Article updated on 06/05/2022: Kate Middleton has regularly spoken about improved support for new mothers, previously admitting that 'Parent University' courses offered by the MumSpace group would have helped her as a first-time mum.
The comments came after her candid discussion in February 2020 about the 'constant challenge' of motherhood on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, not to mention 'mum guilt', loneliness and self-doubt.
Now, Middleton has shared a personal message about dealing with anxiety, depression during motherhood.
She she says in a video message: 'We all know that pregnancy, childbirth and the first months and years of a child's life can be hugely demanding.
'Parents often feel lonely and overwhelmed by these early years. Around 20% of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness. Sadly, we also know that many more are suffering in silence.'
She added: 'No one is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression during this time. It is crucial, therefore, that all those who might be struggling are given the right support at the right time, so that they're able to share these feelings without fear of judgment and can access the information, care and support they need to recover.'
Her words came after Kensington Palace announced on Thursday evening that the Duchess of Cambridge has become a royal patron of Maternal Mental Health Alliance - a UK charity supporting women and families affected by perinatal mental health.
The mother-of-three to Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, seven and Prince Louis, four, whom she shares with Prince William, went on to enthuse how 'extremely proud' she was to have acquired her role.
'There is plenty more to be done,' she said. 'And it's down to each and every one of us to support parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today.
'Because by ensuring that the next generation of children can thrive, we can help to build a stronger, healthier and more nurturing society which benefits us all.'
Last month, she and the Queen's daughter Princess Anne visited London's headquarters of the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to raise awareness of women's healthcare.
Article originally published on 09/02/2022
Kate Middleton is set to read a bedtime story to the nation's children centring on conquering fear, which will air on February 13, the last day of Children's Mental Health week, which she launched in 2015.
It's one of the duchess' many efforts as an early years advocate to raise awareness of children's wellbeing.
And on Tuesday February 8, the royal patron of children's mental health charity Place2Be, made a surprise visit to the Southwark-based community parental support project PACT, set up by Citizens UK in 2014.
PACT supports parents and families, no matter their circumstances, with their mental health and wellbeing.
It also improves the livelihood and development of young children.
During the Duchess of Cambridge's visit, which saw her meet with volunteers and attendees from the community's weekly MumSpace group, that supports local parents experiencing hardship, she spoke about how the organisation's 'Parent University' courses for expectant mums could have benefited her when she was a new mum.
After learning from Josephine Namusisi-Riley, who heads up PACT, and health visitor Simonette Guerra that the course covers the importance of early years, including brain and language development and play, the mother-of-three said: 'As a new mum I would have liked that,' reported Hello!.
Middleton, who previously spoke about her passion for 'learning about babies' brains' per People, added: 'I think I would have learned a lot. The importance of play!'
'What’s so fantastic is seeing the amazing work that's going on here. That support you're providing is amazing. The science backs it up.'
The mum to eight-year-old Prince George, six-year-old Princess Charlotte and three-year-old Prince Louis, whom she shares with Prince William, learned that PACT's courses teach social and emotional development, as well as fundamental insights around labour and feeding.
Devoted, as ever, to highlighting the importance of social awareness when it comes to early years development, the 40-year-old royal asked Namusisi-Riley: 'Do you feel there’s enough awareness and understanding around social and emotional development among under fives?'
'There’s perhaps more about what they're eating and what parents are doing about physical milestones?'
Middleton also got stuck in when it came to interacting with children during her visit.
She joined a cooking workshop with parents and their children, which saw her helping them to make fruit kebabs.
In particular, she assisted a smartly dressed young boy named Jonathan, who was celebrating his birthday, to chop up bananas.
Middleton was, of course, dressed elegantly too, donning a checked Katherine Walker blazer, which she layered over a sleek black ensemble.
'Sorry, now I've got a sticky hand,' she said when going to shake the hand of another child.
The duchess then looked amazed at one-year-old Zoe as she ate strawberries.
'I can see why everyone likes it here,' she said.
The duchess was also seen playfully pulling a face at a toddler boy as he pointed at her.
Just last month, Prince William made a baby joke aimed at Middleton after she cooed over a baby girl when they visited Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire, as reported by People.
After Middleton, who previously revealed she was feeling 'broody', via The Sun, looked adoringly at the couples' daughter, Anastasia, the duke quipped: 'Don't give my wife any more ideas.'
Continuing to address Middleton, who handed the baby back to her parents, the duke added: 'Don't take her with you.'
In relation to her own experience of parenting, when making an appearance on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Middleton formerly opened up the 'constant challenge' of motherhood.
Addressing whether she's dealt with mum guilt, she said: 'Yes absolutely, and anyone who doesn't as a mother is actually lying. Yes, all the time.'
She added: 'There's such a pull, but I am such a hands-on mom, and whatever you're doing you want to make sure you're doing the uttermost best job you can for your children.'
Giving her account of motherhood, she said it involves 'always sort of questioning your own decisions, and your own judgments, and things like that, and I think that starts from the moment you have a baby'.
This came after formerly relating to many other mums when telling the Huffington Post motherhood can feel 'lonely' and isolating.
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