Why I Got My Vag Snatched Before I Gave Birth
Waxing before delivery can seem a little extreme.
But, there are certain “ womanly things" we do as a women that some may consider to be non-negotiables. They're the things that allow you to go through life with a sense of dignity and self respect. They're tiny gestures you give to the world, and in turn yourself, letting those around you know that you respect yourself and you respect the people that enter into your personal space.
These “womanly things" were things that I've carried with all through life and as I got older, I realized that this seemingly simple nuances were not always a constant for other women around me. This reality was not only a shock to me, but it was actually a tad bit irritating.
I learned at a very young age to brush my teeth before sitting in my dentist's chair. The doctor should not see nor smell the Carne Asada burrito I more than likely scarfed down before my visit. And in case you were wondering, instead of thrusting my legs into the stirrups at the gynecologist, silently wondering if the doctor can tell that I went to the gym right before my appointment, I always make sure my schedule is clear and that I shower before any gyno appointment.
I remember when my mother completely KILLED MY EXISTENCE the day she saw my dingy, hadn't been washed in weeks, 32-barely-A cup bra peeking out of my shirt.
My mom practically snatched each and every one of my edges in disgust, as she painfully lectured me on the importance on cleanliness of my undergarments. Now, my blood starts to immediately boil and my inner mama spirit is fighting hard to not fix my lips to start reading females whenever I witness this travesty.
I guess the small grooming tidbits I learned along my short life journey was all leading up to what I like to call "the mother of all courtesies," which most women will experience during their 38th and 39th week of pregnancy.
During both of my pregnancies, around the final week before I delivered, I find my way to an esthetician for the wax of all waxes. I was determined to get a wax before delivery. Each time, you wouldn't believe how many people had so much to say about my own womanly parts!
“Why on earth would you do that?"
And my personal favorite:
“What if it causes you to go into labor?"
I mean, really? I'm sure that ANY woman would agree that if you're in your 39th week (staring down your 10th month of your body being hijacked) going into labor is NOT a bad thing. Hey, maybe I could stop shoving teaspoons of castor oil down my throat and walking around the neighborhood to naturally induce labor.
I wasn't going to shave (like you can even see down there with that big ol' belly) and the husband's unsteady hand wasn't getting remotely close to my gold mine with the clippers. So, like any other agent of good hygiene I high-tailed my wide, pregnant self to my wax lady with pride.
I know some of you are reading this like I'm crazy, but it's no different than you getting your brows waxed or polishing your nails. Waxing before delivery is not necessary, but it sure looks good. Plus, it's always a win-win if your OBGYN can actually navigate down there in that region.
For the mothers, do you consider shaving or waxing before delivery a priority or is that the last thing on your priority list?
Let me know in the comments!
- Marie
Originally posted on From A Wildflower
Featured image by Shutterstock
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
ItGirl In Motion: DonYé Taylor Asked Herself This Question When Creating Her Brainchild
"Being an 'ItGirl' is all about being yourself and taking all of the elements that make you who you are and displaying them at your highest capability," creative brainiac DonYé Taylor says in the introduction of the limited video series, "ItGirl In Motion."
In partnership with Hyundai, xoNecole has unveiled the limited series in conjunction with our inaugural ItGirl 100 list. The list boasts 100 Black women who not only innovate and take up space when it comes to putting on for their cities, but also as the driving force behind brands that create impact for the culture. ItGirl DonYé Taylor is one of the 100 featured ladies who put her purpose into action.
ITGIRL IN MOTION with DONYE TAYLORwww.youtube.com
As a marketing consultant, content creator, and CEO, a driving force behind DonYé's ambitions has been to show others how she sees the world by "creating art and doing things that shift perspective." In founding her brainchild, Nüclei, which is coincidentally also home to the ever-so-chic chrome brain piggybank, DonYé briefly touched on the inspiration behind the brand. "I was like, 'What would it look like if I were to be of service to myself?' And that's what made me create Nuclei," she said.
Watch the video above to take a peek into the life of the LA-based ItGirl, the importance of Black women receiving our "flowers" while we're here, and the three things she believes are absolutely essential to any ItGirl.
See our ItGirl 100 list in full here. Click through the gallery below for some BTS moments of DonYé and our partnership with Hyundai.
CREDITS
Director: Mikkoh @mikkoh
Production Company: @30inthemorning
AD/Gimbal Op: @jeffreyrattanong
DP: @jucelandrin_
Editor: @30inthemorning
1st AC: Bonnie Delgado @bonniebellevue
2nd AC: Liz Robles @lizfatimarobles
FPV Drone Op: Kai Kevin Goh @kaivertigoh
Gaffer: Nelson Nguyen @nelson_ftw
Key Grip: Ames Hoang @mangothemaker
SLT: Jamon Tolbert @jamon.tolbert
Sound Mixer: Deyo Forteza @introducingdeyo
PA: Breyona Holt @exquisite_eye
PA: Aminah Muhammad @aminahmuhamm
BTS: Marika Belamarich @marikarosegold
Featured image by Marika Belamarich for xoNecole