The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Motherhood a challenge, reveals Kate
Royalty: Duchess talks of struggles
The Duchess of Cambridge has made a frank admission about her life as a mother describing it as “huge challenge” at times that has left her feeling a “lack of confidence” for periods.
Kate’s openness about her maternal struggles despite – as she conceded – having help at home came as she attended the launch of a series of films aimed at helping new parents cope with depression and other mental health issues.
Before speaking to a group of health campaigners, academics and professionals, at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in central London, the duchess said she knew everyone would want to join her in sending their “thoughts and prayers” to all those “sadly affected” by the Westminster terror attack.
Kate went on to say: “Personally, becoming a mother has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience.
“However, at times it has also been a huge challenge – even for me who has support at home that most mothers do not. Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother.
“It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together. Your fundamental identity changes overnight. You go from thinking of yourself as primarily an individual, to suddenly being a mother, first and foremost.
“And yet there is no rule book, no right or wrong – you just have to make it up and do the very best you can to care for your family. For many mothers, myself included, this can, at times lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance.”
Kate alluded to the help
“Such a rewarding and wonderful experience”
she has at home which includes her Spanish-born nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, who trained at the prestigious Norland College.
Her speech was made at the launch of the Out of the Blue educational films which are designed to be an invaluable resource for expectant parents and those with infants and toddlers who may be struggling with mental health issues.
Best Beginnings, a charity which works to help parents give their children the best start in life, has produced the films.
It is a charity partner of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s Heads Together mental health awareness campaign that aims to get the nation talking about their psychological problems or listening to a person in need.