When reflecting on recent times, it’s easy to get lost amongst the negative events that have occurred whether that be environmental, economical, or Covid-19 related. With such negativity impacting our lives, what a perfect time to celebrate powerful women around the world!
Chrissy Teigen
Beginning with powerful Chrissy Teigen, model and author, who shared harrowing pictures on social media with the support of her musician husband John Legend, documenting her stillbirth delivery.
In an essay published on Medium in October of 2020, Teigen tells the story of how she and her husband John, experienced losing their third child halfway into the pregnancy. Further into Teigens heartfelt story, she goes on to describe how she was admitted to the hospital after experiencing persistent bleeding and multiple blood transfusions. Leading to a diagnosis of partial placenta abruption.
After being discharged from hospital with a plan in place to deliver, now named, Jack, at 20 weeks old. The couple monitored the bleeding with it becoming progressively worse. Teigen says; “My bleeding was getting heavier and heavier. The fluid around Jack had become very low, he was barely able to float around. At some points, I swore it was so low I could lay on my back and feel his arms and legs from outside my belly.” Teigen goes on to share;
“After a couple nights at the hospital, my doctor told me exactly what I knew was coming — it was time to say goodbye. He just wouldn’t survive this, and if it went on any longer, I might not either. We had tried bags and bags of blood transfusions, every single one going right through me like we hadn’t done anything at all. Late one night, I was told it would be time to let go in the morning. I cried a little at first, then went into full blown convulsions of snot and tears, my breath not able to catch up with my own incredibly deep sadness. Even as I write this now, I can feel the pain all over again. Oxygen was placed over my nose and mouth, and that was the first picture you saw. Utter and complete sadness.”
Teigen explains that she had requested a hesitant John to take photos documenting the delivery no matter how uncomfortable it was. With Teigen documenting such a raw moment, she was met with mixed views on the matter. Hitting back at critics who told her she ought not to share such intimate photos, she said “I cannot express how little I care that you hate the photos. How little I care that it’s something you wouldn’t have done.”
Teigen’s openness to share her story has since been praised by an overwhelming amount of people. Who have seen this as an important step in raising support and awareness of this, unfortunately, common and traumatic experience.
Actors such as Gabrielle Union said “Thank you for this, your transparency and all the healing you’ve inspired. We shouldn’t have to suffer in silence and everyone who truly understands is incredibly grateful for this and you, always.”
You can read Chrissy’s full story here.
“Truth Hurts” Lizzo
Another woman to take center stage is Lizzo. Redefining body positivity, Lizzo has previously embodied self-love and acceptance into her career. Along with feminism, LGBTQ, and people of colour. The singer’s attitude to owning and celebrating what we have sparked a revolution in confidence. Now, Lizzo is ready for the next step.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Lizzo tells “It’s easy. I would like to be body-normative. I want to normalize my body.” She goes on to say that body positivity has been commercialized, and appropriated, to the point where it’s simply cool. Even complacent, which is not a space that promotes transformation.
You can read Lizzo’s full interview here. Watch her below and feel empowered! Do you have any stories of inspirational women that you would like to share? Tell us @stylecartel on all social platforms. See more stories here.