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RandySF

(58,911 posts)
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 06:14 PM Oct 2019

Column: As a new mom, I found Meghan's interview gut-wrenching

It's no surprise that Meghan is struggling. Our society's lack of concern for the well-being of new moms is terribly disturbing — and it's even worse for her as a royal.

One thing I wasn't prepared for before I became a mom was how, the second I had a baby, people started infantilizing me by offering unsolicited advice. I can't wait in line at the supermarket with my daughter without a perfect stranger approaching me to recommend a book about sleep training.

Dealing with family, friends and colleagues is even harder, because these people often feel that it is perfectly appropriate to tell you what kind of child care you should arrange and what you should do with your time. This kind of advice is no doubt well-intentioned, but as a fully functioning adult, I feel demeaned when I'm continually told what to do.

If I am exhausted from constantly deflecting unwanted comments, I can only imagine how depleted Meghan must be, since she must contend with columnists and ordinary people on Twitter dissecting and judging her every move. For example, critics unleashed a torrent of disapproval and blasted Meghan for how she held her own baby when she was photographed at a polo match just two months after giving birth.
It's no wonder she isn't OK.

On top of the onslaught of opinions about her role as a mother or her appearance, Meghan must deal with formidable social obligations. This is tough for any new mom, but it must be even worse for her. No matter how many resources you have, it's nearly impossible to meet your own needs while meeting those of a newborn or infant.



https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/19/opinions/meghan-markle-interview-struggle-new-moms-alaimo/index.html

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CaliforniaPeggy

(149,640 posts)
1. Thanks for the article and the link, my dear RandySF...
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 06:28 PM
Oct 2019

It's a great article and I hope Meghan and Harry will find some peace and privacy with their new son.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
2. Aside from wondering just how often the Duchess of Sussex...
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 06:38 PM
Oct 2019

waits in line at the supermarket, I can't help but sympathize with the constant critiques she gets. She should be at least a little used to it after the Hollywood paparazzi and agony aunts who just can't leave anyone alone. But, with all the children throughout the world having genuine problems, it's really stupid to obsess over her mothering skills. And, with all those billions of children born to less auspicious circumstances than that of the Royal Family generally turning out OK, what is the need for this palmsweating?

Have the armchair psychiatrists fully discussed her PPD and suggested cures?

malaise

(269,054 posts)
4. Have you no sympathy
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 06:50 PM
Oct 2019

for the pampered privileged princess?

I hate all royals everywhere - Monarchies are not compatible with democracies.

BigmanPigman

(51,611 posts)
3. What's next, Tom Cruise screaming that
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 06:41 PM
Oct 2019

Postpartum depression is BS and she should become a Scientologist to solve all her mental problems?

jimlup

(7,968 posts)
5. It gets easier...
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 06:52 PM
Oct 2019

As a new Grandparent, I try very hard to let my kids run the show. Just wait! The best is yet to come! I'm being totally serious. Kids are hard work but they are worth it times 100...

LuckyLib

(6,819 posts)
6. As a royal in her situation, she should clear her own peaceful path. No social
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 07:17 PM
Oct 2019

media, no reading tabloids or currying the press. With her wealth and privilege, she should try to find a way away from the craziness as much as possible.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
8. I agree. She really can set her own conditions to some extent.
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:02 PM
Oct 2019

She has royal duties and those are what they are and there isn't a lot of leeway. She also has patronages that she has to attend to. But regardless of how busy a person is, there are times in a day when they can carve out time for themselves and no one else, maybe she should do that.

kimbutgar

(21,163 posts)
7. I feel bad for her having that awful father and the Step siblings who are opportunists
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 07:22 PM
Oct 2019

That one half sister is a piece of trash. Trying to make money off her to the tabloids is appalling.

That said, thank God Meghan has a great Mother who raised her.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
9. Her stepbrother seems to be decent, he has publicly supported her
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:04 PM
Oct 2019

and took on her older sister in the process.

But year, having that dad and older sister must be a drag on her.

AlexSFCA

(6,139 posts)
10. I can't tell you how those who can't conceive are envious of all that advise
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:06 PM
Oct 2019

having a child is an enormous privilege, luxury, blessing and, most importantly, a choice.

 

YOHABLO

(7,358 posts)
11. The royal coffers will soon be depleted if they don't quit having offspring.
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:28 PM
Oct 2019

Born royal you automatically are set for life. Does anyone think Meghan or Kate don't have nannies? My mom, by herself raised 5 of us screaming kids, plenty of dirty cloth diapers and baby bottles to sterilize, all while dad was at work. Yeah, I was raised way back then, when there was no such thing as disposable plastic bottles, or diapers. Excuse me while I wipe a tear from my face just thinking how hard it is for Meghan. Why am I even commenting on such trivial bs?

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