Meghan Markle pregnancy backlash on social media is 'unhelpful' - The Miscarriage Association

The social media backlash towards Meghan Markle after her pregnancy announcement is "unhelpful", a charity supporting women after miscarriage has said.
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Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared the news on Sunday that they are expecting a baby sister or brother for son Archie, they have faced critical comments about posting an announcement on social media when they have previously asked for greater privacy.

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Some people have also posted critical comments about the timing of the latest pregnancy after Meghan revealed in November that she had suffered a miscarriage four months earlier.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019. Picture: Toby Melville/Pool/Getty ImagesThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex with baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019. Picture: Toby Melville/Pool/Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019. Picture: Toby Melville/Pool/Getty Images
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Ruth Bender Atik, national director of The Miscarriage Association, said it was very important to encourage a culture for women - and their partners - to be able to talk about their feelings and experiences of miscarriage if they wanted.

"What that means is being willing to listen, to pay attention to what they are saying and to respond thoughtfully and with understanding," she said.

"For a lot of people, what came across really strongly is they felt sad for her and Harry but they also felt validated. They felt someone else was saying what they feel but doesn't always get noticed."

Based in Wakefield, The Miscarriage Association provides support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.

Ruth Bender Atik, national director of The Miscarriage Association.Ruth Bender Atik, national director of The Miscarriage Association.
Ruth Bender Atik, national director of The Miscarriage Association.
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It offers support services, forums and advice on a range of issues, including pregnancy after loss.

On the response to Meghan and Harry's announcement, Ms Bender Atik said: "It's generally unhelpful for people to be negative and critical about anyone who announces their pregnancy. We see and hear the comments about people in high profile positions but sometimes family and friends can make critical comments too, sadly.

"What must be very hard if you're in the public eye is if you're outed and forced to make a comment. The timing of this and how to share it is absolutely personnel."

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Ms Bender Atik said the decision about when to announce a pregnancy can be difficult for any woman, but particularly if they have miscarried previously.

"They may feel worried about telling people 'too early': that if they then miscarry, they will then have to 'untell' them," she said.

"On the other hand, they may then find themselves without support when they need it the most - especially if they have had a previous loss or losses. Many people will tell just a few people at the start and wait a while before they feel confident enough too share their news.

"When you're pregnant after loss, there's usually really high anxiety. You never feel you're home and dry until you have your baby in your arms."

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