When you become a parent, it suddenly seems like everyone has an opinion on how you raise your child.
But they also have views on other parts of your life and aren’t afraid to voice them – no matter whether it’s their place to do so or not.
One mum was recently criticised for a photo she posted to her Instagram , as people didn’t think it was appropriate content for a mother to share.
Sia Cooper, an American fitness blogger who posts under the name @diaryofafitmommyofficial, shared a snap of herself in a bikini while on holiday.
The 30-year-old mum-of-two uploaded an image showing her stood on a boardwalk in the Bahamas, wearing a bikini, looking out over the sparkling blue sea.
In the caption she revealed the photo had been taken back in June but she had been nervous to post it as you could see cellulite on the back of her legs.
Ultimately she decided to put it out there to help her followers feel “empowered”.
But the photo was met with backlash from some.
(Image: diaryofafitmommyofficial)
One comment in particular really bothered Cooper.
It read: “To show your gains you don’t have to show your behind like that, you are a mother, think about what your children see your behind in your posts in the future.”
The user went on to say they would be unfollowing the mum because of it.
But Cooper wasn’t here for the shaming and hit back in another post featuring another bikini picture.
She wrote: “The other day, I had posted a photo of myself in this very same bikini and was told to cover up… because I am a mother. Cue the mom-shaming.
“Since when were moms supposed to hide their bodies? Since when were mothers no longer allowed to feel sexy? How do you think babies even got here in the first place?
“She went on to say that I should think about what my kids will think of my behind some day. You know what? I want my kids to see a mother who is body positive. I want my kids to see a mother who is comfortable in her own skin. Plus, they love my butt and use it as a bongo when I’m cooking dinner or awkwardly standing in line at the grocery store.”
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She added: “There is no rule out there that states you can’t rock a bikini just because you pushed a baby out of your vagina at some point in your life. In fact, that should make you worthy of one and so much more.
“I grew up with a mom who hated her body. In fact she also made me hate mine by nitpicking it apart and pointing out every time it looked like I had gained weight.
“I fought like hell to finally love myself and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started wearing shorts again in public. I would’ve given anything to have a body positive mama and I make sure that my kids see and feel this positivity everyday.”
Cooper went on to encourage her fellow mums to put on their bikinis and to stay true to themselves.
Her followers were very supportive of her post, with over 33,000 people liking it.
One replied: “You look amazing and are a WONDERFUL role model for your children.”
Someone else wrote: “As a mom, you inspire me so much. And you know something, my kids have noticed how much more body positive I am since I’ve stared getting my gains!”
A third wrote: “I love this! I’m so tired of women shaming other women. Just know that those women are battling their own demons with body positivity.”
