No one asked Meghan Markle if she was ok, and no one asked me either

Childbirth has to be one of the most challenging things to go through, as giving birth demands a lot from a woman, and her physical and emotional ability are put to the test.

This experience would make anyone feel vulnerable, but do people think of this when the baby is here?

No.

When the baby arrives nobody really cares about the woman who actually brought the baby here, everyone just wants to know if 'the baby is okay'.

This was my experience, and I know I'm not alone in this. I know, because of all the mothers who share their experiences with me, and because studies prove we're not imagining it.  

A 2019 study of thousands of U.S. mothers found that 1 in 6 reported 'mistreatment' during childbirth, which included being ignored or losing their autonomy.

Women of colour were even more likely to report such experiences.

Tell us your story

Wealth, fame, and an audience of millions, doesn't mean the experience of becoming a mother is made easier either. 

Even Meghan Markle, former media darling, was expected to immediately carry on with life as normal right after baby Archie was born.

On top of the press attention and the pressure of being a royal wife, she had to find herself in her new role as a mother - under intense public scrutiny. 

Also read: Internet says Meghan Markle 'has no idea how to hold a baby', but we disagree

"Thank you for asking, not many people have asked if I am okay, it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes", Meghan revealed during an interview with Tom Bradby:

Also read: Rachel Kolisi tells moms to make themselves 'a priority again'

And I can say "Same".

I can personally relate to how she was feeling. I remember when I had my son, people kept on asking how or where is the baby.

Deep inside me I wanted to look them in the eye and say "Here is the baby, the baby is me and I am not okay".

It would have been weird, maybe, but I just wanted somebody, please, anybody hug me. Ask me.

More than the blues 

Becoming a mother is a life changing process that literally changes your life for good, and with this turmoil comes intense emotions and upheaval. 

It's so common, in fact, that 80% of women go through what is euphemistically called "baby blues".  These kick in as soon as the baby arrives and how long it lasts varies from person to person.

Must see: Ubuntu Baba founder shares her truth about post-natal depression

New mothers will experience a range of emotions, including:  

• Fear
• Sadness
• Hypersensitivity
• Doubt

Childbirth brings about physical and hormonal changes and to add to this, there is also lack of sleep, overwork and exhaustion.

Clearly, new mothers must be protected, supported and loved as they grow into their role, and Meghan Markle deserves this as much as the next woman. 

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