I am not Yummy Mummy…..

“My Yummy Mummy Guide” a book authored by Karishma Kapoor currently is making lot of noise amongst young mothers. Now that’s what struck me, “What is yummy mummy?”  What kind of mother is called yummy? How does she look like? What are the qualities this so called yummy mummy has?  Because to my limited knowledge yummy is an adjective mostly used for delicious food and not for human beings.

After exploring I understood that yummy mummy is a slang term used in the United Kingdom to describe young, attractive and wealthy mothers. The term developed in the late 20th century, and was often applied to celebrity mothers who appeared to quickly regain their pre-pregnancy figures after giving birth, and would continue to lead carefree and affluent lifestyles.         

For celebrities looking young and be in shape is a need of profession. That is what they get paid for. If they want to continue to work then it is absolutely basic necessity for them. But we are so programmed to follow white skin trends for many mothers it has become obsession to become   yummy mummy immediately after delivering a child. In fact it is adding to the existing psychological pressures of women.  Psychologists said the poll showed the ugly side of the "yummy mummy" phenomenon, and accused celebrity mothers of "subverting" motherhood by making women think their figures were as important as bringing up their families. It was reported in 2008 that celebrity yummy mummies were contributing to levels of depression in young mothers, making new mothers feel "saggy, baggy and depressed" about their own bodies. You can continue to lead carefree lifestyle even with those small pounds if you are healthy.

This also takes me back to my mummy. Was she yummy mummy? Definitely not. But she is my role model. She has given me the wealth of values to live my life. She has taught me the commitment, simplicity, importance of education and family life. For me she was a woman of substance. Now this is what she has given to her daughter. She was most attractive lady for me. I always found the peace and warmth in her fatty and soft laps.  I am sure this is the fact with most of us.

It’s a high time for desi mothers (slang used for Indian mothers) what values we are inculcating in next generation. Is it importance of superficial looks or innermost radiance? It is a good phenomenon to be healthy and look pleasant but can it be the only priority in life? Why do young mothers judge other mothers only on the basis of how yummy is she? This trend is impacting society as a whole. Young girls are scared to become a mother whereas motherhood is most wonderful experience woman is blessed with. Kids are embarrassed for their mummies. What kind of India we want is completely in our hands. Do we want to copy paste foreign culture? Change in mother’s mind set changes the nations mind set. Mothers impact their children’s attitude significantly. Can we develop right attitude towards women in our kids? Can we educate our sons to respect women and make our daughters women of substance and go beyond sheer external looks? Woman of substance looks much beautiful and get immense respect than just yummy mummy.  That’s what future India need.

I am not Yummy Mummy but I am a complete woman….