When Why Have Kids? came out, there were things I expected. I expected that people would think this was a book against parenting (it’s not). I expected that I would be criticized for taking a pro-formula feeding stance (I have). But I did not expect this.

As one does when they are promoting a new book, I’ve been pitching stories to various news outlets about issues in the book. (Here are some of the ones I’ve already written.) When you’re doing this, it’s quite normal that an editor will come back to you not really feeling your original pitch and ask you to write about something else. This is what happened when I pitched a story about the “mom-in-chief” conversation to a major news organization*. They didn’t like my proposed article. So this is what they suggested instead (emphasis mine):

Would Jessica be interested in writing something about weight loss after having a baby? We’re doing a lot of coverage around Jessica Simpson’s efforts to lose the baby pounds, and we’d love to hear from Jessica Valenti about what it was like for her to shed the weight. She can get as personal as she’d like—our readers love personal stories. Along with the actual process of losing weight (what she ate, when she exercised, etc), it would be interesting if she could focus on setting realistic expectations for yourself as a new mom. I feel like a lot of conversation among our audience has turned to the fact that new mothers aren’t prepared for the onslaught of all the worrying that comes with having a baby, including her looks.

When I had Layla, I actually lost all of my baby weight that very day! That’s what happens when you give birth almost 3 months early to a 2 pound baby. So chic! Shitty hospital food helps too.

I just can’t. So I made a video to bitch about it.

If you want to support my writing that does not include weight-loss tips, please consider buying Why Have Kids? Thanks, y'all.

*We all have to eat, and I’m not eager to burn bridges with big news outlets by naming them - even if they are being totally ridiculous.