My first Mother's Day

As I get ready to revel in my first Mother’s Day as a mum, my mind turns to women across the world who were not blessed with the help I had during childbirth.

Drugs, midwives, doctors, monitoring machines and a fully equipped operating theatre… All these (and more – mustn’t forget the devoted back-rubbing hubby) played a part in bringing my beautiful daughter into the world last year.

In an effort to reduce my pre-labour panic I thought about the millions of women who have babies with none of this.

If they can do it in remote African villages then surely I would manage in a London hospital…?

As it turned out, I needed all the help I could get. Things did not go quite to plan but with brilliant clinical and emotional support, all ended well, eventually and I am in love with motherhood. In love, I tell you!
I was lucky. Everything I needed was on hand.

But what about those women – the ones who live in the countries where the international health charity Merlin works? Do they survive labour when the baby gets stuck, is breach, turns at the last minute or arrives too early?

Sadly, many don’t. And that’s something that Merlin is working to change.

In remote communities and places where it’s not the norm to have free medical help, many women don’t have or don’t seek skilled help in labour.

Quite different from my story – as any of the brilliant team at West Middlesex Hospital will tell you. It was hard to keep me away or off the phone – must have felt like I had them on speed dial!

It didn’t matter how trivial my query might have been, I always finished my calls or appointment feeling reassured.

Healthcare and facilities may be different around the world but surely all of us mums-to-be have the same excitements, fears, hopes, disappointments and problems.

Pregnancy and childbirth is magical. A divine right of every woman. Every woman deserves to be supported through it.

It's huge. Terrifying. Wonderful. I had all the support in the world. I want to support other mothers and their children.

That's why I'm supporting Merlin this Mother’s Day by taking the Plumpy'Nut Challenge. I’ll be eating an edible peanut paste packed with calories and vitamins, the same formula that takes many malnourished children in East Africa from danger to stabilisation. I will miss my meals, sweets and treats but I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate my first Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day,

With love, Lucy

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