Women are taking to the Internet to share their birth stories using #SoProud to show that no matter how you give birth, it's an achievement and something that should be celebrated and respected.
Moments after your baby is born it's easy to forget that you've been waiting roughly nine months for it to happen.
It might not be the birth you planned, maybe you wanted a hypno birth and ended up with a water birth or maybe you thought you'd need a Caesarean but your baby thought otherwise.
No matter what kind of birth you had, your baby finally entered the world - and this is what the stories behind #SoProud are celebrating.
The Positive Birth Movement was founded by Milli Hill six years ago but has received a lot of attention following the recent backlash Harry Kane faced when he announced the birth of his daughter.
Harry's Tweet said: 'So proud of @KateGoodlandx for having the most amazing water birth with no pain relief at all' and many criticised the footballer for implying that giving birth without pain relief is more of an achievement than if you give birth with it.
The Positive Birth Movement is a global network of free to attend antenatal groups, with nearly 200 in the UK alone. When the debate broke out online around Harry's comments Milli was able to redirect people's attention to something more positive and encourage everyone to share their birth story rather than glorify a particular birth plan or approach. Thus, #SoProud was born.'
Milli explained on Twitter: 'Over on @birthpositive a hashtag is taking off inspired by the wonderful @hkane who was #soproud of his wife after birth. Women are sharing their reasons for being #soproud of their birth too, however their baby was born. Lots of lovely stories on FB and instagram. #soproud 💗'.
One person shared: '#soproud that I was able to birth my breech baby at home thanks to having the support of fabulous skilled independent midwives @birthpositive'.
Another person revealed: 'Absolutely 😍 all the #SoProud #BirthStories. Each & every birth is an incredible achievement. Here’s to all the awesome mamas & the partners, midwives, doulas & others who support them! ✊'.
Over on Instagram someone else wrote: 'I may not have given birth vaginally but that's okay. Caesareans are beautiful too. I am #SOPROUD of all 4 of my caesarean births 💖 #positivebirth #positivebirthmovement #womensupportingwomen @harrykane'.
Another mother shared: 'Oh poor Harry Kane! Just a proud dad and partner wanting to celebrate his partner’s achievement and look at the fallout he gets!🙈 I am #soproud of both my daughters’ births........I had planned a drug-free water birth with my first but due to complications ended up having all the drugs the wonderful #nhs has to offer and an emergency Caesarian.'
Do you have a birth story you'd like to share? Head over to our Facebook page to join the conversation and get involved, we'd love to hear from you!
