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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton) welcomed their third child to the world this week! The joyful news quickly spread around the world. A mere 7 hours after giving birth the beautiful new mom radiated maternal love and grace as she carried her little boy out of the hospital donning high heels, pantyhose, a lovely dress, gorgeous hair and a luminous smile! Then she walked to the car, holding hands with Prince William most of the way, but navigating to her side of the vehicle alone and getting in. Any woman who has ever given birth gave Kate a nod of respect. Looking that good, even if you are a royal, takes a bit of doing.

Then right away on Twitter and Facebook, I read other women beating themselves up for how they managed to cope with things.

So here are a few things to keep in mind – from a mom who has done this 7 times.

1.  Princess Kate was highly motivated to put her best foot forward stepping out of the hospital. Pictures of her mother-in-law leaving the hospital are still floating around 30+ years later. Even pictures of the queen as a new mom are still out there!  And these aren’t photos that will just be stuck on the family computer or photo album. The whole world will see them. That can be high motivation for any lady!

2.  Girlfriend didn’t get glam like that without help. She had a lot of help. I think about the times I left the hospital with a newborn and I just don’t think Mr. Pete could have helped me achieve a similar result – not even close.

3.  She only had to look that great for a few moments. Those shoes could come off as soon as she hit the car. Once back at Kensington Palace, the hair could go up into a messy bun, the dress was probably replaced with a T-shirt, sweatpants and an ice pack as mom and baby nestled into nursing and recovery.

4.  We won’t see Mom or baby for a few weeks now. She certainly won’t have to pose for the public cameras again, probably until the christening or the upcoming royal wedding. And that’s how it should be. Her body needs time to adjust and recover from pregnancy and childbirth and the establishment of a milk supply for the new little prince.

5.  And yet…Kate Middleton reminds us that birth isn’t a medical procedure per se. If you’re healthy and well, there’s no reason to be stuck in the hospital if you don’t have to be or you don’t want to be. Even a new mom is still a person and still has autonomy. If you feel more comfortable at home – even if home isn’t a palace – do your recovery there if you wish.

after childbirth 1989

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