filming another project. “I was five months pregnant when I was doing The Crown, and I didn’t tell them because I was too scared,” she recounted. “Women often worry that having a baby might jeopardize their careers, but if you own it and ask how to incorporate it, people are usually very supportive.”
Strong Female Characters
When asked about portraying strong female characters, Whelan responded that the question itself is somewhat redundant. “Women by default are strong,” she said, which is just one more reason to admire her.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gemma Whelan’s candid snapshot of motherhood while embodying a fierce character is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere. For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and family planning options, resources like Healthline offer valuable information, while Make a Mom provides insights into home insemination kits, such as the CryoBaby and BabyMaker kits, making the journey to motherhood more accessible.

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