A young Australian mum sparked debate after sharing her beauty routine before going into labour. Just hours before her induction, she applied fake tan, got a manicure and pedicure, and styled her hair. She posted the process on TikTok, surprising many viewers.
Indy Clinton, 25, lives in Sydney with her husband, Ben, and their young son, Navy. She gave birth to her daughter, Bambi Valentine, on October 14. Before heading to the hospital, she dropped her son off at daycare to focus on getting ready for labour.
She recorded the experience on TikTok, showing herself getting a blow-dry, applying self-tanner, and moisturizing her face. “Hair is washed now, I’m just moisturizing quickly,” she said. “Then I’ll fake tan. If someone asks why I’m fake tanning for labour—do I want to look bad while having a baby? No.”
Her video quickly went viral and led to mixed reactions online.
Some people supported her, saying it’s important to feel good during labour. Others thought it promoted unrealistic beauty expectations.
One person commented: “Cause why shouldn’t women want to feel good while having a baby?” Another wrote: “If it makes her happy, why not? Once the baby comes, there won’t be time for self-care.”
However, not everyone agreed. A user said: “After 23 hours in labour, the last thing you’ll care about is your tan or hair. What a generation we have created!”
Another added: “I’m 67, and I also did my hair and makeup before heading to the hospital. Nothing wrong with wanting to look good.”
Some were more critical, with one comment saying: “This kind of messaging can be harmful. Saying you don’t want to look bad during labour just because you don’t have fake tan on isn’t right.”
Before going to the hospital, Indy made a stop at Woolworths for snacks. She also plucked her husband’s eyebrows, joking that he couldn’t have a “unibrow” while she was in labour. At the hospital, she even reapplied her makeup between contractions.
The next day, she gave birth and shared the news on Instagram. “Our daughter is here,” she wrote alongside a picture of herself holding the newborn.