Oh boy. Just when you think society has hit rock-bottom with vanity and narcissism, you read something that proves you deliriously wrong. According to an article on the Boston Globe website, the latest new-parent trend is (and please, prepare yourselves for this one) immediate post-partum primping. You know, for the photos that are obviously going to be posted on Facebook and Twitter five minutes later.
The gals who confess to bringing stylists and make-up artists into the delivery room insist that there’s no reason not to look your Glamour Shots best when you present your newborn bundle to the world via various social media outlets. One even likened after-birth beauty-obsession to the wisdom of putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others. (Because sporting fresh mascara is helping whom?) This is my only beef with the process: It’s not about you anymore. That squirming, mewing, delicious pink bundle in your arms is the new star of the show, and no one's picking apart your post-labor "look."
I’m no stranger to vanity. I like a nice blow-out as much as the next gal and I did make sure to get a pedi as both of my due dates approached (although it was more about the foot rub than pretty, polished toes). I admit I’ve seen photos of the occasional new-mom friend clearly taken in the moments immediately after delivery and thought, “How the hell does she look so good?” Because, and I can’t put too fine a point on this, in my own pictures I very much resemble a blotchy, sweat-soaked whale. You know, because I had spent the past 25 hours bringing a new person into the world. It’s grueling, painful work -- and I have the pictures to prove it.
Did you (or will you) primp after childbirth? Chime in below!
