Baby loss charity praises Meghan Markle for talking about her miscarriage
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has been praised by a baby loss awareness charity, Tommy's, for using her public platform to speak candidly about having a miscarriage this summer. Meghan, who is married to Prince Harry, penned a moving essay titled 'Losses We Share' in which she said, "Despite the staggering commonality of this pain [of losing a child], the conversation remains taboo, riddled with (unwarranted) shame, and perpetuating a cycle of solitary mourning."
Commenting on her bravery, Tommy’s midwife Sophie King told Cosmopolitan UK, "Baby loss at any stage in pregnancy is one of the most heart-breaking things a family can experience – and as Meghan Markle said, it’s experienced by many but talked about by few." She also shared that one in four pregnancies end in a loss – but that still, it’s a real taboo in society. "Mothers like Meghan sharing their stories is a vital step in breaking down that stigma and shame."
King added, "Meghan’s essay praises the bravery of parents who share their stories, and those who prefer to grieve privately can still find comfort and connection in reading about others’ experiences." She emphasised that there is no right or wrong way to deal with baby loss.
Talking is such an important tool when it comes to healing, King added. "Meghan's honesty and openness sends a powerful message to anyone who loses a baby: this may feel incredibly lonely, but you are not alone. Friends and family, doctors and midwives, all of us at support organisations like Tommy’s – we’re here."
In her essay, published by The New York Times, Meghan also described how Harry responded to the upsetting news. "Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand," she wrote. "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."
Meghan is not the only woman in the public eye to speak about her sad experience. Chrissy Teigen and husband John Legend recently lost their baby boy, Jack, partway through her pregnancy and posted intimate photos of their grief and hospital stay as part of their journey to healing. Many families said seeing the pictures helped them.
We're keeping Meghan, Harry and their son, Archie, in our thoughts.
If you're looking for support or more information about premature births, stillbirths or miscarriage,Tommy's have a free helpline 0800 0147 800 (open 9 - 5, Monday to Friday). There's also a Facebook group.
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