Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has recently opened up about her experience with miscarriage and how she found healing in the aftermath. In a candid conversation with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, who has also experienced five miscarriages, the Duchess shared her thoughts on moving forward after such a painful loss.
During the latest episode of Confessions Of A Female Founder, Meghan spoke about the importance of detaching from the hopes and promises associated with a pregnancy that may not come to fruition. She said, “I think in some parallel way, you have to learn to detach from the thing that you have so much promise and hope for, and to be able to be OK at a certain point to let something go, something that you planned to love for a long time.”
Reshma, who has also experienced the pain of miscarriage, responded, “I feel like you’re reading my diary, that’s really insightful.” This conversation sheds light on a topic that is often not openly discussed, but affects a significant number of women. It is estimated that one in four women will experience a miscarriage in their lifetime.
This is not the first time Meghan has spoken about her experience with baby loss. In a heartfelt piece for the New York Times titled The Losses We Share, she shared her personal story of losing her second child. She recalled that it was a July morning and she had just changed her son Archie’s nappy when she felt a sharp cramp. “I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right,” she wrote. “I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.”
Meghan also described the emotional toll of the experience, writing, “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”
Every pregnancy loss is different and there is no right or wrong way to feel about it. Some may feel angry, shocked, or sad, while others may experience guilt or loneliness. For some, it can trigger depression and anxiety. It is important to acknowledge and validate these feelings, and to seek support if needed.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by miscarriage, there are resources available to help cope with the grief. The Miscarriage Association’s helpline (01924 200 799) and Cruse Bereavement Care (0808 808 1677) offer support and guidance for those struggling with the loss of a baby.
Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, have two children together: five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lili. In last week’s episode, the Duchess also opened up about her experience with postpartum preeclampsia, a medical condition linked to high blood pressure that can occur after giving birth. She shared, “You’re still trying to juggle all of these things and the world doesn’t know what’s happening – and in the quiet you’re still trying to show up for people and in the quiet you’re still trying to show up, mostly for your children. But those things are huge medical scares.”
It is important to continue the conversation around pregnancy loss and postpartum health, as it can help break the stigma and provide support for those who may be struggling in silence. Meghan’s openness and vulnerability in sharing her own experiences can help others feel less alone and encourage them to seek help if needed.
In addition to her advocacy for mental health and women’s rights, Meghan has also been vocal about her personal experiences with motherhood. Her honesty and willingness to share her struggles have resonated with many, and she continues to use her platform to raise awareness and support for important causes.
In conclusion, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has once again shown her strength and resilience in opening up about her experience with miscarriage and postpartum health. Her words serve as a reminder that it is important to prioritize our mental and physical well-being, and to seek support when needed. Let us continue to support and uplift each other, and break the silence surrounding these important issues.
