"Meghan showed the world something that many of her royal predecessors have covered up: what a woman’s body looks like a mere 48 hours after birth."

"Her simple and understated white dress did not hide what her body had gone through. A simple belt tied high above her waist, in fact, seemed to be an intentional signal. It was as if she was saying to the world, 'Hey, I told you you’d have to wait a couple of days before you could see me, and this is what I look like. This is what happens to a woman’s body...' It was the first thing I noticed about the photos, actually, and in our office chat about this important breaking news, one of my colleagues, who is also a mother, was the first person I heard really put to words the power of the image. It felt refreshing and validating, to both of us, to see a high-profile woman reflect the reality of a postpartum body."

From "The subtle but important message Duchess Meghan is sending new moms about giving birth" by By Madhulika Sikka (in WaPo).

Yes, it really was surprising and daring. I wonder how many people who haven't given birth have any idea this is the reality: You still look pregnant after you have a baby. I didn't know that until I had a baby myself. There's an immense coverup, and thanks to the Duchess for being out and proud. That was nice and helpful!