Family of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hooray! The media is finally talking about hyperemesis gravidarum. As is common these days, it took a celebrity to bring an issue to the public eye. Like many, I’m excited to hear the ‘royal’ news. Yet the news that Kate Middleton is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum does not make me happy.
I’ve often thought that I wouldn’t wish this condition on my worst enemy. But I’ve never thought about someone I like encountering hyperemesis gravidarum. I don’t know her, but I do like the Kate Middleton I know through the media. As I’ve read report after report of her big news, I’ve wondered how she’s coping. Being pregnant isn’t easy. Being a celebrity isn’t easy. Those two factors added together make for a difficult time. Add hyperemesis gravidarum to the mix and she’s facing a rough nine months. I know she’ll receive good care and plenty of rest (she is carrying the heir, after all). But even with the best care, she’ll still feel like she’s dying. She’ll still feel nauseous. And she’ll still deal with the sad fact that there is no cure for hyperemesis gravidarum.
So what would I say to Kate if I had the chance to write her a letter? After a heart-felt congratulations, I’d tell her to be strong. I’d encourage her to get in touch with her inner survivor, because she’s going to need every part of herself to face the next few months. And lastly, I’d convey to her how entirely worthwhile the fight for your child will be. I would share with her what washed over me tonight as I rocked my little one to sleep: the misery of hyperemesis gravidarum is worth tremendous gift that awaits you at the end.
What advice would you give Cate if you had the chance?
Related articles
- Kate Middleton’s Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Explained (nymag.com)
- It’s Official: Kate Middleton Is Pregnant (jezebel.com)
- Royal baby: What is hyperemesis gravidarum? (itv.com)
- Hyperemesis gravidarum an extreme pregnancy sickness (abclocal.go.com)
- Now That Kate Middleton Is Officially Preggers, We Should All Educate Ourselves On Hyperemesis Gravidarum (thegloss.com)
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Survivor 