'Controversial' mum of newborn twins hits out after 'bikini body' backlash

We all have a different approach to health and fitness regimes, and that extends to pregnancy and post-birth; however, one Australian mum has endured major backlash after going public with her own.

 

Sophie Guidolin made headlines recently when she showed off her incredible post-baby body – just two weeks after giving birth to twin daughters Evie and Aria.

 

The 26-year-old, who is a mother-of-four, is a well-known Instagram star and has built up a legion of dedicated fans with her bodybuilding and exercise photos and blogs.

 

After showing off her incredible post-baby body in a series of bikini snaps, Sophie was met with some very mixed reviews from her followers: while some praised her for maintaining her figure, others criticised her for not only posting ‘unrealistic’ photos but also for lifting weights during her pregnancy.

 

 

Here is my day 8 postpartum shot, after delivering our beautiful twin girls @evie_and_aria  I have been working on a blog (in between feeds- which seem to come around in 5 minutes, nappy changes and endless snuggles, add in the boys optometrists appointments, homework and school lunches) with my birth story and all our intimate photos and gory details etc I go into more details about the actual surgery, my recovery so far etc Hopefully I will have it written in the next couple of days  But, I wanted to discuss something I didn't realise was 'such a big deal' - my weight. I go into a lot more detail in my blog, so here is just a brief outline of what's to come: First off I was told (by complete strangers across social media, newspapers and media) I was too small, then I was endangering our babies health by exercising, now I apparently put on 'too much' weight whilst I was pregnant. I gained a total of 17kilos, however 8 days later I have lost 12 kilos- yes 12 kilos. crazy? Yes. But a woman's body adapts so well to its different life changes. You are supposed to gain weight when pregnant- especially with twins. 2 babies, 2 placentas, amniotic fluid, extra fat to help the babies grow with a new set of boobs to match. I am not under any pressure to get back into the gym, or lose the extra 5kgs and due to my abdominal separation and surgery won't be back at it for 12 weeks, once I have clearance. This is so so different to my first pregnancies where I lost next to nothing after birth! I have been eating well and obviously have done no exercise postpartum. I am proud of my journey and the way my body has reflected my lifestyle, it wasn't easy, it was completely new and everything was a learning curve. Everyday is a new path that I have never walked before. My advice to women who are planning a family, start exercising, even a 30 minute walk a day can make all of the difference, know what is in the foods you're eating and look after your body as if you would your newborn babies. #twinpregnancy #twins #sophieguidolin #8dayspostpartum Other blogs and my journey can be seen on my website under 'blog' 

A photo posted by SOPHIE GUIDOLIN (@sophie_guidolin) on Sep 9, 2015 at 2:50am PDT

 

 

Mum bod 3.4 edition featuring wider hips, bigger boobs, larger smile & full heart.  10 days postpartum with the twins!(babies 3 & 4) - For those desperate to read my birth story, the link is live in my bio now- sorry for those who tried to get on last night- my site couldn't handle the traffic #twinpregnancy #postpartum #10days #birthstory #mumbod #mombod #sophieguidolin

A photo posted by SOPHIE GUIDOLIN (@sophie_guidolin) on Sep 11, 2015 at 3:42pm PDT

 

Matters came to a head today, when Sophie appeared on the Today show, insisting: “I just want to educate women that are pregnant to be able to enjoy your fit pregnancy and know the benefits definitely outweigh the cons.”

 

Revealing how she has already lost 12 of the 18 kilos she gained during pregnancy with her twins, she added: “I was always making sure that I had clearance from my doctor when I was exercising…Throughout my pregnancy I always listened to my body and listened to what I felt.”

 

 

When asked if she knew she was ‘winding up’ many women with her post-baby body photos, Sophie replied: “No…I don’t want women to ever feel like I’m shaming them or I’m putting pressure on them to bounce back.”

 

What are your thoughts?