As you may, or may not be aware, sister #2 of the Kardashian trifecta gave birth yesterday morning to a healthy baby girl. Penelope Scotland Disick was born naturally-- weighing in at 7 pounds 14 ounces, to mommy Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick.
Though I'm not a fan of their mega hit show, nor do I get the hype surrounding who Kim is dating, I find it fascinating that a woman, like Kourtney, who's last name is synonymous with glitz, glam, and, let's face it, superficiality, has become this shiny, air-brushed, beacon of hope for the natural birthing community.
Is anyone as confused as I am?
I, like you, would have envisioned the birth of her first child, Mason, to include all the spectacle of Kim's 5 minute wedding. However, it was shocking to me when I saw footage of the actual birth.
It took place in a calm, dimly-lit hospital room, surrounded by staff, her sisters, mama Kris, and Scott. The crazy part was---there was no screaming, no frantic nurses, or even much grunting. Kourtney pushed that baby out like a seasoned birther and caught him as he entered the world.
I don't know about you, but that shocked the shit out of me.
I couldn't believe someone so seemingly concerned about aesthetics (she put on a full face of make-up while in labor) could be so centered and in-tune with the way nature intended for babies to be born.
"...my experience last time was so peaceful and calm and everything you don't see in the movies. And I really wanted to share that with people so they knew it doesn't have to be a crazy screaming session."YES! Thank you Kourtney for showing young women, all over the world, that birth doesn't have to be this scary, dangerous, or hell even painful experience. Don't get me wrong, birth is hard work. It requires mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. If done naturally magnify that 10 fold. But here's a little secret----women were MADE for it!
All of the mental and physical qualities needed to complete this amazing, miraculous deed are in each and every one of us. We are stronger and more kick-ass than the media would have us believe. Obviously Kourtney didn't buy into the hype surrounding birth....and her family damn near created the word!
There seems to be a growing community, among female celebrities, who are abandoning medicated deliveries, and in some cases, even the hospital. Giselle Bundchen, Idina Menzel, Nicole Richie, Jessica Alba, and Halle Berry all gave birth to their babes with nothing more than a push and a prayer. Actresses Alyson Hannigan, Demi Moore, Alanis Morissette, and of course Ricki Lake delivered their babies in the comfort of their home.
Now, I'm not one to follow celebrity trends (who the hell thought Ugg's were EVER OK?), but showing women their power in birth is something I can definitely stand behind!
I applaud Miss K. for becoming such a public advocate of natural birth and breast feeding. In her blog she shared how much she enjoyed extended nursing, and only weened, her now 2 year old son Mason, once the time felt right, saying, "I seriously could cry just thinking about it being over."
| Kourtney Kardashian and baby Mason |
Do you think celebrities have helped natural birthing and breast feeding become more "normal"?
Kommending Kourtney in Granolaville,
