What do you think about push presents?

[Nakul]

So, yesterday my husband (27M) and I (29F) were just chatting and the topic of push presents came up. He'd never heard of it, so I explained. He said it makes sense and all. Then today the same thing popped up with my mom, and both of them said it's not cool to 'expect' a push present - sure the husband will give one on his own, but expecting it is selfish. I got so confused. These people expect women to go through nine+ months of intense pain, labour, huge body changes, a career pause and everything, yet they call expecting a gift selfish? What do you all think? It's a foreign concept for many. (Edit: I'm not pregnant, just a random chat.)

[Lokesh]

I think it's a sweet idea! It's not entitled at all. Why is it a problem to get a gift for giving birth?

[Kishore]

I would definitely want a push present.

[Kavitha]

Just tell them you'd prefer an IVF‑surrogacy baby so it won't affect your health, and ask them to lower the cost.

[Jai]

Expecting a push present from your own husband should be fine.

[Raj]

Push presents should definitely be a thing here too! It's funny how the older generation is fine with a woman putting her body through months of hell, but draws the line at a push present. Lmao.

[Rahul]

It's a nice gesture. It makes the wife feel happy. Parents often give gifts to the older sibling when a new baby arrives, so the older child doesn't feel ignored. This idea fits well and helps keep relationships happy. Wanting an extravagant push present would be in bad taste.

[Madhuri]

Oddly, this is the second time today I'm saying this. Indian society often sees women as 'roles' first and people second. Of course a woman should want a baby, but why should she get anything for it? (Sarcasm.) Until recently even educated women didn't see having children as a choice, so I'm not surprised. But good for you, OP! Remind them that just because people have been giving birth forever doesn't mean it should go unrecognised or that the toll on the mother isn't worth acknowledging.

[Nandini]

People often downplay pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. They forget that women sacrifice their mind, body, career, social life and even risk their lives to bring a child into the world, plus any long‑term complications. A push present should be encouraged and normalised just to acknowledge and appreciate what women endure. It may sound serious, but it really hits a nerve when folks act like women are just meant to bear pain and suffering.

[Arvind]

Push presents, along with love and care, should be part of the whole pregnancy. After all, shouldn't the baby be born to a dad who loves and looks after the mother?

[Payal]

I don't think it's a foreign concept - push presents have been part of Indian culture for ages, just without a name. Giving the mother expensive gifts, especially gold, is common in many parts of India.