In a late-night moment of distress, Meghan McCain found herself rushing her younger daughter, who had tested positive for COVID-19, to the emergency room. As a mother of two, McCain openly acknowledges that motherhood can be intense and overwhelming at times. However, during these challenging moments, she finds solace in the perspective her late father, Senator John McCain, instilled in her before his passing in 2018.
McCain reflects on the valuable lesson her father left her, expressing gratitude for each day. Having been a caregiver for her father during his battle with brain cancer, she learned to embrace life and its challenges. This outlook, combined with her role as a mother, has fueled McCain's desire to share her opinions with the world through her new podcast, 'Meghan McCain Has Entered The Chat.'
Having departed from the daytime talk show, The View, in 2021, McCain yearned for a real break and a departure from the intensity and anger that often permeate the media landscape. Becoming a mother to her two daughters, Liberty and Clover, has ignited a fire in McCain, encouraging her to shift the narrative around how women in politics, news, and commentary are treated, regardless of their views. McCain felt a responsibility to be a positive force in the world.
Since the launch of her podcast in October, McCain has engaged in open conversations with various guests, including political figures, journalists, and medical experts, discussing topics ranging from politics and pop culture to parenthood. She has also recently added a weekly political show, Citizen McCain, on YouTube. Despite the divisiveness in today's world, McCain remains enthusiastic about sharing her passion for politics.
However, politics is not the only matter on McCain's mind. The 39-year-old has been raising awareness for topics that have long been considered taboo in America, such as postpartum mental health. After giving birth to her first daughter, Liberty, McCain experienced a significant adjustment period as a first-time mom. Dealing with issues like latch problems while learning the intricacies of breastfeeding, she also faced postpartum anxiety.
Postpartum anxiety, affecting up to 21% of American parents, can manifest as intense worrying and irrational thoughts. McCain candidly shares her own fears and concerns, confessing that she believed ninjas would break into their house and harm her daughter if she took her for a walk. Recognizing that something was wrong, McCain sought help from her daughter's pediatrician, who identified her failing the postpartum depression screening questionnaire.
Following the doctor's advice, McCain consulted her OB-GYN and began treatment for postpartum anxiety. Through a combination of antidepressants, therapy, acupuncture, and meditation, McCain managed to regain a sense of normalcy within six months. Fortunately, she did not experience postpartum anxiety with her second daughter.
Speaking openly about her experience, McCain aims to normalize the discussion of postpartum mental health, challenging the notion that it should be dealt with silently or with shame. She advocates for portraying the realities of parenthood, which are often sugarcoated on social media. As someone who had undergone two C-sections, McCain emphasizes the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, balancing childcare responsibilities with work and household chores.
Despite the demands of motherhood, McCain asserts that it is essential to remember that identity and interests do not dissolve with the arrival of children. She encourages mothers not to fear losing themselves entirely in motherhood but rather to embrace and continue pursuing their passions and interests. McCain believes it is time to evolve in the way society talks about women and motherhood.
Meghan McCain's journey as a mother and her desire to create meaningful change have led her to share her perspectives through her podcast and advocacy work. By discussing postpartum mental health, challenging societal expectations, and shifting the conversation around women and motherhood, McCain aims to make a positive impact both in the lives of fellow mothers and in society as a whole.
