What is a Push Present? Should I expect one?

I learned about Push Presents from a Mom Bloggers group which I joined 3 years ago. Apparently, it’s a huge trend in the US.

Let me give you wiki’s definition:

A Push Present (also called a push gift) is a present that the partner or woman’s family gives to the birthing mother to mark the occasion of her giving birth to their child. In practice the present may be given before or after the birth, or even in the delivery room.

So, yes! It’s a gift you get for having a baby.

It can be as simple as chocolates, a romantic dinner, a spa treatment, or new mommy clothes and shoes.

However, husbands who have cha-ching, choose to give extravagant push presents like designer handbags, huge diamond rings, luxury cars, shopping sprees, or first-class vacations. Those spoiled b*tches! Hahaha! #Jealous

I’ve asked my Mom-friends about their take on Push Presents and the result:

50% wants (or expects) to receive one from the hubby.
20% doesn’t want to expect ‘coz they might end up disappointed. Haha! Pero, yes, they want one… or 2!
20% doesn’t think it’s necessary.
10% just can’t decide yet. Like, if they get a present, then yey! But if they don’t, it’s still ok.

Me? I’m all for push presents. Coz after going through all the pregnancy craziness for 9 months, getting cut open (twice!), and breastfeeding for a year, I think I deserve a nice gift and a little pampering… on a fancy resort by the beach… with overflowing champagne! Haha!

Because let’s be honest, after giving birth, everyone’s main focus is the baby: Is the baby properly fed? Why is the baby crying? Did the baby get all the check-up and vaccines already? It’s all about the baby…

Us, mothers, are pushed to the sidelines. We become background noise. It doesn’t matter if we go home engorged, stitched up, weak, and in pain. We are still expected to breastfeed, change diapers, handle colic, and wake up every 2 hours at night (to feed the baby).

I’m not complaining.

I actually don’t mind doing all those messy and tiresome stuff because it’s for our precious little baby. I’m just saying that it’s nice to get some attention once in a while. That includes receiving a special gift for delivering a child into the world. Sort of like a “we appreciate you and everything you do” kind of a gesture. My first Mother’s Day gift, if you will…

So, did I get a push present, you ask?

Yaas!! I really didn’t expect it, but hey, I’m not complaining. My sweet sweet husband surprised me with a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 after I gave birth to Altair. It was the perfect gift ‘coz I’ve been a Note user for 6 years now. The camera takes gorgeous photos of the kids! Thanks for the upgrade, Porky!

Just a few notes:

If you have a pregnant friend who is the type to expect a push present but you know that her husband has no clue whatsoever… Be a good friend by giving him hints or tips. Or you can just share this blog to him!

To the Dads or Dads-to-be… Yes! Go get your wife a gift. No, don’t ask if she wants one – because SHE NEEDS ONE! It doesn’t matter if it’s a double-patty burger with fries or a Chanel bag. What matters is that she loves it and it makes her feel appreciated.