My Blog

The media and social networks are currently buzzing around the world with news of the arrival of the Prince of Cambridge. At the same time others are ridiculing it and complaining. I am not going to debate the views of those who oppose ancestry, royality, etc. just my views on why a birth is cause for celebration.

I posted this comment last night on Facebook and as I type, have had over 40 ‘likes’ so far, indicating that people agree with me.

‘Delighted for William and Kate on the safe arrival of a baby son. Regardless of his background, it is a shame that people can’t simply accept the miracle of birth and the pleasures it can bring. The royal family are still human beings and many mothers and babies still do not survive the birth process. Hence a ‘safe arrival’ should be celebrated and for those who believe, thanks to God that it was.’

The whole concept of birth is amazing. For many mothers the feelings of pain during labour, are soon replaced by a feeling of elation as you cradle your newborn for the first time. Then as the fairytale goes (without a prince or princess in sight) they ‘all live happily ever after’ (with plenty of ups and downs on the way)!

I do thank God and all involved in the birth yesterday, that apparently mother and baby are doing well. Yes, we can argue that Kate didn’t have to wait for a bed or have enough midwives, which can happen in the NHS. Equally she was still simply a young lady about to go through one of the most impactful experiences of her life. I am sure I wasn’t the only parent yesterday not to envy her labour pains or the concern of her husband.

What if nature (regardless of the best medical care) had caused complications yesterday? Can you imagine the outpouring today if the baby had been stillborn?  What if Kate had suffered one of the many conditions brought on by childbirth?

When my son Marius was born 17 years ago (pictured above), I had to be rushed into theatre for emergency surgery. Next day a doctor told me  ‘think yourself lucky – had it been a home birth or 20 years ago, you’d be dead now’!

I do not take ‘a birth’ for granted.

My own sister also was close to losing her own life plus that of her baby due to complications a month before her due date. Claire spent several days needing intensive care nursing. Sophie, my niece, was okay due to an emergency delivery.

I do not take ‘a birth’ for granted.

In recent years I have known families who have either lost a baby near to full term or been still-born. I cannot come close to imagining the pain they all felt as a family. I know the amazing support given by the charity Sands helped them. They have all gone on to have other babies who have brought joy into their lives yet the precious one they lost will always be remembered.

That brings me onto another point – the arrival of a new baby reminds us of those we have lost.

My delightful niece is now 3 years old. Often my Mum and I will comment how much my Grandma would have loved her – even though she now would have been 103!  Sharing the joy of a new baby with those you love is wonderful. I didn’t appreciate that when I had Marius as my postnatal depression began to ‘hit’. Now as an Auntie I realise that I was selfish in my perception that ‘I had to do it all’ when he was a baby. Now I realise that letting others help gives you a needed break and bucketfuls of joy to those with the baby.

My grandparents with my baby son.

One aspect that is currently being suggested by the media is that Kate and the baby will go and stay at her parents’ home for the first few weeks post-delivery. I think that is wonderful. One potential risk factor for getting postnatal depression is loss of your own mother. Isn’t it wonderful that Kate with all her privileges and palaces still has that urge to ‘need a little home’?

My siblings and I continue to feel this. Mum and Dad  this is for you …

I also feel for William because regardless of his birth-right he lost his Mum when he was in his teens. How sad that he cannot share his delight at being a father with his own mother. I shall always remember those wonderful clips of Princess Diana returning to a ship and her boys running up to her whilst she crouched down, arms out-stretched. Regardless of any beliefs about her, there was no doubt that she adored her boys.

As my boy finishes his penultimate year of schooling today, I am grateful for all the wonders that motherhood has brought me. I continue to raise awareness and educate others around postnatal depression because it can spoil what should be a magical time.

Today I count my many blessings of having a son to cherish, a family and very special people in my life.

And I celebrate the safe arrival of baby Prince of Cambridge and all those other new lives who are just beginning. I also remember those who are no longer with us and those for whom a birth brings challenges. I hope that they are able to seek the support they need.

Finally, doesn’t the arrival of this baby question your own mortality? Will I be alive to see if his first born be a girl?

Either way I shall make every day count.

Will you?

As a friend of mine recently quoted:  “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”  Benjamin Franklin.

Elaine