Woman Bodyshames New Mom in Bikini at Swimming Pool – She Proudly Responds to the Insult

A mother was at the pool with her baby boy one day when she had an unusual experience. She was approached by a woman, appearing to be in her 50s, who shared some unsolicited advice. But instead of losing her cool, the new mom came up with the perfect response.

Lexi Sinclair from Kansas City, Missouri couldn't contain her excitement when she welcomed her son, Christian, in 2016. When her boy was four months old, she took him to a public pool, hoping to have a fun and relaxing day.

However, shortly after putting her son's pool hat on, she had an unlikely encounter with a woman that later gained traction online—something she had never seen coming.

The Lady's Unsolicited Advice

The woman, most likely in her mid-50s, walked up to Lexi and initiated conversation by making small talk. She asked Lexi about Christian's age, weight, and sleeping patterns, including whether he slept well at night.

But then, the conversation took an unusual turn, which Lexi recounted in her profoundly moving Facebook post later. She recalled:

"[The woman] 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.'"

A Brilliant Response

Although the woman's comment deeply shocked and upset Lexi, she didn't let her anger take the best of her. Instead, the Missouri mom flashed a warm smile, kissed her boy, and articulated a befitting response.

Lexi told the lady she was proud of her body because it had provided her baby with food and nourishment, and that she was glad she grew a human inside her and delivered a precious miracle.

But after the lady in the store pulled out a business flyer, it dawned upon her where the conversation was headed.

The proud mom further stated that said she couldn't care less what other men thought about her body or if it wasn't a pleasant sight for them, adding:

"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."

The Online Reaction

When Lexi narrated her experience online, she was oblivious that her Facebook post would go viral, amassing overwhelming feedback from netizens far and wide.

She said her post received mixed views; while some people told her to be prepared for the body shaming comments, others appreciated her response and called her an inspiration for other women and mothers. Let's take a look at a few messages that people wrote for the proud Kansas City mom:

"I think you look great and wish I had felt the same way. Too many times I didn't take the kids to the pool because of my own insecurities about being in a bathing suit. Your son has an awesome mom!"

— (@terri.haerle) August 9, 2016

"If those men need to see perfect bodies they can look at the airbrushed ones on the Internet. Real live women look like you and you look great!"

— (@patriciahernandez55) August 9, 2016

"Good for you! It dosnt matter what other people think. As long as your happy with yourself then know one elses option matters (sic)."

— (@crazy.clover.the.untamed) August 9, 2016

"Good for you girl, be proud of yourself because your body gave life and all the stretch marks and the extra weight is so worth giving life to a baby. Cherish that little boy and keep wearing the bikini."

— (@linda.shireman.9) August 8, 2016

"Educate with love. It shouldn't be necessary, but she's more likely to realize her mistake if you say it kindly. Good on you!"

— (@really.jennaa) August 8, 2016

"You look wonderful and it makes me glad to know there are women out there who don't worry about what the busybodies of the world think! The important thing is you enjoying time with your son (sic)!"

— (@chris.a.brinkley) August 9, 2016

An Indiana Mom's Unlikely Encounter

Like this Missouri mom, Kelly Howland had a similar experience grocery shopping at a Target store with her child in 2017. Kelly said she was walking down the aisle with her newborn baby when a woman came out of nowhere, greeted her amiably, and then did something mind-boggling.

The then-29-year-old mother-of-three explained that, over time, she was accustomed to people in public approaching her, curious to see her infant. But after the lady in the store pulled out a business flyer, it dawned upon her where the conversation was headed.

The lady first inquired about Kelly's baby girl and how much she weighed, but soon after, the woman tried to sell Kelly weight loss products from a company called "It Works!"

With that, Kelly turned to Facebook to document the encounter, urging people not to pressure postpartum moms with unrealistic expectations or trigger their insecurities. She wrote:

"My body doesn't need to be wrapped or squeezed or changed. It needs to be valued and revered for the incredible life it just brought into this world. THAT is beauty and THAT is all it needs."

Gathering Support

To her astonishment, Kelly's Facebook post from April 2017 gained virality, racking up 45,000 reactions and 17,000 shares. Many people supported her stance, thanking her for standing up for herself and becoming an inspiration for many women and mothers.

What are your thoughts on these two phenomenally moving stories? Do you feel women, especially mothers, are subjected to undue criticism and judgment at the hands of family, friends, or even strangers? Please show your support to these brave moms who stood their ground in the wake of body shaming.

Click here to read another story about a mother who happily shared pregnancy news, after which body shamers stepped in with rude comments about her belly.