The first time I encountered the concept of push presents was through a sensational news article about a celebrity, who received an extravagant diamond necklace after welcoming her child. Like many others, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the absurdity of it all.
Sure, we can all agree that mothers deserve an immense amount of respect and admiration for the incredible feat of childbirth. Regardless of the method—whether it’s with an epidural, a C-section, or natural birth—bringing a new life into the world is undeniably one of the toughest challenges a woman can face. After all that effort, she certainly deserves a reward of her choosing.
But is receiving a lavish gift really appropriate? At first glance, it felt like equating childbirth to a service that warrants a tip. The whole idea of push presents initially made me cringe. However, I recently realized that framing this tradition differently could actually be empowering for women. Perhaps the trend of push presents serves as a declaration: “Hey world, look what I just accomplished. I am incredible, and it’s time you recognized that.”
The Journey of Childbirth
Consider the journey of childbirth. During pregnancy—particularly with a first child—expecting mothers often receive a lot of attention. While some comments can be unsolicited and even annoying (who wants to hear they look like they’re “about to pop”?), the reality is that many women feel celebrated during this time.
Then the baby arrives. Labor can be an intense experience, and it often feels like a rite of passage that is both life-altering and, at times, traumatic. It’s arguably one of the hardest physical challenges a woman can endure. Yet, once the baby is born, the spotlight shifts to the newborn. The mother, who just accomplished something monumental, suddenly becomes a secondary character in the story.
Why not take a moment to honor the incredible feat she just achieved? Consider giving her whatever she desires. After my own children were born, I craved a hearty vegan lasagna (yes, I have peculiar taste), but I realize now that I could have asked for more. While I did seek help around the house, I often hesitated to request small gifts that could have brightened my spirits during those early days.
I remember wanting a few nice nursing tops after my first child, yet I felt guilty asking for those amidst a flurry of baby gifts. Why didn’t I just ask for what I wanted?
If push presents can simply serve as a celebration of a woman’s strength and resilience during childbirth, then let’s embrace them wholeheartedly. Women should feel entitled to whatever gifts they desire, whether it’s a simple token or a lavish piece of jewelry. So, to the celebrity who sparked my initial disdain, I apologize. Your choice of a push present might have seemed excessive, but who cares? You just brought a baby into the world.
To all the mothers out there: whether you ask for a push present or not, remember this—you deserve everything you desire after your incredible journey into motherhood. Don’t hesitate to voice your wishes. Celebrate your achievement. You are a remarkable birthing goddess.
For those considering home insemination, check out this post on at-home insemination kits for helpful resources. And for guidance on irregular cycles and conceiving at home, Intracervical Insemination provides valuable insights. Additionally, the Fertility Center at Johns Hopkins offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The tradition of push presents can be reframed as a celebration of women’s strength during childbirth. Rather than criticizing the practice, we should recognize that mothers deserve acknowledgment and gifts after their incredible journey into motherhood. Whether it’s something small or extravagant, new moms should feel empowered to request what they desire following the birth of their child.