You're birthing soon?
Have you:
shaved your legs and pits (if you do that)?
waxed the bits?
bought shiny, new piercings?
gotten your pedicure done?
cut and styled your hair?
When it comes to giving birth, the focus is often on the health and safety of both the mother and baby. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in the pressure for women to look perfect even during one of the most physically demanding and vulnerable moments of their lives – giving birth. This pressure is often perpetuated by celebrity culture and social media, with images of women in designer clothing and high heels while giving birth becoming increasingly common. This phenomenon has been dubbed “birthing in Louboutins” – a reference to the luxury shoe brand that has become synonymous with wealth and status.
The idea of giving birth in designer clothing may seem absurd to some, but for many women, it has become a reality. The pressure to look good during and after pregnancy has always existed, but with the rise of social media, it has become more intense. Women are bombarded with images of celebrities flaunting their perfect bodies and expensive designer outfits just hours after giving birth. This has created a new standard of beauty and perfection that many women feel they must live up to, even in the delivery room.
Remember the post birth photos of Kate Middleton? The pressure to look good during labour and delivery is not just limited to celebrities. Many hospitals and birth centres now offer “birth packages” that include professional hair and makeup services for the mother. This further reinforces the idea that a woman must look her best while giving birth, as if it is just another social event to be dressed up for.
The pressure to look perfect while giving birth can also have negative effects on a woman’s mental and emotional well-being. The physical and emotional toll of labour and delivery is already immense, and the added pressure to look good can be overwhelming for many women. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment if the birth does not go as planned or if the mother is unable to look her best due to the physical demands of labour.
Moreover, the focus on appearance during birth takes away from the true purpose of the experience – bringing a new life into the world. It reduces the miracle of childbirth to a fashion statement and places unnecessary emphasis on superficial aspects.
It is important to acknowledge that every woman’s birth experience is unique and there is no right or wrong way to give birth. Some women may feel empowered and confident in designer clothing, while others may prefer to wear comfortable and practical clothing. The most important thing is for the mother to feel comfortable and supported during this vulnerable time.
The pressure to look perfect while giving birth is a growing trend that puts unnecessary strain on women during an already challenging and life-changing experience. Society needs to shift its focus from appearance to the well-being of the mother and baby. Women should be empowered to make their own choices about how they want to give birth and not be pressured to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty. After all, giving birth is a beautiful and natural process that should be celebrated, regardless of what shoes a woman is wearing.
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