Rihanna gave birth in pearls and sunglasses—why every mom deserves to feel powerful in labor

Rihanna just redefined labor fashion, and honestly, are we surprised? The queen of effortless cool took to Instagram on International Women’s Day to share a moment as iconic as she is. Her caption read:

“By far the most powerful thing I’ve ever done as a woman… my little miracles! #InternationalWomensDay

1- RZA 2- Riot Rose

And yes, I gave birth in pearls and sunglasses… don’t ask, a lot was happening.”

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A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri)

Rihanna understood the assignment.

But one thing is clear: giving birth is one of the most intense experiences a woman can go through, so why shouldn’t she feel good doing it? Whether it’s pearls and designer shades or a cozy robe and fairy lights, birth should be an experience where moms feel supported, confident, and in control.

Related: Rihanna opens up about mom guilt: ‘Everything I love robs me from them’

How your birth environment shapes your experience

While most moms don’t have Rihanna’s glam squad on standby, research shows that a calm, supportive birth environment can make a significant difference.  Research shows that women giving birth in environments that help her feel calm and supported is directly tied to positive birth outcomes—healthy babies, happy mamas, positive breastfeeding impact and overall sense of empowerment during birth.

Want to feel your best during birth like Rihanna?

Here’s how to make labor as comfortable, empowering, and yes, even enjoyable as possible:

Labor feel-good playlist:

1. Music: Think calming beats, empowering anthems, or whatever gets you in the right headspace. Rihanna’s own Diamonds? Absolutely.
2. Movement: Sway, squat, bounce on a birth ball—staying active can ease pain and help labor progress.
3. Hydrotherapy: A warm shower or birthing tub can work magic for relaxation and pain relief.
4. Massage: Whether it’s from a partner, doula, or a handheld massager, touch can help ease tension and increase oxytocin (aka the love hormone that helps labor along).
5. Emotional & Physical Support: A birth team that hypes you up and keeps you calm—whether it’s a doula, partner, or both—is priceless.
6. A Supportive Medical Provider: Someone who respects your choices, keeps a cool head, and doesn’t stress you out (because no one needs that in labor).
7. A Comfortable Environment: Dim lights, cozy blankets, essential oils—whatever makes you feel at ease. (Maybe Rihanna’s sunglasses were her way of blocking out harsh hospital lights—totally get it.)

At the end of the day, birth is about bringing new life into the world in a way that feels right for you. Whether that’s pearls and designer shades or your favorite sweatpants and a playlist full of ‘90s R&B, you deserve to feel like the queen you are.

And if Rihanna just made sunglasses-in-labor a thing? We’re here for it.

Related: Rihanna is loving that boy mom life: ‘I thought I was a girl mom, but I’m a boy mom’