Why Every Mother Should Stop Talking About Catherine Middleton

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

In the past few days the press has been filled with the news that their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting their first child. Every detail has been breathlessly reported, and everyone, it seems, has speculated on names. An Australian radio station even called the hospital, where Catherine has been staying because of acute morning sickness, convincing the poor nurse on duty that it was the Queen calling and tricking her into giving the kind of information that should only be told to the expectant parents.

Sound familiar? Every one of us who have gone through pregnancy have fallen under the same kind of scrutiny. Not, perhaps, to the degree that the future king and queen of England receive, of course. As prominent members of what most of us, even Americans, refer to as the Royal Family, they expect to live under a microscope. But do we really deserve a moment-to-moment description of Catherine's pregnancy?

Before any mother answers, "yes," think back to your own experience. Remember learning you were pregnant, who you told first, who you waited to tell, whether or not you had morning sickness. Also think about all the advice you got, the suggestions for names, and the detailed questions from people you thought you only knew casually. If you want to know what it's like to be a celebrity, get pregnant.

I remember my first pregnancy. My husband and I were thrilled, and wanted to tell people right away. As soon as people found out I was pregnant, I was inundated with advice. And baby names. And intimate questions. It is as if a woman, as soon as she is pregnant, stops being an individual and becomes a mere vessel, a curiosity for family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers to poke, prod, and examine. People I would never have expected tried to convince me that they knew the perfect name for our baby. Strangers would offer unsolicited advice, and sometimes even ask to touch my stomach. It was as if my personal space bubble had disappeared.

I shudder when I imagine what it is like for the Duke and Duchess. How many of us would have sent out a press release announcing our pregnancy? Or welcome long articles speculating about what boy names?

So, all you moms out there, let's give Kate a break. In spite of her title and position in the royal family, she's still a mother herself. Let's all remind people that, regardless of fancy titles, she's still a pregnant mother-to-be. Just remember what that was like.

So, all you fellow moms out there. Think back