On blaming the victim for their reproductive struggles
Ableism, baby soul readiness, and neglected "womb voices"
Momfluencer culture is a lot of things. Sometimes it’s consumerism by way of affiliate links for status strollers, linen baby slings, and MLM leggings. Sometimes it’s education by way of accredited mental health experts. Sometimes it’s inspiration by way of bespoke nurseries and DIY diaper balms. Sometimes it’s aspiration by way of clean countertops and clutter-free play rooms. Sometimes it’s white ideals of maternal femininity. Sometimes it’s ballet. Sometimes it’s a slice of pineapple that looks like a star.
And sometimes it’s ableist as hell!
I have no opinion about anyone’s individual choices regarding maternal healthcare. I also have zero expertise in maternal healthcare. ZERO. And to be fair, @trusting_birth states in their bio “Not Medical Advice,” so I guess it’s on me for assuming the following slides imply a certain level of expertise. But I don’t very much care to assess the intentions behind this particular account or this particular post because the effects are crystal clear.
Having trouble getting pregnant? MAYBE (according to the caption of this post), “there is a time and place for science,” but maybe (also according to the caption) “the medical system loves to play the savior role to a woman’s womb yet again” and you need to invest a little “healthy critical thinking” into whether or not you actually need IVF or other fertility treatments. Maybe that “healthy critically thinking” will reveal that all you really need is not the type of medical intervention which has resulted in one million babies being born between 1987-2015, but simply a different diet, a “balanced” gut, less toxins, less “inflammation,” “etc. etc.”