A to Z Challenge
IF there's one phrase guaranteed to set my teeth on edge, it's "yummy mummy".
I'm not sure if my friends across the pond use this description as they have mommies rather than mummies so for anyone who doesn't know what they are here's the simple dictionary definition: "an attractive and fashionably dressed young mother". But the phrase has taken on a connotation that is so much more than that.
While lots of mums of very young children struggle to find a shirt to put on in the morning that isn't stained with vomit, spit or pureed carrots, these women walk tall and proud dressed in pristine designer gear with not a hair out of place. And they are those celebrities who almost as soon as baby has popped out are photographed with their lithe toned bodies in bikinis.
Yummy mummyism starts even before the baby is born. While the average mum-to-be resorts to wearing Halford's tents in the later stages of pregnancy, yum mum is showing off her perfect little bump in tiny tops, not a stretch mark or excess pound of flesh in sight.
Before giving birth many young mums aspire to be yummy mummified. They read the articles and fantasise about all the time they will have on their hands once they give up work and become a mum (hah!). They want to be glamorous and their life to be effortless.
Afterwards the reality of being on call 24 hours a day for a perfectly precious but all-consuming little despot destroys these thoughts in a shower of wee, poo, vomit and talc. So all these yummy mummies do nothing for the rest of the sisterhood except make them feel inadequate.
What aspiring yummy mummies may not realise is that Ms Flick-My-Hair standing beside her with her Gucci accessories and baby in a pram the size of an SUV has an army of help at home - from nannies and au pairs to gardeners and cleaners. You have your mum who pops round to lend a hand if she lives near enough.
So don't despair non-yummy mummy, you're doing a grand job and don't let anyone else tell you any differently. Don't worry if you're not like this:
I'm not sure if my friends across the pond use this description as they have mommies rather than mummies so for anyone who doesn't know what they are here's the simple dictionary definition: "an attractive and fashionably dressed young mother". But the phrase has taken on a connotation that is so much more than that.
While lots of mums of very young children struggle to find a shirt to put on in the morning that isn't stained with vomit, spit or pureed carrots, these women walk tall and proud dressed in pristine designer gear with not a hair out of place. And they are those celebrities who almost as soon as baby has popped out are photographed with their lithe toned bodies in bikinis.
Yummy mummyism starts even before the baby is born. While the average mum-to-be resorts to wearing Halford's tents in the later stages of pregnancy, yum mum is showing off her perfect little bump in tiny tops, not a stretch mark or excess pound of flesh in sight.
Before giving birth many young mums aspire to be yummy mummified. They read the articles and fantasise about all the time they will have on their hands once they give up work and become a mum (hah!). They want to be glamorous and their life to be effortless.
Afterwards the reality of being on call 24 hours a day for a perfectly precious but all-consuming little despot destroys these thoughts in a shower of wee, poo, vomit and talc. So all these yummy mummies do nothing for the rest of the sisterhood except make them feel inadequate.
What aspiring yummy mummies may not realise is that Ms Flick-My-Hair standing beside her with her Gucci accessories and baby in a pram the size of an SUV has an army of help at home - from nannies and au pairs to gardeners and cleaners. You have your mum who pops round to lend a hand if she lives near enough.
So don't despair non-yummy mummy, you're doing a grand job and don't let anyone else tell you any differently. Don't worry if you're not like this:
but more like this:
- I have another blog in the A to Z Challenge called That's Purrfect.
I think the U.S. version of that is MILF--Mommies I'd Like to F----. Yes, I find it annoying.
ReplyDelete@Kathleen01930
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We have the phrase MILF too! I'll be over to visit your blog soon now my hectic week is over.
DeleteGreat term - haven't heard that one. Course, a JLo photo shoot like that one would include a stylist, a makeup artist, a fluffer (my term, I'm guessing), and an entourage for encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThe cartoon is reality.
Fluffer! I like that and I could do with one myself!I'll be over to visit soon now my hectic week is over.
DeleteEek, I've just started working for a company that caters to yummy mummies, and I can confirm they are a terrifying breed apart.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds exciting! I hope you have enjoyed your A to Z blogging and are going to keep up posting regularly. Your dad was a brilliant writer and you are following in his footsteps.
DeleteFantastic post and I totally agree! I know a few mums who will really appreciate reading this, thank you :)
ReplyDelete@LunaNoctis from There She Goes
Thank you for your comment. I'm now off to visit your blog - see your there!
DeleteAll those in magazines that look so put together can probably afford lots of help to give the appearance of perfection.
ReplyDeleteAll the female models have been airbrushed out of existence!
DeleteThe whole concept is pretty funny. Although I have never been a mum or a mom, I do understand and sympathise.
ReplyDeleteImpossible for ordinary mums to follow in their footsteps!
DeleteMy friend told me that many get a c section so they can get an instant tummy tuck. What is sad is when a famous person take the normal route and gets slammed by all the entertainment shows and magazines. I wonder, if in 35 years of these plastic people will have major health issues from all the stuff they are doing. A mom, a true mom, is there24/7 even when they want to kill you. My mom was there for me and she never looked plastic but she looked beautiful to me
ReplyDeleteThat's so true.
DeleteMy mother is 95 and is still absolutely beautiful to me!
Reading Kathleen's comment, I have to say it was my thought, as well. Ugh... Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm River. Found your blog via your comment at Belva block. I'm very glad yummy mummies weren't even a figment of imagination when I had my children. It's quite a horrifying concept, trying to be perfect for the world to see when all you really need to focus on is your own baby and getting enough sleep. (Nap when the baby does)
ReplyDelete