AMP in the post
The Duchess of Cambridge and mom of three shared the interview with Harriet Nayiga, a nurse and midwife who founded MILCOT (Midwife-led Community Transformation), to mark the International Day of the Midwife and the completion of the Nursing Now campaign. MILCOT is a community organization committed to providing advice and support to vulnerable women and girls in Uganda.
The interview recorded in March was published in the May issue of Nursing Times, and reports state that the Duchess was very much involved in picking a cover for the magazine’s May issue. Kate donned a smart blue blazer (sold out) from Zara and paired it with a matching blacktop.
Kate Dives Deep Into What It Means To Be A Health Worker In The Age Of The Coronavirus Pandemic
One of the most important topics that the Duchess had the opportunity to discuss with Harriet was how she continued to handle her duties, especially with the pandemic that’s certainly taken its toll on healthcare workers around the world.
Kate, 39, also wanted to find out why Harriet chose her line of work and the role of midwives in Uganda.
AMP in the post
Kate was also curious to know what drove her to establish MILCOT and wanted to know if it was her initiative.
“Yes, it was my idea; it was my vision,” Harriet said. “Five years back I worked with an organization taking care of pregnant teenagers in crisis. I was caring for them day and night as a house mother and a midwife. I comforted them because many of them felt stigmatized. Through this, I realized the challenges these girls were going through – I was sharing them.”
She continued that her work involves being an emotional rock for young girls who have gone through terrible ordeals. “I would hug a young girl who is facing challenges – she’s crying, she was raped, she’s 10 years old. She’s seeing me as the mother, the sister, as everything – so I was caught up in the pain. I trained them in economic resilience, but that induced me to go back to school to learn how I can solve some of the challenges that they face.”
Harriet On The Impact Of The Coronavirus Pandemic On Expecting Mothers
Harriet also discussed other important matters like the influence of the pandemic on the mental health of pregnant women with the Duchess, who listened with intense care to what Harriet said and was visibly touched to learn what women were going through during these hard times.
AMP in the post
Harriet told her that they try to talk to these women by organizing small group meetings, also adding that they work with them to set up a small business in order to get them to be able to support themselves.
“Hopefully one day I can come and see your amazing work first-hand,” Kate said before saying goodbye. “It’s so fantastic that organizations like MILCOT are on a global stage, being able to share their best practice. You should feel hugely proud of all the hard work and effort that goes into it. I can see your passion and dedication.”
Kate’s Support For Midwives
Kate has always shown her love and support of midwives, with her secret visit to a maternity ward in 2019 with a moving letter that highlighted a midwife’s life on a daily basis.
“You are there for women at their most vulnerable; you witness strength, pain and unimaginable joy on a daily basis,” she wrote in the letter signed “Catherine”.
The royal also has a close relationship with the midwife, Professor Dunkley-Bent who helped her bring Princess Charlotte into the world.
Kate, who serves as the Patron of the Nursing Now campaign, has endeavored to keep in touch with nurses throughout the pandemic.
Good on Kate for recognizing others and not seeking the spotlight like her SIL.