Meghan urged not to ‘damage new mums’ and skip tradition of posing outside hospital after birth

As the birth of her baby approaches, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has been urged to skip a very royal tradition.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is due to give birth this month and is being urged to skip the traditional photocall outside the hospital after her baby arrives.

Both Kate Middleton and Princess Diana appeared outside their maternity wards to proudly reveal their new royal babies, but some parents have claimed it puts pressure on new mums, reports The Sun.

When Kate stepped out to present Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, she looked flawless with perfect make-up and a bouncy blow dry by her hair stylist Amanda Cook Tyler.

But Chelsea Hirschhorn, CEO of parenting company Fridababy, hopes Meghan break’s the tradition.

Meghan and Harry will welcome their first child this month. Picture: AP

She wrote in an open letter: “Dear Royal Mum-To-Be,

“You will soon give birth to one of the most anticipated babies in the world and like your princess predecessors, you’ll be expected to parade outside of the hospital in front of throngs of photographers to show off your new bundle of joy shortly after giving birth.

“You’ll smile, you’ll wave, you’ll be radiant, but between your legs will be a whole different story.

“Sure your blowout will be perfect for your hospital step photo-op, but people will be opening on all the wrong things — like how soon you will fit into your pre-baby wardrobe — instead of having an honest conversation about what women go through during birth and immediately after.

“But us mums will know that while you wave from that step you’ll be one pair of mesh underwear away from your first post-baby poop (brace yourself)!

Meghan breaks with tradition for birth

Meghan’s fatal ‘weakness’ exposed

Meghan’s unlikely Aussie celeb feud

Charles and Diana leave hospital following birth of Harry in 1984. Picture: AFP

“Spoiler alert: Bringing a new life into the world usually starts with your vagina, and the aftermath is a mess.

“The bleeding and swelling will linger, peeing will burn, and sitting like your old self will feel like a herculean feat.

“And if it’s a C-section, there’s a whole host of other issues to tend to.”

Ms Hirschhorn added that no matter how glamorous Meghan may look on the day, she “won’t feel like herself”.

She said: “When the ‘big reveal’ day arrives but you’re feeling like all the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put your vagina back together again — use this stage to do your part for all women.

“Skip the pomp and circumstance of the baby parade.”

Diana and Charles with William. Picture: Getty Images

Kate and William with Charlotte. Picture: AFP

She added: “If you really can’t skip it, then at the very least flash us a glimpse of the mesh underwear underneath to keep it real.”

Although the letter is intended to be tongue-in-cheek, it serves as a reminder as to how unreasonable it is to expect women to look perfect after birth, including the royals.

According to royal correspondent Emily Andrews, a source revealed that Meghan might indeed skip the tradition for her birth.

The insider said: “Harry and Meghan realise there is intense public interest but this baby is not a direct heir to the throne and they want the birth to be as private as possible.

“Meghan is nervous about complications such as an emergency Caesarean and doesn’t want the pressure of having to look immaculate on the hospital steps just hours later.

“Like any anxious first-time mum, she’s worried about the birth itself.

William and Kate leave hospital after the birth of Louis. Picture: AFP

“As she is over 35, she is considered a slightly older mum — which sometimes can lead to some complications.

“Meghan also has the added stress of the world’s attention on her — everyone wants to catch the first glimpse of the new royal addition.

“She and Harry have decided that rather than go somewhere as public as the Lindo they will allow Meghan to recover somewhere more private.

All eyes will be on Meghan ahead of the royal birth. Picture: AP

“She just wants a normal, natural birth and to bond with her baby, without being primped and blow-dried to within an inch of her life just for the pictures.”

Last year actress Keira Knightley, criticised 37-year-old Kate’s seemingly perfect post-baby appearances.

She said the fact that Kate “was out of hospital seven hours later with her face made up and high heels on” felt unrealistic and not achievable for a lot of women.

This story was originally published in The Sun and is reprinted with permission.