Juliette Oliver (née Norton), 45, recently revealed some rather sad news that the couple kept quiet for the past few weeks. During a podcast called Made by Mammas, the wife of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver revealed that she suffered a miscarriage during the lockdown.
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Juliette, or Jools, also revealed that this isn’t the first time she’s lost a child during pregnancy. Prior to the birth of the youngest River in 2016, Juliette suffered 2 miscarriages. Since the birth of River, she’s had another 3, the most recent one being just a few weeks ago.
Juliette and Jamie have been trying for a 6th child for some time now. Despite the difficulties the couple has encountered, they still do want to keep trying for another one. Juliette revealed during the podcast:
I really do, I really do. "But I've just had three miscarriages since then and I'm thinking... and a recent one three weeks ago and I'm thinking: 'No', I dunno. I do want to, but I've got to mentally check that it's a good idea to do. And also physically because I am 45 as I always say, nearly 46. So it's a little bit dodgy.
On when they’ll stop trying:
I haven't got long, maybe another year and then I really will just shut that chapter off because I am very happy and I am pretty full up at the moment as it is. But just that little baby, it's a terrible thing to keep wanting something and you can't help it.
Miscarriages: a tragic yet common occurrence
While miscarriages are certainly a tragic event for any couple to endure, they are far more common than one may think.
According to the NHS, 1 in 8 pregnancies end in a miscarriage. In fact, many miscarriages occur without the woman even realising that she is pregnant.
While the occurrence of a miscarriage is certainly not uncommon, back-to-back miscarriages are more rare. While the chance of a single miscarriage may be 1 in 8, the chance of 3 consecutive miscarriages is 1 in 100.
Miscarriages are, unfortunately, a touchy subject to discuss openly. We commend Juliette for being so open and sharing her experiences.
