New mothers and looking good. While it’s not yet known if the former actress will pose for the cameras outside of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in London, one thing we do know is that she’ll be spending a lot of time getting ready before she steps out in public.
It’s no secret that new mothers are under immense pressure to look perfect, with many feeling the need to lose all traces of baby weight and get their hair and make-up done before they leave the house.
But just how long does it take new mums to get ready? We spoke to five women who gave birth within the last year to find out.
Allison, 27, mum to one-year-old daughter:
I remember being in hospital and thinking that I needed to put on some make-up before my husband took a photo of me holding our baby girl. I had no energy and my skin was dry from all the hormones, but I didn’t want to look like a total mess in the first photo of our daughter. It probably took me about 45 minutes to do a basic foundation, mascara and lip balm routine.
Rachel, 30, mum to seven-month-old twins:
I feel like I spend more time getting ready now that I have twins than I ever did when I only had one child! It usually takes me about two hours from start to finish, including showering, doing my hair and make-up and getting dressed. My husband is usually pretty good at helping with the twins while I get ready, but there have been times when I’ve had to bring them into the bathroom with me so I can keep an eye on them while I shower!
Emily, 24, mum to four-month-old son:
It probably takes me close to three hours to get ready now that I have a baby. I have to shower while my husband watches our son, then do my hair and make-up while he gets him dressed. By the time we’re both ready to leave the house, it feels like we’ve been getting ready for days!
Jenna, 28, mum to two-year-old daughter:
It definitely takes me longer to get ready now than it did before I had kids. It’s not uncommon for me to spend two hours in the bathroom on a Saturday morning doing my hair and make-up. My husband is usually pretty understanding if I need some extra time getting ready for something important, but he also knows that he can expect a long wait if we’re going out on a date night!