One of the primary roles of a woman is to give birth; she is the only human gender with the reproductive opportunity to produce young humans. Many centuries ago, and even now in some parts of the world, a woman is seen as incomplete if she cannot give birth to a child or children. Even now, when radical feminists argue that women should have reproductive rights, we still cannot deny the fact that women are still expected to give birth.
I am not here to debate whether or not a woman should give birth. I am here to advocate for the appreciation of women after they perform this task. “There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ, they would brag about it.” – Ina May Gaskin. Sometimes, I think if women did not have the superpower to give birth, we would be regarded as mere vessels for sex.
Childbirth should not be seen as a normal routine, but as the sacrifice a woman makes for the continuity of the human race. Women cannot truly find the words to explain the pain they endure during gestation and childbirth.
I believe a man should reward his wife for bearing his children. If surrogate mothers are paid or rewarded, then biological mothers should also be rewarded. We realize the worth and complexity of childbirth when it is difficult. I am not talking about gifting all the fancy stuff; I am talking about gifting thoughtfully according to your capability.
A woman’s strength stretches beyond her comprehension during gestation and childbirth. She is at her most vulnerable; she’s connecting to a divine world – a world she might not come back from.
Push gifts can serve as a way to show appreciation for a job well done – not that you’re paying her, but you’re acknowledging her sacrifice. She is eager to get back in shape for you. She is also eager to have more children, if she wants to.
In African history, even now in some places, men kill animals for their wives after childbirth – the meat is usually used for the naming ceremony, so I do not count it. But the intentionality of gifting your wife shows how much you love her. A woman giving birth to your children shows how much she wants to build a future with you.
Gift her favorite jewelry if you can! That car? She’s worth more than that! Go all out for her, because, man, she tries! A war of birth took place in her body; she’s more than a fighter. I don’t know about other women, but I believe I will appreciate a push gift from my future husband!
By Eyitayo Jemimah Ajayi
