A DJ says she hid her baby bump for her entire pregnancy - because men in the music industry told her it would make her 'unbookable'. Jodie Weston, 29, fell pregnant at the beginning of the year but says she felt she had to keep it a secret because of the effect on her career.
Due later this month, she has spent the last nine months wearing layered dresses, tutus, and oversized jackets to hide her bump. Jodie says she still took bookings as normal but would only stay for her set and not drink any alcohol.
And she says men would still try to chat her up - adding they would "run a mile" if they knew the truth. Jodie, from south-east London, said: "It's been a stressful nine months, but I've managed to make it to the end of my pregnancy without being found out.
"I wouldn't say I've been dishonest by hiding the fact I'm pregnant, I just did what I needed to do to keep going with my career."
Jodie suffers with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which means she gets irregular periods.
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She says this meant she didn't realise she was pregnant until she was four months along.
As well as DJing, Jodie is also an influencer on social media. But she says she earns most of her money through event bookings and club appearances.
And Jodie claims she was told by men in the industry that the worst thing a woman can do for her career is to get pregnant.
This meant replacing her entire wardrobe with clothes that would help conceal her baby bump, such as tutus, layered dresses and oversized jackets.
She said: "I have PCOS so didn't realise I was pregnant until April when I started feeling really sick.
"I don't agree with abortion in a pregnancy that is longer than a couple of months, so for me the question of continuing a four-month pregnancy or not was an easy one to answer.
"I was in a predicament because men in the industry previously told me the worst thing women can ever do is have a child in the music industry.
"DJing is my passion and that's what I do as a career, so I was immediately worried about my bookings drying up.
"I knew I had to make money for the baby, and it is my main source of income, so I couldn't afford to risk missing out on work.
"I invested in tutus to cover my bump as they're very frilly around the abdomen area, as well as layered dresses and a range of oversized jackets.
"It has worked really well, but I don't leave the house now without these kinds of clothes on because I'm scared someone, I know from work will see me.
"It has actually been a really lonely time because I haven't been able to embrace what's happening because I'm so paranoid of what I could lose."
Jodie was never asked by talent agents if she was pregnant and was not willing to risk being shelved, so worked through her nine months of pregnancy with little support.
She says being in a club environment whilst pregnant feels unnatural, but the party aspect of her work has tailed off since she learnt she was destined for motherhood.
Now, Jodie is sharing her story to shine a light on the unjust difficulties career-focused women face when having a child in the nightlife industry.
Jodie said: "During my sets, I've been completely sober and if anyone notices I'm not drinking I just make up an excuse like I'm driving or too hungover.
"Men still try and chat me up in the clubs which is weird because if they really knew my situation, they'd probably run a mile.
"Being pregnant is a normal part of a woman's life and I don't understand why it should affect the work we do, but sadly some people seem to think it does.
"I wouldn't say I've been dishonest by hiding my pregnancy, I just did what I needed to do to keep going with my career.
"I have dealt with keeping it under wraps probably longer than any woman in history, and the secret is almost out.
"I'm sure people will be shocked when they read this, but I can't wait to go back to doing what I love without fear of being judged for it."
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