Meghan Markle dancing in labour: That’s it. That’s the story

COMMENT: "If a little joy in the delivery room is offensive, maybe the problem isn’t Meghan. Maybe it's us."

It often seems that Meghan Markle can do no right. Even in the midst of labour, she’s pissing people off.

Like many mothers in the Instagram age, the Duchess of Sussex recently shared a video celebrating her daughter’s fourth birthday.

It was a throwback from 2021. A glimpse into her labour with Princess Lilibet. 

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Meghan Markle twerked and people hated it

The clip shows Meghan and Prince Harry trying to pass the time (and likely the pain) by dancing to the viral Baby Momma Dance song. If you’re TikTok-literate, you know the one. If not… Google it.  

“Four years ago today, this also happened,” she captioned her post.

“Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work – there was only one thing left to do!”

It’s a far cry from what I did. While high on the beauty of that gas they give you, I insisted we pack in the whole labour thing in so that I could be taken to The Eras Tour instead.

Who needs an epidural when you can just obsess over Taylor Swift while dilating?

Meghan’s post should’ve been received as a cute, relatable moment. A show of unity for mums who’ve endured that torturous wait filled with contractions and medicine balls.

But this is Meghan Markle we’re talking about. The woman can’t sneeze without someone accusing her of having an ulterior motive.

Now, I’m no Meghan fanatic but this is my “leave Meghan alone” moment. Like that guy did when Britney Spears shaved her head in 2007. 

Why are people so triggered by Meghan Markle in labour?

The criticism has varying levels of unfairness. It brings forth the question: "are people genuinely this triggered?"

"WTF is this absolute clusterf**k of cringe? Bleach your eyeballs after viewing," one person wrote on X.

"Meghan Markle sexualising her pregnant self is one of the most disgusting videos I have ever seen. Grinding. Twerking. It’s dehumanising and degrading to women around the world," a second accused. 

An outraged third user ranted: “This is just DISGUSTING!! Some things are better kept private. Have some dignity."

She’s just dancing. Lighten up. Or perhaps "touch grass" as the Gen Zs would say.  

Do people seriously think that while in active labour Meghan was plotting her next likability arc? My guess is she was doing whatever she could to get that baby the heck out.

In fact, research shows that movement during labour can provide real pain relief. 

Pregnancy, Birth and Labour says that while epidurals limit mobility, mothers who go without are encouraged to move around and listen to their bodies to help baby descend through the birth canal.

Meghan Markle has angered the internet by doing something entirely normal during labour. Image: Instagram/meghan

Isn't this Meghan Markle's story, too? 

I’ve also seen the argument that Meghan made her daughter's birthday about her.

But, isn’t it sort of about her, too? Why shouldn’t she have a moment to reflect on her years of motherhood? She’s marking the moment she became a mother of two.

Meghan also made several posts specifically about Lilibet's big day, so to me, her intentions are clear.

“Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives – and each day is brighter and better because of it,” she captioned the sweet photo gallery. 

Meghan Markle shared several throwbacks in honour of Lilibet’s 4th birthday on Instagram. Image: Instagram/meghan

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A little joy shouldn’t be controversial

Had this been any other celebrity sharing a glimpse of their labour, would the backlash be the same? If Jennifer Lawrence posted a clip of herself dancing in the delivery room, would people call it ridiculous or relatable?

Labour is already a frightening, unpredictable experience. Watching someone as high-profile as Meghan find joy in the chaos is refreshing.

When I was about to give birth, I was terrified. Everything I saw online made it sound like trauma on arrival. Had I seen this video, I might have found a glimmer of comfort. I might have been less afraid. 

Women should have space to share their birth stories freely and without judgment.

This reaction concerns me. What if it convinces mothers to stay silent, ashamed of their birth stories? What if even sharing the light within the hard becomes taboo?

Because if a little joy in the delivery room is offensive, maybe the problem isn’t Meghan. Maybe it's us.

Originally published as Meghan Markle dancing in labour: That’s it. That’s the story