Tess Holliday is no stranger to trolls or armchair critics. Throughout her current pregnancy, the size 22 model has been subject to countless comments and opinions about her appearance, weight and even health, including the most recent rant by Aussie fitness blogger Ashy Bines.
Now in her eighth month of pregnancy, Holliday has hit back at critics, sharing another bump shot on Instagram.
In the caption, she details how the most challenging part of her pregnancy has been tackling the constant barrage of ‘advice’ she gets.
“As I enter my eighth month, my body overall looks the same other than my belly and I’m okay with that. What I’ve had to be learn to be okay with (WHICH IS NOT COOL) is the fact that people still think it’s okay to comment on my body: ‘You don’t look pregnant’, ‘You must be have quadruplets’, ‘You are putting your baby at risk’ and a slew of other uneducated statements that are very far from my reality,” she wrote.
Her aim, she says, has always been to be authentic during her pregnancy, unlike other celebrities who aim to make it look as glamorous as possible.
Watch: The five things no-one tells you about being pregnant. Post continues after video.
“I’m part of a small minority that’s telling you it’s okay to not have a perfect baby bump, or not show at all, to be plus size and have a healthy child and most importantly to find a care provider that doesn’t shame your size,” she says.
“It’s also okay to tell someone to fuck off when they give you unsolicitated advice about what’s ‘best’ for you and your baby. As women we know what’s best and that’s our business.”
It was a message many of Holliday’s followers were grateful to hear.
“You look beautiful@tessholliday ! Thank you for your inspiring words AND actions!,” wrote one, while another added “Congrats on your baby! You’re a beautiful woman so please don’t listen to any of that bs negative.” (Post continues after gallery.)
Tess Holliday Instagram images.
Unfortunately, other comments weren’t so positive.
“You’re having a hard time finding a care giver that doesn’t shame you for your size? Gee, I wonder why,” wrote one.
“Its a blessing to be able to have a child but to put a child at such a great risk before its even born is so selfish and cruel. Def shame on her,” read another.
Clearly they did not understand Holliday’s message – but here’s hoping it helps those who need the important reminder.
What was your experience with unsolicited advice when you were pregnant?
Top Comments
Being obese and pregnant doesn't automatically mean you're a bad mother-to-be either. There are plenty of women out their "within normal weight range" who have just as many, if not more risk factors going through their pregnancies, than big girls. I think it comes down to lifestyle and how you want to treat your body when you're pregnant. I have a good friend who is 1 week ahead of me, she's eaten cake every single day of her pregnancy, put a huge amount of weight on, just been diagnosed with gest diabetes and high blood pressure.
I'm one of those obese women (who if you read some of the comments below, make it sound like I have no right to bear children). I've been on a constant rollercoaster about my weight and all the risks that I will have along the way from professionals. I take it in my stride because I know they are keeping me informed and making sure I am the healthiest I'm going to be.
And for all those who say, well perhaps you should lose weight before having a baby... Why would I do that? I'm 36 now. I'm incredibly fertile (it took 4 months to get pregnant). Have been given the go ahead to start having babies after surgery to have cancer removed. How is it anyone's business to tell me if I should or shouldn't be a mother? How does my being a large person dictate what sort of mother I will be come? My endocrinologist was also in favour of me and my partner trying for a baby straight away as I was getting older and said to "take advantage of being fertile at the moment".
I'm 7 months pregnant, I was told I would have gest. diabetes, high blood pressure, that I couldn't put on any weight for fear of my baby that I would automatically have a "large" baby, etc.
Fact is, I'm "at risk" of these things and more, that doesn't mean it will happen. I have managed to not put ANY weight on (lost 1.5 kg actually) mainly because I eat healthily and don't binge eat crap (as many people would assume given mysize). I've just had my 3rd glucose test and I definitely do not have gestational diabetes, and not even close to getting it at this stage, my blood pressure is perfect, the scans have shown a healthy and happy baby, who is measuring exactly on par with any other baby at that stage, and my own measurements are within normal range. My endocrinologist doesn't even want to see me now as he does NOT deem me a risk (from his point of view). Obviously as a big woman there might be some physical restrictions or issues the obstetrician may have, but my OB is very pleased with my progress too and not worried about my size, and midwives have been nothing but encouraging and very pleased with my progress. My sister has had 3 children with no complications but as a big girl, she was also warned and double-checked for everything.
OH, and I'm still working full time (some 50+ hours weeks) and about to endeavour on my last work trip to Sydney this weekend.
I think it's about everyone's individual journeys through pregnancy. A low BMI does not guarantee a risk-free pregnancy, just as a high BMI does not automatically guarantee a problematic pregnancy. I'm not a big fan myself, but perhaps Tess feels the need to remind people that there isn't just a one-size fits all mentality that should be applied to large girls. We are all different. Personally she should just get on with her own journey and stop banging her head against a brick wall trying to change people's minds. Haters are going to hate no matter what you do.
Unsolicited advice can be annoying, but I think the vast majority of people are just trying to be helpful. I always just smiled vaguely and said thanks and moved on if I didn't want to hear it. No need to tell people to f**k off, as fellow human beings we've all got a vested interest in happy, healthy babies and mothers.