Please let this be a unity horse. Because ew. I've always been thankful that I couldn't see that portion of the birthing process.
People kept talking to me about using a mirror.
NO I DO NOT WANT TO USE A MIRROR?! Do you want me to have this baby or run away screaming in horror?'
The mirror in my room was on the opposite wall, so if I looked up, I saw. There was a split second where I decided to stop avoiding the mirror. That split second is burned in my memory. Sorry, no, I didn't want to see that.
I really don't care. A new mom paying her money to come in and do her hair or make-up is way down on my list of issues to gripe about. If it makes you feel good to have that done, by all means go for it.
Please let this be a unity horse. Because ew. I've always been thankful that I couldn't see that portion of the birthing process.
People kept talking to me about using a mirror.
NO I DO NOT WANT TO USE A MIRROR?! Do you want me to have this baby or run away screaming in horror?'
OK here's where I get a bit crunchy. The first time I was like OMFGWTFBBQ are you kidding me?? NO i don't want to see that! But the second time, I had the world's best epidural and was feeling totally chill while pushing - they asked me, and I was like, ok sure. So I could see her head coming out and, maybe it was the drugs, but I was like OH MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING I AM GIVING BIRTH TO A WHOLE NEW LIFE I AM SO AWESOME WOMEN ARE SO AWESOME THIS IS AWESOME LIFE IS AWESOME!!!
Did I mention it was the most amazing epidural ever?
I have photos from DS's birth and I'm not wearing makeup and my hair is a mess from being sweaty and in pain before I said epidural please. And the pics immediately after birth were great. But you can bet your ass I brought my own hair dryer and makeup to the hospital. And not even for photos - just because I feel better about myself with a little makeup and straight hair!
I wouldn't choose to have someone come in immediately after birth to do my hair, but a few hours later, sure why not? If time allows, before I head to the hospital this time around, I plan to shower, blow dry my hair, and put a little make up on. That's what I do every day so why would I choose not to on the day I will give birth to my daughter?
NO I DO NOT WANT TO USE A MIRROR?! Do you want me to have this baby or run away screaming in horror?'
The mirror in my room was on the opposite wall, so if I looked up, I saw. There was a split second where I decided to stop avoiding the mirror. That split second is burned in my memory. Sorry, no, I didn't want to see that.
I was standing at my best friend's head when she had her first. She wanted the mirror, and this before I had a full term birth of my own. Talk about burned into your memory.
My take: If seeing a pic on FB of the five or six women actually doing this makes you feel some kinda way, that's on YOU. If you see it and feel like YOU need to take some action or step up your game to compete, that is YOUR stuff. That woman just wanted to look good in her pic and posted it on her social network. I personally don't feel like I have to or need to look fucked up in a picture so that other women can feel some kind of sisterhood bond with me, and I hope other women don't feel that way either, cause fuck that noise.
This. I did not push a baby out and I wanted the real moment when I first held my son (as if pushing out makes the pictures more memorable err something). This whole board wet themselves for months about makeup...enough to have a new board. I love makeup, too, but the thread was ginormous and I am surprised anyone cares. I also blame Princess Kate for this fauxnomenon. Finally, again, this. If you care, it is on you. Go on with your FB self...
Please let this be a unity horse. Because ew. I've always been thankful that I couldn't see that portion of the birthing process.
People kept talking to me about using a mirror.
NO I DO NOT WANT TO USE A MIRROR?! Do you want me to have this baby or run away screaming in horror?'
The hospital I had S in had the mirror mounted into the ceiling, so there was no avoiding it, even when reading between pushes. After maybe a contraction or two of trying not to look, I gave up.
I credit that mirror for pushing that kid out in 12 minutes flat.
On OP, I'm in the eclaires camp - I have those photos. They are for ME. No one else.
My take: If seeing a pic on FB of the five or six women actually doing this makes you feel some kinda way, that's on YOU. If you see it and feel like YOU need to take some action or step up your game to compete, that is YOUR stuff. That woman just wanted to look good in her pic and posted it on her social network. I personally don't feel like I have to or need to look fucked up in a picture so that other women can feel some kind of sisterhood bond with me, and I hope other women don't feel that way either, cause fuck that noise.
My SIL had her third child via scheduled C two months after I labored for 24 hours after being rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night and then had an emergency C. I didn't use FB then, but I sent some around to family and friends. I didn't think anything of it until SIL sent hers. She had a full night's sleep, woke up and showered, did her hairs and put on a full face. Two hours later, she still looked fabulous. I won't lie, when I learned I would have a scheduled C with Stella, my vain ass was secretly thrilled my pics would look great. And they did - lol.
I had scheduled c-sections and wore makeup to both because I knew I'd like the pictures better. I don't really care if that gets me a side-eye, and don't act like it's sooo different, because it's not. I just lucked out that labor wasn't in the cards for my first two.
I'm late on this thread and hadn't read this, but I just posted the same thing!
NO I DO NOT WANT TO USE A MIRROR?! Do you want me to have this baby or run away screaming in horror?'
OK here's where I get a bit crunchy. The first time I was like OMFGWTFBBQ are you kidding me?? NO i don't want to see that! But the second time, I had the world's best epidural and was feeling totally chill while pushing - they asked me, and I was like, ok sure. So I could see her head coming out and, maybe it was the drugs, but I was like OH MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING I AM GIVING BIRTH TO A WHOLE NEW LIFE I AM SO AWESOME WOMEN ARE SO AWESOME THIS IS AWESOME LIFE IS AWESOME!!!
Did I mention it was the most amazing epidural ever?
Clearly laced with morphine. Lol. That's awesome, though!