New mum told her bikini isn't 'appropriate for a mother'
Stranger shames mum at the pool, saying men would be 'more comfortable' if she covered her postnatal body with a swimsuit
Here at MFM HQ, we've seen our fair share of mum-shaming stories – especially the ones where a total stranger decides to butt in and have their say on what parents should and shouldn't be doing.
There was the one where a mum got shouted at for breastfeeding in her OWN car (the exact words used were: "Put your f***ing t*ts away". Nice). ?
And the one where a mum got told her 3-year-old boy shouldn't be wearing a princess dress – by someone she'd never even met before.
So we have to say that, unfortunately, we weren't that surprised when we heard about this exchange between – you've guessed it – a complete stranger at the pool and a mum who had decided to take her 4-month-old swimming.
The baby's mum, Lexi Sinclair, posted an account of what happened on Facebook, saying: "So today I took my 4-month-old son to the pool. While putting Christian's pool hat on, a woman (maybe mid 50s) comes up and makes conversation with me about Christian.
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"She asked me his age, how much he weighs, how he sleeps, etc. She then proceeded to tell me that the men at the pool would feel more comfortable if I was in a one-piece swimsuit because a bikini isn't appropriate for a mother, especially one who's 'still recovering'."
"Anyone who knows me knows I had a few words for this crazy, ballsy woman. But instead I just smiled, kissed my son and told her, 'I'm proud of my body. In just 1 year, I've gained 50 pounds, and lost 37. I've grown a human and given birth to a beautiful miracle.
"My body provided food for my child. So, no, my body might not be the best sight for other men to see. My stretch marks and tummy pudge might not be sexy.
"But they're proof that I've done something amazing, and I have a man that loves me and finds me even sexier and more beautiful now. To be honest, I don't give a tiny rat's ass what other men, or a prissy twit like you think. Have a nice day, though.'"
Lexi's story has been shared almost 24,500 times on Facebook and she's received more than 50 comments from supporters.
"People are crazy! Any woman/mother should have the confidence to wear whatever they want! And you look great!" said one.
Another wrote: "You're beautiful! ... Stuff like this makes me have a little more courage to be able to wear my cute two-piece bathing suit, knowing that others are going through the same thing but still do it anyway. I'm sorry you had to go through that."
We have to say, we're not sure how or why people have got the idea it's OK to tell a mum what she should or shouldn't wearing at a swimming pool – especially if it's all based on what 'the men' would be comfortable with her wearing. But we say fair do's to Lexi for standing her ground and not taking an ounce of it.
And btw we think the leopard print looks AWESOME ?
Photos: Library image (top) and Lexi Sinclair on Facebook
Authors
Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015
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