BETWEEN 2015 AND 2016

It was the perfect evening. A happy one. Few more minutes and it's 2016. Then something happened that will forever hunt me. My sister (browsing her Facebook news feed) shares that a friend of mine just gave birth at that time. Of course, I'm thrilled and thankful that she and the baby are OK. The miracle of life always fascinates me. Not all people are given the chance to experience it. A baby is a gift worth celebrating that's why I understand the burning desire of new parents to share it not only with those close to them but with the world through social media. I get it. Totally understand. What I don't understand is, Why would think it's OK to post graphic birth photos of themselves on social media that going to be seen by involuntary friends or family?

What I saw traumatized me big time. A doctor pulling a baby out of her belly. I wasn't prepared to see that in the middle of a happy event. I'm happy about the birth but I don't want to know or see the process especially if there's no consent asked or given. Giving birth is graphic and messy. I don't want to see that in my social media feed. Ever. I appreciate the intent of sharing but in my opinion, it was oversharing. I believe that this kind of photo should be shared privately with those people who want to see it in detail.

The experience may be wonderful and beautiful for her but to think that all people are prepared to see that without being traumatized in the process is kinda insensitive. The point is, I'm not prepared. I don't choose to see that between two wonderful and beautiful first photos of her daughter. What has been seen, cannot be unseen. Ever.

You may think that I may be overreacting. That may be true, but I would confidently argue that the posting is done by her after giving birth not during the process. The photos were taken by her husband and it was posted by her on her Facebook account. So, you may ask? what's the point of my argument? She was already OK when she decided to post it. She was very conscious of the update while I was still clueless about the graphic photos. That's what this post is all about. I was subjected to it without the knowledge that it was coming! I wasn't there to witness the conception because it was done privately, why would I want to see the birth publicly? That moment is precious and special. To her, to the father and to her baby, and to those people involved at that time. It should remain private. period.