While Prince Harry and Meghan have decided to first celebrate in private as a new family, palace insiders reveal the new mum has taken this one step further and vowed to spend 40 days in hibernation, following the birth, shutting herself and Baby Sussex off from the world.
While the duchess’ mother, Doria, will be allowed by her side, after a handful of people – including Prince Charles and the Queen – have come to see the baby, most visitors will be banned during this period.
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The decision to follow the traditional Chinese practice of confinement during the month after childbirth also means no access to the internet or social media, and limited TV.
Instead, Meghan will use the time to sleep and nourish her body with good food for breastfeeding, bond with her baby and take long walks as well as meditate daily to keep her mind healthy.
“Meghan’s always been a huge fan of ancient Chinese practices and after a number of her close friends – including Amal Clooney – followed the month of confinement after childbirth and saw the huge benefits, she vowed to follow the process herself,” the source spills.
While Harry has always supported Meghan’s decisions – many of which have broken royal traditions – he has said that hiding away may not be possible, given their royal responsibilities. But, the insider reveals, strong-minded Meghan is insisting on having this month alone with her little one.
“Harry has told her that it’s impractical given they’re part of the royal family and there will be members entitled and eager to meet their newborn,” the source adds.
“But Meghan’s said to him that she won’t be bullied and has banned visitors for the first month so she can enjoy bonding with her baby and looking after herself.”
Meghan has apparently put 20-minute time limits on visits and will not even allow some of her best friends to see her and the baby. Those close to the duchess say she has also hired a birthing and postpartum doula who will help give emotional support and encouragement, screen calls and visitors, help with breastfeeding and be there to give advice on self-care.
“Meghan’s given Harry a short list of people allowed to visit including the Queen and his father, but they are limited to 20-minute time slots and she will stick to this strictly,” the source reveals.
The duchess is said to have become fascinated with the traditional Chinese practice called ‘sitting the month’, or Zuo Yuezi, and has told friends how a book titled The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou, which is based on the author’s own experience of confinement in the days after birth, has become her ‘bible’.
The source said: “She’s even banned some of her best friends from visiting in the first month and while some have been deeply offended, she’s insisted that after everything she’s been through during her pregnancy, she refuses to be made to feel guilty for wanting one month to herself with no outside pressures.”
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