This past weekend, we attended a two day prenatal class at the hospital. We learned so much about the anatomy of a pregnant woman, the stages and type of deliveries and other general information, including some videos of the labour process that almost made me vomit.
It was a much needed class for us as we had no idea what my innards look like. When I was introducing myself in class, I joked that I didn't know enough to know what I don't know. But, after this class, I am proud to say that I now do know enough to know what I don't know (LOL).
Overall, learning all these “common facts” about pregnancy for the very first time made me realize how little Western women educate our fellow sisters about any of it. In other countries, women constantly witness and share these vital details as part of daily lives.
Of course, if you have friends with kids or family members with children, you would have a better understanding of pregnancy. However, I am questioning why this knowledge is not available for general consumption. I know Google is available to help, but it could be overwhelming due to information overload.
Also, if we take a look at social media (especially on Instagram), you often come across pregnant women who are remotely honest or real about this whole pregnancy thing. All you see are beautiful maternity clothings (providing promotional code to get you buy buy buy), or silly selfies showing off their bumps and telling you how great they feel. You would have thought all pregnancy entailed was eating ice cream and decorating the nursery. No wonder that's all I knew about pregnancy before I got pregnant!
Not many women on social media would talk about what it really is like being pregnant, maybe for fear of judgment? On top of that, these women on social media loves to talk about postnatal and how fast they were able to fit into their jeans post baby. But, they would tell you they worked so hard to have their bodies back, etc. Many of these women called themselves 'fit mom' and they are turning the focus on women's body. In their minds, they would like to think that they are helping and empowering other women. But I think not, to me, they are simply seeking validation from other women and hoping to collect some likes and followers.
P.S. Me at home and trying to rest. Pregnancy really takes a lot out of me and I am in a lot of pain due to pelvic floor issues
Sisters, instead of putting selfies of yourself for others to admire (they hope). Why not really help other women by showing us the good, the bad and the ugly about pregnancy. Seriously, I didn't know some women need to use Depend afterwards (LOL).
I honestly think it is much healthier to talk real about pregnancy, in order to help our sisters!