Calling the shots: Boxer Floyd Mayweather was up against the ropes on Tuesday’s elimination episode of DWTS, and what can I say…I called the bottom two! So often my predictions are wrong, and so when I get it right I’m pretty excited.
Mama Mia: The surprise for me is the return of Samantha Harris. I am a big advocate of breast feeding and parental leave and I think everyone should take the time they are given to bond with and enjoy their newborn baby. I don’t care who you are, having a baby changes your life and even if you are equipped with throngs of nannies and teams of chefs there is nothing that can save you from the sleep deprivation, shock and incomparable joy that comes with a new arrival. Given that, I worry that ABC has put unnecessary pressure on Samantha to come back to work too early, or worse I fear Samantha has put pressure on herself to return in fear her job is in jeopardy.
An institution like ABC/Disney should be supporting Samantha and her newly growing family by allowing them time alone to get their bearings and get on a schedule. These weeks are precious and vital for mother and child and as a society we should encourage women (and men) to take time off to adjust to this new stage. It says a lot about a us when women like Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez feel the need to hide their pregnancies, while others rush back to work and in the case of some actresses choose adoption instead of carrying a child of their own as not to ruin their camera ready bodies.
Please know I am a huge advocate of adoption and it is a remarkable and benevolent choice many families make, my issue is for people who choose not to get pregnant out of vanity. Pregnancy is beautiful, but like so many other aspects of reproduction and women’s health it has consistently become a fear filled medical process that is controlled more than embraced. I wish Samantha and her new family all the best. She is a great broadcaster and will be a fantastic mother, but from one mom (and TV host) to another I would encourage her to take this time off with confidence and show all the women who look up to her that you can take leave and return better than ever.
By the way Sam, don’t worry about your job. Two words: Hunter Tylo.
(I’ve got Survivor on tap and Real World and Pageant Place on Tivo. Stay magnanimous.)
