Kate Middleton engaged virtually with several royal fans ahead of the Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in the United Kingdom.
Earlier this week, Kate Middleton “video-called” several new parents and midwives to “promote” maternal mental health awareness. The calls also reportedly “highlighted” the issues surrounding mental health amid the COVID-19 crisis.
On Twitter, the Cambridge couple’s official account posted a preview of the video calls. The Duchess of Cambridge told the midwives and other maternity service professionals that they are playing a “vital role.”
She also said that they are “hugely trusted” for the “key information” that they provide to the public. She then continued to share that these professionals and staff are a “lifeline” to many individuals.
Kate Middleton chatted with a new mother
Aside from the conversations with the professionals, Kate Middleton also chatted with a new mother, Rebecca Attwood. Reports stated that she just gave birth the night before the call with the Duchess.
As she stayed on her hospital bed, Kate “congratulated” her on the birth of her son, Max. She also reportedly “acknowledged” the strangeness of having a conversation through a video-link at that moment.
Watch the full film of The Duchess’s conversations ????️ about the challenges and impact that COVID-19 is having on new and expectant mothers and their families #MaternalMHmatters https://t.co/qk261iq3Wz
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 2, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge then told Rebecca Attwood that her baby is “so sweet” upon receiving a closer look. She also went on to speculate that the mother “must be exhausted,” given that she just gave birth.
Duchess of Cambridge’s tackles maternal mental health issues
In a separate call, Kate Middleton also conversed with the hospital’s lead midwife, Sam Frewin. As reported, the two women already met last year during the latter’s “work placement.”
Aside from the midwife, she was also able to talk to an antenatal midwife, Jennifer Tshibamba. During the call, the expert reportedly shared that wearing masks have become an “added challenge.”
Perinatal mental health midwife, Jo Doumouchtsi also shared with Kate Middleton that there had been an increase in anxiety referrals among new mothers. Alongside the worries over contracting the virus when going to hospitals, mothers also need to “self-isolate” after giving birth. These are reportedly some of the issues that they are currently facing amid the pandemic crisis.
Did she steal the idea from Hamish Blake?
Following the video calls, Express UK noted that 9 News‘ Entertainment suggested that Kate Middleton stole the “idea” from the popular comedian, Hamish Blake. As explained, the Australian celebrity has been “crashing meetings” on the Zoom app amid the crisis.
Despite the assertions, though, the newscasters’ comments have appeared to be a “recognition” rather than a jibe. As claimed, they also complimented Kate Middleton for her great efforts in reaching out to many people in this difficult time.
Image courtesy of British High Commission, New Delhi/Flickr