Meghan Markle hires ‘specialist hand-holder’ as birthing partner – breaking royal tradition
THE Duchess of Sussex is poised to break royal tradition by hiring her own birthing partner — known as a doula.
Pregnant Meghan, 37, is reported to have drafted in a specialist “hand-holder”.
She has lined up mum-of-three Lauren Mishcon to be her carer alongside a regular midwife for the big day in April.
Lauren, 40, is married to Oliver Mishcon. His grandad was head of legal firm Mishcon de Reya, which handled Princess Diana’s 1996 split from Prince Charles.
Lauren is said to have been coaching dad-to-be Prince Harry, 34, on what to say to support his wife during labour.
It will be the first time in centuries that a doula has been employed during a royal birth.
Staff at the £6,000-a-night Lindo Wing at London’s St Mary’s Hospital — where Duchess of Cambridge Kate had her children — have been told not to take April off.
The 800 members of Doula UK have been buzzing over the news on their private forum.
On the message board, Lauren jested with a winking emoji when asked if it was true adding: “I’m busy in Spring. I could not possibly say.”
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When asked by The Sun about Meghan, Lauren said: “Well, I am obviously not at liberty to talk about who, or who might not, be my client. So I can’t possibly . . . I wouldn’t be able to talk to you about anything.”
A US magazine reports Meghan’s carer has visited the couple several times at their homes in Great Tew, Oxfordshire, and at Kensington Palace.
Quoting a source, it adds: “Meghan is focused on calm and positive energy around the birth — she is a big believer in that.”
What does a doula do?
THE role of a doula — Greek for “woman-servant” — first appeared in America in the 1970s with the therapy spreading to the UK around 15 years later.
They act to relieve the stress and worry of pregnant mums and advise them how best to relax during labour with breathing and positions.
There are claims within the industry that doulas, costing from £500 for a trainee to £2,000 for an experienced hand, can reduce labour by two hours.
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