None of the “tried and true” remedies worked for Kristen Lawrence’s nausea. Bright lights, brilliant colours, any kind of stimulation would set it off.Doctors diagnosed hyperemesis gravidarum, the debilitating pregnancy-related illness famous for sending Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, to hospital. But knowing what was wrong did not give Mrs Lawrence the relief she sought.“I felt all alone,” she said. “The most aggravating thing anyone can tell you when going through HG is to try ginger and saltines, etc. If it was possible we would, but trying to hold down even water — let alone anything with taste or a scent — is impossible. It’s obvious that the person saying that doesn’t understand what you’re going through at all and [that the HG] is being downplayed.“It seemed like no one believed how severe it actually was. Doctors know about HG, but I don’t think they understand the severity of it.”Mrs Lawrence ultimately gave birth to a healthy son, Micah, in 2017.Two years later, a Facebook post to Maj’s List reminded her of the isolation brought on by the severe dehydration, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and inspired her to create a place where women could safely share their experience.“Some comments made me remember how much I wanted support from those who understood, or just to vent how frustrating and debilitating it felt many times,” she said. “I created a ‘closed’ group for ladies who have had HG or who currently have it, to give and receive support. It is so important because it can be extremely isolating.”People become members with the understanding that they are there to share their “support and experiences” rather than medical advice.“Hopefully, this can become a space for the many women who don’t have anyone who can understand what they are going through,” Mrs Lawrence said.