Meghan Markle’s best friend Misha Nonoo has opened up about welcoming her first child amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying becoming a new mom during a global health crisis ‘has been a lot to say the least.’
The New York-based designer, who is married to oil heir Mikey Hess, confirmed the birth of their son to The Daily Mail in late March. Less than a week later, the 34-year-old took to her Instagram Stories to share how she has been coping as a first-time mother.
‘Last time you heard from me, I was very pregnant, and I am excited to share that I am now the lucky mother to an adorable, healthy little boy,’ she said, admitting nothing could prepare her for the role of motherhood.
New mom: Misha Nonoo, took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday to open up about becoming a first-time mother amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying it ‘has been a lot’
Happy family: Misha, 34, and her oil heir husband Mikey Hess, 33, welcomed their son Leo in March, though she hasn’t specified the exact date their baby boy was born
‘I thought that I had read every book and I was fully prepared for what it was going to look like to be a mom and to handle a newborn,’ she said. ‘It turns out that I don’t think you’re ever fully prepared for that.
‘But handling that on top of the coronavirus has been a lot to say the least,’ she added. ‘Still, I feel extremely fortunate that my family and my friends are all safe and healthy.’
Misha said her heart goes out to those who are on the frontlines, struggling with their health, or fearing for the health of their loved ones.
The new mom went on to share the things she has been doing to stay sane while practicing social distancing with a new baby.
‘I think it’s really important to maintain a routine,’ she said. ‘We’ve just got the baby on a schedule, very early, but never too early to be on a schedule I’ve realized.
Sharing: Misha, pictured during her pregnancy, revealed she already has Leo on a schedule. She also shared that she’s been coping with the global crisis by meditating and going on walks
‘For me, it’s been about maintaining my meditation,’ she added. ‘It’s about going for a walk getting some sunshine and, you know, having FaceTime moments with friends. All of those things have been really, really helpful.’
In late March, Misha told The Daily Mail about her immense love for her baby boy following his birth.
‘Our lives have been forever changed,’ she said. ‘We love [him] more than we ever thought possible and cannot wait to share every adventure with [him].’
Misha announced in January that they were expecting a baby boy after declaring her pregnancy ‘pure magic.’
The couple revealed their baby’s gender for the first time in an interview with People, saying: ‘I’m so excited to meet our little baby when he comes!’
Best friends: Misha hinted earlier this year that her close pal Meghan Markle, 38, had shared ‘lots of tips’ about motherhood with her. They’re pictured together in 2015
Future friends? Misha gave birth to baby Leo less than a year after Meghan and Prince Harry welcomed baby Archie in May
Misha, who is rumored to have introduced Meghan, 38, and Prince Harry, 35, also said that, like any friend, the Duchess has shared ‘lots of tips’ about motherhood with her.
Discussing her pregnancy, she explained: ‘We are so thrilled, it’s just really exciting. It’s a very grateful time of life. It’s pure magic.’
Her announcement came less than a year after close friend Meghan gave birth to baby Archie in May.
Misha hinted Meghan had already been sharing her advice about becoming a first-time mother.
The designer revealed: ‘As with all friendships, you share lots of tips and everything.’
Teamwork: The two women collaborated on Meghan’s Smart Works charity line in September last year. They’re pictured together at the launch
Misha married her husband Mikey in a ceremony in Rome in September that was attended by Prince Harry, Meghan, Princess Eugenie, 29, and Princess Beatrice, 31.
She has been close to Meghan for many years, with the Duchess continuing to support her by publicly wearing her designs.
Meghan donned the famous ‘Boyfriend shirt’ for her first appearance alongside Prince Harry, and she wore another of Misha’s designs for her final day of meetings in the UK before she jetted off to Canada earlier this year.
Misha, who worked with the Duchess on her Smart Works charity line, opened up to FEMAIL earlier this year about her friendship with the royal.
Reflecting on the experience of working together, Misha described Meghan as ‘the ultimate professional’ and very ‘considerate’ of the women the collection was helping.
‘It was such an ideal, incredibly easy collaboration,’ she said. ‘It was, from start to finish, wonderful, thoughtful, considerate, as is she.’