Introduction

In a candid revelation, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has shared her experience with a "rare and scary" medical condition following childbirth. During the inaugural episode of her podcast, "Confessions of a Female Founder," she bravely opened up about being diagnosed with postpartum pre-eclampsia.

Postpartum Pre-Eclampsia

Meghan described this condition as a "huge medical scare" that she had to manage in silence, all while maintaining her public persona. Although she chose not to disclose which of her children—Archie, now five, or Lilibet, three—were born during this challenging time, her account underscores the intense pressures new mothers face, both personally and publicly.

Shared Experiences

“You're still trying to juggle all these things, and the world doesn’t know what is happening. In the quiet, you're still trying to show up mostly for your children. But those things are huge medical scares,” Meghan explained.

The episode featured her first guest, Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, who has had similar experiences with postpartum pre-eclampsia. Wolfe Herd emphasized the severe nature of the condition, recalling how frightening it can be: "It’s really scary," she said. Wolfe Herd also vividly remembered Meghan's post-birth moment when the world eagerly awaited the introduction of Archie.

Balancing Work and Motherhood

In addition to discussing her health scare, Meghan touched on the complexities of balancing work and motherhood in today's fast-paced world. She revealed that Lilibet often joins her during online meetings, typically held at their home. “I don’t leave the house to go to an office; my office is here,” Meghan stated. “She knows where to find me, even if my door is closed to the office.”

Despite the challenges, Meghan expressed her commitment to being present for her children's milestones, asserting, "I don’t want to miss those moments. I don’t want to miss pick-up if I don’t have to. I don’t want to miss drop-off."

Future Ventures and Aspirations

This podcast marks another endeavor in Meghan's growing portfolio of projects, which also includes a Netflix lifestyle series titled "With Love, Meghan," and her newly launched brand, As Ever. After facing criticism for her previous Spotify series "Archetypes," Meghan seems poised to pivot and engage her audience with this new initiative that promises "candid conversations with amazing women" and relatable experiences.

Advice to Other Mothers

As Meghan gears up for her upcoming ventures, she encourages mothers navigating similar predicaments. "Having young children while building a business gives you perspective. Because you’re building something while your child’s going through potty training... both are just as important," she reflected.

Conclusion

With this episode, Meghan not only sheds light on personal struggles many women face but also embraces the duality of motherhood and professional aspirations, creating a platform where support and shared experiences can flourish.