Mum-of-two Tess Holliday is no stranger to trolls. The plus-size model has always been very frank when addressing those who criticise her, especially people who do so because of her size.
The 32-year-old recently spoke with Cafe Mom about what it was like being plus-size and expecting since she so often faced disapproving comments from people saying her pregnancy was unhealthy.
Tess gave birth to her son Bowie in June 2016 and is also mum to 12-year-old Rylee. She documented her latest pregnancy and post-partum journey with incredible candidness, showing both the highs and lows of motherhood.
When asked what the greatest misconception is about fat, pregnant women, the body-positivity activist replied to Cafe Mom, "That we can't have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. We do it every day."
The American beauty said that the most difficult part of pregnancy for her was finding comfortable or fashionable maternity clothes in her size. She also found it hard to get her hands on nursing bras that fit.
"Like they are nonexistent. I just wore the normal plus designers I normally wear, but sized up," she said.
Tess also revealed that people would make rude comments, but she paid them no heed: "I mean, of course people were awful to me, but I tried to ignore it. So many people kept saying there was no way I could have a healthy pregnancy and I obviously proved them wrong."
The model did struggle with her own self-image of her postpartum body, though, noting, "I'm still making peace with it. I'm still not fully there, but I had to remind myself that this was worth it, and if I want to change it or do something about it I can, but not to be too hard on myself."
"I didn't want to miss the moments of my baby's first year because I was worried about what I looked like."
We love that sentiment.
Tess also sent a message to all her pregnant plus-size sisters out there, saying, "Don't believe what everyone tells you. All bodies and pregnancies are different; you can't generalise them."
"Listen to your body and trust it, do what you feel is best. Enjoy it as much as possible too, because it goes by so fast and you will miss it. I know I do!"
We could all use some of Tess' powerful self-love!
