The modern mama-to-be may be focused on a smooth delivery, but she’s also focused on a Facebook friendly photo! Thanks to social media, and gadgets that instantly stream pictures and video, giving birth has gone public…and parents want to be prepared!
Parenting Magazine’s Ana Connery says a growing number of mothers are now getting glam for the big day, indulging in everything from spa treatments to designer hospital gowns.
“Moms have really changed their attitude in terms of how they want their delivery experience to be. Once the baby comes, you can pretty much tell the world within seconds. You want to look your best, you want your baby to be presented to the world in a certain way,” says Connery.
Joan Diamond is the Perinatal Nurse Manager at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and estimates at least 50% of women doll up for delivery.
“They know they’re going to be on camera. This is like their shining moment. This is comparable to their wedding day, if you will,” she says.
For many, that means coming armed with a slew of get-pretty goodies…like a hair dryer, a flat iron, even a cosmetics bag. An increase in scheduled deliveries, like C-sections, has also given birth to this trend, allowing parents to prep for a close-up weeks before they’re even due.
“They have little rattles and pacifiers painted on their nails. Same thing with their toes, of course. They’re getting special waxings. They’re getting facials,” says Diamond.
New mom Erin says a doctor scheduled C-section made it easier to style her snapshots, which were sent into cyberspace hours after her daughter’s arrival.
“I treated it like a regular day. I got up. I took a shower. I did my makeup. I did my hair. I actually did pack a nightgown, just hoping really that I could get out of the hospital gown at some point.”
Some moms even pack hospital gowns with a twist! Rachel Zinny is the creator of DearJohnnies, designer versions that are anything but ordinary! Adorned with colorful patterns and ties, they allow moms to add some fashionable flair to their birth day. Popular designs include the Lucy, CeCe, Rory and Lola. (Side note: I’ve already stocked up on the Rory for my May due date!)
DearJohnnies Rory Gown, $72
“The bright, strong colors and patterns look amazing, pop in photos, and fade the hospital gray right into the background where it should be," says Zinny.
Within the last two years, DearJohnnies has seen a steady climb in the number of orders. The gowns have made an appearance on ABC’s Private Practice, and have also been worn by stars like Bethenny Frankel and Samantha Harris. Zinny says the primping trend isn’t just about looking good...it’s about feeling good!
“All eyes are on your first photos that you email, post and tweet. The reality is when you look better, you feel better…and when you feel better, you heal better!”
In the end, our experts say it all comes down to comfort level. Still, Connery cautions….
“It’s also a little bit of pressure that moms didn’t have before, knowing that everybody is going to expect to hear from them a lot sooner than they used to.”
Erin says while her daughter was the most gorgeous thing in the delivery room, she’s happy she had time to put on her face.
“It just made me feel good about myself. I went in looking good and I came out looking good!”
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