An Instagram influencer who says she dedicates her life to health and fitness has hit out at 'mum-shamers' who criticised her for posing in a bikini.
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Sia Cooper runs the fitness account 'Diary of a Fit Mommy', which has over 1.1million followers.
Earlier this week, she shared a photo of her posing in a black-and-white bikini, facing away from the camera. Cooper wrote in the caption that she had initially hesitated over posting the image, as she was self-conscious about her cellulite.
"I'm sharing it now because I want you ladies to feel empowered and to own your bodies. You are more than your dimples," she explained.
"Wear the damn swimsuit because life is too short!"
While Cooper received positive feedback from other women complimenting her body and confidence, one fellow mother didn't take kindly to the post.
"To show your gains you don't have to show your behind like that, you are a mother... think about what your children see your behind in your posts in the future, [sic] unfollowed," wrote Lety Castellanos.
In a post on Thursday, Cooper hit back at the comment, writing a long caption saying mothers shouldn't be shamed for showing their figures.
"Since when were moms supposed to hide their bodies? Since when were mothers no longer allowed to feel sexy? How do you think babies even got here in the first place?" Cooper pointed out.
She went on to say that by showing pride in her body, she was setting a positive example to her children.
"I want my kids to see a mother who's body positive. I want my kids to see a mother who's confident in her own skin.
"There is no rule out there that states you can't rock a bikini just because you pushed a baby out of your vagina at some point in your life. In fact, that should make you worthy of one and so much more."
Cooper's followers took to the comments to applaud her stance.
"It may have cost you a follower, but you have no idea how many women you probably empowered by having the courage to post a picture that highlights something you may be or may have been insecure about," wrote one fan.
"Body positivity is such a huge thing to me especially being a mom.
"You are an inspiration to a lot of mothers and women out there! For those who can't accept, oh well you can't please everyone!!!!! "
It's not the first time a mum has been criticised for her 'bad influence'.
Actress Shay Mitchell recently hit headlines after setting mum-shamers straight when they criticised her for attending Drake's birthday party soon after the birth of her daughter.
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