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A Sydney mom has gone viral after she aired her disappointment over a pregnancy milestone, with thousands weighing in.
Fitness and mum creator Emily Jeffery took to TikTok to share the “sad” reality she faced as her due date approached, revealing that the “village” she hoped for was nowhere to be found.
In the viral video, which has since racked up a staggering 6.5 million views, she shared the moment she realized no one was planning to celebrate her impending arrival.
“At around 34 weeks pregnant, I realized nothing was going to happen unless I organized it myself,” Jeffery revealed in the clip.
For the expecting mum, the realization brought up painful memories.
“[It was] the same deflated feeling I had when only four friends came to my 18th party,” she confessed.
The creator was quick to clarify that she didn’t expect her friends or family to “cop the expense” of the shower. Instead, she was simply longing for her community to offer their time and help to organize the milestone event.
Once a modest gathering designed to equip first-time parents with newborn essentials, the modern baby shower has evolved into a major social milestone.
Data from local parenting networks and market research indicates the tradition is incredibly common, with an estimated 70 to 80 percent of expecting Australian mothers having a baby shower.
It’s believed Aussies are paying more than 100 million dollars a year for the tradition — and that’s not including gifts.
Because it’s such an expected rite of passage, Jeffery’s post struck a major nerve online, with commenters fiercely divided over standard baby shower etiquette.
Many argued that the onus should fall entirely on the parents-to-be.
“Maybe unpopular opinion, but if you choose to have a baby, the events that come with it are also your responsibility,” one user argued.
“A baby shower is nice when people offer, but nobody is obligated to plan one for you; your pregnancy isn’t automatically everyone else’s job,” they continued.
Another confessed: “To be honest, I never knew other people were supposed to do the baby shower for your baby.”
However, an overwhelming wave of supporters rushed to defend the new mum, pointing out that baby showers have historically been hosted by the mother’s inner circle.
“This comment section makes me so sad,” one shocked viewer weighed in, adding they had “never been to a shower hosted by the person having the baby.”
“Y’all are missing the point,” another empathized. “Her village did not come through and that is disappointing her,” they added.
Another adamantly agreed, commenting that: “your friends are actually supposed to organize your baby shower for you.”
Ultimately, Emily’s message to other mothers is to acknowledge the bittersweet feelings, but not let it ruin the milestone.
“Planning your own shower can feel bittersweet,” she noted.
“Acknowledge any disappointment — like recalling past parties—and reframe the event as your chance to shape the memory,” she advised.
“Ask for help with set up or clean-up if you want to be present rather than busy.”
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