THE Princess of Wales offered her advice to new mothers at the Royal Surrey County Hospital on Wednesday, insisting they should never ignore their mental health concerns.
Kate said it was too easy for mums to turn to phrases such as “I don’t have time” or “my child comes first”.
However, she stressed the importance of caring for the mums themselves – which then gives their children the best start in life.
Of course, Kate is a mum herself – to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
And she reminisced about her children’s births as she spoke to patients and staff at the hospital’s maternity unit.
Speaking to mum Sylvia and her baby Bianca, who was born at 34 weeks and five days and weighed just 5lbs, Kate looked delighted as she was given the chance to hold the newborn.
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Of baby Bianca’s early arrival, she said: “They have their own plans, don’t they!
“I’m sure it didn’t go as you expected it to.
“She is so cuddled up, you’re obviously doing a brilliant job.
“I bet you can’t wait to introduce her to the family when you get home.”
While Bianca was the only baby Kate held during the visit, she also spoke to some other mums on the postnatal ward, and asked them how they were doing in the 48 hours after their babies’ births.
“No matter how much everyone tells you what you expect, it’s a shock to the system, isn’t it?” she said.
“You have this idea of what will happen but every single birth is different.”
She also praised the mums on how well they were coping, as she smiled: “As nurturing as I know the hospital is, there’s nothing like being in your own home.
“And I bet your families are desperate to see you all.”
Kate’s maternal instinct was clear to see as she watched the babies sleeping, as she said: “They do a lot of sleeping (at this stage) don’t they?
“But I expect your ears are tuned for any little noise. They snuffle so much – or mine did.”
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Following the visit, Kate took to Instagram to praise the staff at the maternity unit, writing: “With a focus on maternal mental health, alongside pioneering overnight facilities, Royal Surrey County Hospital ensures women and their families feel safe, supported and have the best chance of developing those all-important early attachments which are so crucial to ensuring their babies grow and thrive.
“It was lovely to meet some of the new mothers and their babies who are supported by such a brilliant team at the hospital.”
