Why Beyonce's Confession About Her C-Section Is So Important, Summarized in 1 Tweet
In September's issue of Vogue, Beyonce opened up about a shocking secret: Last year, she had an emergency c-section that almost killed her.
"I was 218 pounds the day I gave birth to Rumi and Sir," she wrote in the essay Vogue published. "I was swollen from toxemia and had been on bed rest for over a month. My health and my babies’ health were in danger, so I had an emergency C-section. We spent many weeks in the NICU." She says the situation was life or death. "I was in survival mode and did not grasp it all until months later."
However, it's not only the strength Beyonce showed during her emergency surgery that's inspiring – her love and care for her post-surgery body is just as moving.
Beyonce says she's "embraced being curvier," and has found beauty in her experience.
"After the C-section, my core felt different. It had been major surgery. Some of your organs are shifted temporarily, and in rare cases, removed temporarily during delivery... I needed time to heal, to recover," the pop star wrote. "I gave myself self-love and self-care, and I embraced being curvier. I accepted what my body wanted to be."
Many moms understand the struggle of accepting baby weight and allowing the body to recover – especially when tabloids seem to be timing pregnant women's weight loss. But despite it being hard in the spotlight, Beyonce has allowed her body to be as it is.
"To this day my arms, shoulders, breasts, and thighs are fuller," she wrote. "I have a little mommy pouch, and I’m in no rush to get rid of it. I think it’s real... right now, my (bigger bikini area) and I feel like we are meant to be."
While Beyonce might've thought she was just sharing her story, one Twitter user perfectly articulates what it means to see a pop star accept the "flaws" we don't see in the media everyday.
Cyndi Graham wrote: "This is so beautifully written. I’ve spent years with body shame from my c-section scar. This introduces a new level of acceptance that I hope every woman can embrace."
Mothers across social media have shared how important Beyonce's self-love is to them in their journey to accept c-section scars and post-baby bodies. And I mean, it's hard not to be inspired. Beyonce gave birth then performed at Coachella. But she recognizes she is still far from perfect (believe it or not!), and preaches self-love to every lady out there. Even those of us who haven't performed at Madison Square Garden.
"I was patient with myself and enjoyed my fuller curves," she says. "I think it’s important for women and men to see and appreciate the beauty in their natural bodies."
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