It never ceases to amaze me how the world throws curveballs my way, especially as a regular Internet explorer. Just yesterday, my social media feed was buzzing with a New York Times article titled, “Along With Babies, Hairstyles Are Arriving In Hospitals.” Naturally, my curiosity got the better of me, and I clicked on it. What I discovered felt almost satirical: post-delivery hair blowouts and makeup sessions for… photos? Surely, this was a prank!
Sure, I get that celebrities like Kate Middleton had their hair and makeup done before presenting their newborns to the world. I can understand the pressure of tradition, but let’s be real. After giving birth, who really wants to sit through a hair styling session? It’s hard to imagine that after the monumental feat of childbirth, looking camera-ready is a priority.
If you’ve ever brought a tiny human into the world, you probably know that a blowout or makeup session was likely the last thing on your mind. If not, we might not see eye to eye, and that’s okay!
Here’s what I truly wanted after delivering my child:
- A Cold Drink: I’m not talking cocktails; I mean anything to quench my thirst. After my cesarean section, I felt parched for an eternity. I even convinced my husband to bring me a wet washcloth from the bathroom, and I literally sucked the water out of it. Spoiler alert: I ended up throwing up several times. My appearance was the last thing on my mind; I was just trying to survive.
- Food to Eat: Once I was finally allowed to eat, I told the nurses I wanted whatever was quickest, even if it meant liver and lima beans. After 22 hours of labor followed by 12 hours of not eating post-surgery, I was starving! Not once did I think about what hair products I needed.
- Catheter Removal: Honestly, this should have topped my list! There’s no joy quite like having a catheter removed. The relief is unmatched and way more satisfying than any makeup application.
- A Hot Shower: If you’ve experienced childbirth, you know it’s a wild ride—messy, sweaty, and exhausting! The moment I stepped into the hospital shower, despite its less-than-ideal water pressure, was pure bliss. I didn’t care about how my hair looked; I just wanted to feel clean again!
- Comfortable Clothing: My stylish outfit? A cotton hospital gown with mesh underwear and a Texas-sized pad. I was the picture of comfort—two gowns layered, hospital socks on, and ready to enjoy some hospital food. Forget about couture; I was just happy to be cozy!
As quoted in the New York Times article, John Barrett, founder of a high-end salon, suggests that feeling good about your appearance is crucial after childbirth. He believes that not looking in the mirror and thinking, “Oh my God,” is essential for mental well-being. But honestly, that wasn’t even on my radar. Sure, feeling “normal” would have been nice, but my priorities were far different. I was more focused on figuring out how to ice my sore areas while nursing my newborn and chowing down on a turkey sandwich!
Looking back at my post-delivery photos, I see swollen cheeks, a pale complexion, and a face that screams, “What just happened?” Yet, I also see a woman filled with joy, despite the chaos. I wouldn’t trade those raw moments for a polished appearance. If anyone had approached me with styling tools, I would have likely used my left breast as a weapon!
Ultimately, I cherish those unglamorous moments that captured the essence of becoming a mother. If you want to dive deeper into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource and learn more about artificial insemination at Make a Mom.
In summary, the idea of post-delivery beauty rituals seems absurd to me. After childbirth, the focus should be on recovery and bonding with your new baby—not on looking glamorous.