Nicki Minaj and Akbar V embarked on a social media live an intimate and spontaneous moment quickly taken up by The Shade Room and posted all over Instagram and X. The livestream, which began life as an informal conversation between two pals, became an open forum to fierce public debate once it transpired that Akbar V, currently pregnant with her husband Shakeem Taylor, had commented that Nicki ought to have cosmetic surgery after she had given birth.
Minaj, who is pregnant with her second child, didn’t get offended. But one comment from Akbar” You should consider surgery after birth” became enough to spark an internet discussion about post-birth body standards, mental health, and star stress (as well as average women) after birth.
“You might wanna consider surgery after the baby,”
While Akbar V’s tone appeared playful and supportive, many online felt the comment touched a nerve that’s all too familiar. In a world saturated by “snapback culture,” especially in the music and entertainment industries, women particularly Black women are under growing pressure to shed pregnancy weight fast and flawlessly.
Akbar V herself has been vocal about her body transformation journey. Having once weighed nearly 300 pounds, she lost 106 lbs following a gastric sleeve surgery, then later had a tummy tuck. “It was never easy,” she has said in previous interviews, adding that the emotional and physical challenges of the process often go unseen.
According to Healthline, most women lose about half of their pregnancy weight by six weeks postpartum. But even that natural pace is often deemed “not fast enough” in celebrity culture.
“There’s this unspoken rule that if you’re famous, you need to look perfect right away,”
said Dr. Tiana Ross, a New York-based OBGYN.
“But surgery isn’t a shortcut—it’s a serious decision that requires full recovery and emotional readiness.”
In fact, Nicki has always been candid about her pregnancy journey. In a 2020 interview, she noted she was “20 pounds away” from her personal goal weight, but emphasized self-love over perfection. Her body has been a topic of public conversation for years—but she’s rarely one to be pressured into fitting a mold.
Reactions online were mixed. One X user wrote,
“It was just girls talking—no big deal,”
while another pushed back, saying,
“Comments like this normalize surgery like it’s the only option. What kind of message is that for new moms watching?”
Many commenters, especially Black mothers, shared their own experiences of postpartum insecurity, body dissatisfaction, and mental health struggles.
“We already feel like we have to be everything at once moms, partners, perfect bodies. It’s exhausting,”
said one Instagram user.
Mental health professionals warn that the pressure to “bounce back” can fuel anxiety, depression, and unhealthy habits among new mothers.
“The focus after childbirth should be on healing, bonding, and emotional well-being,”
explained Dr. Keisha Morton, a licensed therapist.
“Too many women rush into extreme diets or consider surgery without full mental and physical recovery.”
Fitness and medical experts recommend waiting at least six to twelve months before pursuing any body-altering procedures.
“Your body’s still adjusting,”
said personal trainer and postpartum recovery coach Jasmine Neal.
“Gentle movement, proper nutrition, and rest come first.”
This isn’t just about two celebrities on live chat. It’s about the cultural weight of their words—and the very real influence they hold.
Nicki Minaj is one of the most followed artists in the world. When she talks whether seriously or in passing millions listen. Akbar V’s transparency also matters, especially in a world where many hide their surgeries or deny the struggles behind them.
The conversation between Nicki and Akbar V reflects a broader story: one of modern motherhood, body image, autonomy, and the fine line between empowerment and pressure. Whether you’re a rap queen or a regular mom, the question remains—how do we give women space to be themselves without judgment, comparison, or expectation?