Duchess Catherine’s post-baby photos spark debate on ‘The Project’

How many days did you stay in hospital following the birth of your child?

As she has done with her previous two children, the Duchess of Cambridge emerged from St. Mary’s Hospital in London, nursing her newborn just hours after giving birth. Complete with makeup, a stunning outfit and well-groomed hair, the 36-year-old was all smiles as she waved and interacted with royal watchers.

While many have praised Catherine’s ability to look so fresh and well-rested such a short time after giving birth, others believe it sends the wrong message to other women and expecting mothers. One person who took offence to Catherine’s appearance is The Project star Meshel Laurie.

Speaking on Tuesday’s night’s episode of the hit news show, Laurie said there was nothing inspiring about the Duchess looking so glamorous so soon after giving birth.

“You know what I find troubling is all those young women saying, ‘Oh, it’s inspiring’. That’s not inspiring,” the radio presenter said on the show.

She added it would have been more inspiring if Catherine got some much-needed rest after welcoming her third child.

"You know what I find most troubling? All those young women saying, 'Oh, it's inspiring – she's out there seven hours after giving birth'!… that's not inspiring! You know what would be inspiring?… if she said 'don't be an idiot, get out'" #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/8Oi60ZPeAw

— The Project (@theprojecttv) April 24, 2018

“You know what would be inspiring?” Laurie continued. “If when they came into her room and said ‘Alright mate, up you get, hair and makeup, let’s get out there’ she said ‘Don’t be an idiot, get out. I’ve just had a baby’.”

While Laurie’s stance was met with cheers from the live studio audience, Carrie Bickmore defended the new mother, explaining she probably doesn’t have the same options as regular people. Laurie didn’t agree.

“She does have that option,” she hit back. “What are they going to say? She needs to hold onto the sides of the bed and say ‘get out’.”

Viewers were quick to side with Laurie and shared their support on social media.

One person wrote: “Spot on, her bits and pieces would be all over the place. How can someone who has everything done for her be so inspiring. Also I am so sick of the bullsh** super Mum’s. The real super Mum’s are out there doing it tough without help and being good mothers [sic].”

https://twitter.com/SilverDasher/status/988709526688874497

Elsewhere on Twitter, mothers were even sharing photos of themselves seven hours after giving birth, noting they weren’t anywhere near as glamorous or presentable as Catherine.

Here you go @janegarvey1 – me and Kate 7 hours post-natal…. I'm the one on the right, in case you're wondering…. @BBCWomansHour pic.twitter.com/6yf3H5a2T1

— Nina Warhurst (@NinaWarhurst) April 24, 2018

Just two days ago, Catherine and Prince William welcomed another boy to the family. The boy, who is yet to be named, arrived just before noon.

“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs,” the royal family said. “The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”

Even though he is just a few days old, the baby has already overtaken Prince Harry and is fifth in line to the throne. The name of the baby is expected to be revealed sometime this week.

What do you think? Is there anything wrong with Catherine greeting fans just hours after giving birth, or is it completely unrealistic? How long did it take you to get on your feet after giving birth?