In her recent podcast, Meghan Markle talked about the challenges she faced when wearing high heels during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet, which sparked debate among viewers.
In the most recent episode of “Confessions of a Female Founder,” where she spoke with Spanx creator and close acquaintance Sara Blakely, Meghan, who is 43 years old, commended the entrepreneur’s newest venture into comfortable yet stylish heels.
Mrs Blakely, hailing from Clearwater Beach,
Florida
, has become the world’s youngest self-made woman billionaire thanks to the success of her lingerie line and is now aiming to design a stiletto heel that doesn’t cause discomfort.
Speaking to the
Duchess of Sussex
In this episode of their podcast, they exchanged tales about uncomfortable footwear that causes pain and restricts movement. Meghan specifically mentioned her difficulties with such shoes during her pregnancy periods.
I added 65 pounds with each pregnancy,” the Duchess shared, adding, “And now you’re wearing those five-inch pointed heels.
You have such a large bump, and those dainty little ankles of yours are struggling with the towering heels. But since all of my weight was at the forefront, you must be wondering how on Earth I’m not toppling over and faceplanting.
‘I held tightly onto my husband, praying not to lose grip.’
The Duchess of Sussex encountered some backlash for sporting high heels during her later stages of pregnancy, as certain medical professionals expressed concerns about the risk of falling.
During her eighth month of pregnancy, Meghan stepped out wearing stiletto heels. When questioned about how she was managing, she playfully responded, “One day at a time.”
Specialists caution that issues with balance can arise during the later stages of pregnancy. This complication is exacerbated by hormones like progesterone and relaxin, which cause muscle and ligament relaxation throughout the body, thus increasing the likelihood of rolling an ankle.
In March 2019, as Meghan neared her due date with Archie, who is now five years old, midwife Claire Chaubert shared with the Mail, “During pregnancy, all your ligaments become more flexible, causing your body to lose its typical alignment.”
However, Meghan appears at ease wearing high heels, which she regularly wears. I would advise women who choose to wear stilettos during their pregnancy to ensure they do so only as long as it remains comfortable for them.
She mentioned that because Meghan is an admirer of yoga, she might have been able to maintain her balance in high heels for a longer period compared to the typical pregnant woman.
She stated: ‘Individuals who frequently practice yoga often possess a significantly enhanced sense of balance, along with improved muscle control and strength.’
The College of Podiatry suggests that expectant mothers opt for comfortable and supportive shoes, ideally those with adjustable features like Velcro or lace closures. They advise against wearing high heels because these can add extra stress to joints that are already strained during pregnancy.
In her discussion with Ms. Blakely, Meghan mentioned that Archie, who is five, and Lilibet, who is three, are both doing fine. These children, mostly shielded from public view at their residence in Montecito, California, continue to stay away from the spotlight.
She committed to sending Mrs. Blakely family photos, noting, “They have really grown.”
They also talked about launching enterprises in a predominantly male domain. Ms Blakely mentioned, “I couldn’t find many women to consult; honestly, I had none… There weren’t really any other female entrepreneurs within my circle whom I could discuss my business strategies with.”
Talking about her experiences in boardrooms filled with men, she playfully remarked, “It’s just like being Jane Goodall, except I’m watching men in their natural environment rather than chimpanzees. They completely overlook my presence.”
Meghan stated: “Many believe that you must attend Harvard Business School, possess substantial funds, and gather top talent around you to succeed in business… This makes you doubt your own potential.”
Many women, in particular, are conditioned not to discuss finances, and they often feel guilty when possessing significant wealth. At the same time, it’s common for them to adopt a scarcity mindset, believing that they will always lack sufficient resources.
She expressed her happiness about partnering with Netflix, following reports by MailOnline that the streaming company had indeed agreed to a new contract with the Duchess, which includes producing a third season of “With Love.”
It is reported that the second season has already finished shooting.
Meghan stated: “I have a significant other, I planned to handle everything alone initially but made a total shift because I genuinely support what Netflix and their Consumer Products division are accomplishing.”
However, it offers a distinct experience compared to when you do it alone. When you solely rely on yourself, I believe there are two aspects at play. It can feel immensely freeing or it can feel overwhelmingly solitary.
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