KEY TOPICS: 3 births, caesarean, hyperemesis, diastasis recti, doctor, pandemic
Local doctor, author and campaigner Meenal Viz changed UK law during the pandemic… while starting her family! This driven mum-of-three is passionate about positive change, shares her motherhood journey in this end-of-season special.
Meenal discovered she was pregnant while working for the NHS with her doctor husband… as the pandemic hit. She was profoundly affected by the death of a fellow pregnant medical worker amid conflicting Covid advice, and campaigned against inadequate protection for healthcare workers. Meenal staged a solo protest outside 10 Downing Street... while 6-and-a-half months pregnant.
The couple's first daughter was born by caesarean in 2020, in over-stretched conditions with Covid restrictions. Breastfeeding was initially difficult, and Meenal spent lonely postpartum months working on her legal challenge and coping with - rather than enjoying - motherhood.
The couple moved back to Gibraltar in 2023 when Meenal was in the third trimester of her second pregnancy. She juggled more sickness while parenting and writing her book. She had a far more positive CS birth, feeling safe and respected – Meenal speaks highly of the midwives, and began to enjoy motherhood more.
A third pregnancy in 2024 brought challenges - hospital admissions for worsening hyperemesis, Covid, plus caring for two young children! Meenal felt this pregnancy passed in a blur, before another positive CS birth experience.
We have an interesting chat about her Indian Hindu heritage and relationship with her own mother, as well as the importance of supporting new mothers and speaking up for creating positive change. Thank you Dr Meenal for sharing your inspirational birth stories! (Recorded February 2026).
Instagram: https://www.meenalviz.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Protest-Healthcare-Meenal-Viz/dp/1839978414
GibTalks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYx3dvu9-CU
GBC: https://www.gbc.gi/news/gibraltarian-doctor-shares-story-of-ppe-protest-during-pandemic
UK news: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/24/doctor-couple-challenge-uk-government-on-ppe-risks-to-bame-staff
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