5 Ways Any Woman Can Feel More Like Royalty When She Gives Birth

5 Ways Any Woman Can Feel More Like Royalty When She Gives Birth

It’s royal baby time again and the world is buzzing with the news of baby princess Charlotte born to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. With the drama and pageantry of royalty, Kate emerged from the hospital just hours after giving birth in a springy gown, windswept curls and beautiful bundle in her arms. Some reports even claim that the Duchess delivered all natural and skipped the epidural. Who would have thought that something as everyday as giving birth could light the world on fire, not just because the baby is of royal blood, but because mom looked so great after giving birth.

And not everyone was happy! No, wherever there is birth there seems to be drama, hurt feelings, and accusations. While most of us don’t have our personal hairdresser show up before we leave the hospital, nor do many step out in three inch heels and flawless curls, more women CAN birth like the princess. In fact, more women DESERVE to birth like the Duchess Kate.

Without further ado, here are 5 ways any woman can feel more like royalty when she gives birth.

1. Use midwives! – Word on the street (from the very reputable royal tabloids) is that princess Kate didn’t deliver the royal baby into the hands of a waiting surgeon- oh no. Instead Kate was accompanied by two faithful midwives as she birthed her first daughter. Tabloids reported that she “bonded” with said women and used them at the birth of her first child too. While we may not all get the royal treatment in a designated hospital wing for our birth, more women can (and should) choose midwifery care. In the US most women birth with OBs rather than trained specialists in natural births like midwives.
2. Keep the OB, but just for emergencies. – The tabloids (and Wikipedia) also report that while Kate had her midwives there with her, she did have trained obstetricians near- but only in case of emergency. Most women in the US take an opposite approach and birth with trained surgeons and skip midwifery care altogether. In fact, OBs are a great resource for high risk women or for births that become high risk, but not every woman needs them. Many midwives consult with an OB in case a problem arises and refer out if needed.
3. Feel beautiful- We have all seen the pictures of Kate, just hours after giving birth, radiant on the steps of the hospital. While heels and a new dress aren’t required, every birthing woman SHOULD feel beautiful when she is giving birth. She should be surrounded by support, love, and cheerleaders for this event. Why? Because a birthing woman IS beautiful. Each and every one of them. There is beauty in the raw power of birth and we shouldn’t be surprised or angered by it.
4. Be pampered- We all know that those luscious curls didn’t curl themselves. Kate has “staff”. And while you may not be a duchess of anything, you deserve to be pampered during and after your birth. Every woman, no matter her situation financial or otherwise, could use some help around the house, cooking meals, cleaning up, and giving her a chance to bathe and practice self care. Yes, even you. It might be someone in your family, your partner, or even a postpartum doula.
5. Supportive partner– Who doesn’t love those pics of the Duke himself holding their older child or looking on with awe? Every woman should have a partner who loves her, supports her, and is an active and integral part of her pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Partners matter and they don’t have to be a duke to be awesome and prepared.

Anytime a celebrity has a baby the world pays attention. It is a beautiful thing that we still get excited about something as commonplace as birth. And while royal births aren’t realistic for most of us (and who would want to have a photo shoot in heels just after giving birth or the pressure surrounding that?!) we can remember that birth and the women who do it deserve to be honored, respected, and cared for during this time. As Ina May says, ”If a woman doesn’t look like a goddess during labor, then someone isn’t treating her right.”

Maybe we need to treat birthing women a little better.