Why We are Better for the Celebrity Bump
Having just spent some time deep in The Baby Bump (which, if asked, I would have titled, Bumping up Careers, One baby at a Time) in today’s New York Times, I want to first commend Jacob Bernstein for a well-researched, engaging piece and then slap him for missing the other side of the story. All he shares is true – he does a careful job of tracing the history of the thriving Bump Business. Mr. Bernstein tackles the profit center, career booster questions with savvy. What he misses is the positive side of the equation. He fails to examine how celebrity pregnancies, played out in public view actually give back and otherwise contribute to the experiences of more than 4-million pregnant women in this country. And so while, yes – there is a way to interpret celebrity pregnancy though the lens of commercialism, I suggest we take a bit of a deeper dive.
In defense and even appreciation to these celebrity gestaters – a quick inventory of what they are giving back along the road to baby:
- Normalized Pregnancy – Out of back rooms and suddenly on full view, while sometimes extreme, these very public pregnancies open the windows and doors WIDE and allow us to see a broader view of pregnancy (for better or for worse). And with that there is a change in the candor, content and scope of dialog – not just on-set but around water coolers as well.
- New Vocabulary, Confidence and the rise of the “Experiential Pregnancy” – The Hollywood bump-set give pregnant women a sense of confidence, style, and a new view to a range of real, radiating beauty. Since early aughts the style community has risen to the occasion as well – suddenly maternity fashion (thank you Liz Lange) and nursery décor (check out project nursery, for example) were elevated to meet the desires and aspirations of main street parents (In reaction to the new view of Melrose and Madison avenue parents). Our new vocabulary included (and does to this day) glow, maternity chic, fourth trimester, etc. – making the challenges and triumphs of one’s changing body and lifestyle a shared, open experience.
- Expectant Parents – before the celebrity baby boom hit, we did not include Dad in much of the baby talk. This wave of celebrity family has certainly played a part in bringing Dad into focus and view – what used to be “her” pregnancy became “our” pregnancy. And with the birth of a Dad came a new version of Dad, in a wide range of populations. This year saw the first male breastfeeding blogger, for example. And many a Diaper Dude is carried with paternal hipster pride.
AND MY BURRIED LEAD – PHILANTHROPY, EDUCATION and CARE
- Celebrities have loaned their voices, status and energy to critical work focused on raising much needed funds and awareness for issues effecting all populations of families. I have been honored to work on a wide range of projects with expectant and new celebrity parents and remain grateful for all they have given back. They have raised their voices and pointed attention to causes that need it most. When Christie Turlington throws herself into Every Mother Counts or Jewel donates nursing bras in her name to Baby Buggy’s efforts in her adopted home state of Texas this ignites change. When Gwyneth Paltrow or Melissa Rycroft openly share their battle with postpartum depression (PPD) or Jennifer Garner discusses breast-feeding and back-to-work challenges it increases awareness and care around issues that were once quiet and cloaked. The list goes on and on – and it should! These celebrities have marked their entry into parenthood with very meaningful and powerful gestures that help to advance not only the conversation around key issues but also the outcomes for all families.
In the end, the story is that of a bigger picture, both sides of the equation and how the game is advanced for all parents with celebrity parents on the front lines.
April 29th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
I have not read the article yet, so perhaps he discussed this but… celebrity pregnancy also sometimes brings to the forefront fertility discussions. Look at Guilana and Bill. This certainly hasnt been an easy road for them, but their openness about their fertility issues have given voice to so many others. Nice post, Julia!
April 29th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Kara,
Thank you for your feedback. And yes, this is exactly right – thanks to the increased coverage of celebrity pregnancies– issues such as fertility are given quality attention and coverage. And frankly, brought out of the closet. We learn about the range of experience, personal challenges, and solutions from the increased coverage. We begin to feel comfortable and open. Breastfeeding is another excellent example. Look how candidly Jennifer Garner, Hillary Duff, Angelina Jolie and a myriad of other Mamas openly discuss feeding – frustrations, victories and all. This keeps us all feeling in the range of normal – and frankly, creates a legitimate support system that is needed, necessary and appreciated.
April 29th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
I read the article and I completely agree with your take. I don’t really care that he talked about the career boosts of several insignificant celebrities (in my opinion!) but I do think that there have been brave women who have spoken out on many issues surrounding pregnancy, child birth, infertility, adoption, healthy alternatives (sometimes a little overboard but hey…). I am working on the Pregnancy Awareness Event next week in LA and am so impressed at the continued increase of information, products and support available. My son just turned 10 and I think the last 10 years has seen so much progress. I think this comes from a combination of things including lots of smart parents, Moms getting more involved and informed, Mompreneurs finding a place for many useful things missed before, celebrities endorsements and voice, Dad’s getting more involved – it all adds up to being good for us.
April 30th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
As ‘trite’ as it may sound…celebrity has taken pregnancy out of the closet and has made pregnancy beautiful. Did our mothers revel in showing off their baby bumps? Was pregnancy the stuff of water cooler conversation? As the commentator above noted…so much has changed over the past decade…and let the conversation continue! Viva la celebrity baby bump!!