Why I'm so Proud of Kate Middleton for Showing Off Her Postbaby Body

By Leslie Goldman for TheBump.com

His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge isn't the only one who made a big debut on Tuesday. The 8 lbs., 6 oz. little fella appeared on the hospital steps along with his proud papa, his beaming mama… and her postbaby bump.

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Yes, people, 'tis true: After women give birth, their stomachs typically take weeks, if not months, to deflate, as the uterus contracts, skin snaps back, water weight drains and pregnancy pounds are shed.

And yet, this is the first celebrity-type new mom I can remember seeing with her postbaby bump so evident and just out there for the whole world (literally) to see. It almost seems purposeful to me - she appears to be cradling it with her hand, drawing her dress material in to highlight the roundness of her belly. Now, this might just be old habit; an ingrained move leftover from 40 weeks of pregnancy. But might it also be strategic? Part of her "I'm one of you!" appeal? The Duchess wears Zara, her parents own a party supply company, and she didn't come close to wearing her pre-pregnancy skinny jeans out of the hospital… just like the rest of us!

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We live in a society where most celebrities shed their baby weight before they even leave the maternity ward. Perfectly styled-hair, flawless makeup and gender-specific dress color aside, Kate walked out of the hospital and into the fresh, paparazzi-filled air looking like most women look: Still preggo. And I love her for it!

Her postbaby bump has no doubt helped countless women feel more confident about their new mom bods. Her belly made its first appearance back in February and though this might be its last, I'm just glad it decided to show its face.

Were you surprised by what Kate wore for her first postbaby appearance?

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