Edmonton Mom’s Response To Fat-Shaming Goes Viral

You would hope that the days of mommy fat-shaming were over. But this latest viral story proves it’s still a major problem. And it needs to stop.

Earlier this week, Edmonton mom Tanis Jex-Blake and two of her children went out on what was supposed to be a relaxing day on the beach. The mother of five decided to wear a bikini for the first time in 13 years because why not? It’s summer after all.

But as Jex-Blake lay out in the sun, she started to hear a group of three young people openly mock her post-baby body. According to Jex-Blake, they pointed, laughed and even pretended to kick her – leaving her completely humiliated. But instead of staying quiet and sad about it, the mother from Sherwood Park took out her anger on social media (you go girl!).

“I’m sorry if my first attempt at sun tanning in a bikini in public in 13 years ‘grossed you out’,” wrote Jex-Blake in an open letter she posted on Facebook after the incident. The post was accompanied by a candid photo of herself in her bikini that day, showcasing her stretch marks for all the world to see.

“I’m sorry that my stomach isn’t flat and tight. I’m sorry that my belly is covered in stretch marks. I’m NOT sorry that my body has housed, grown, protected, birthed and nurtured FIVE fabulous, healthy, intelligent and wonderful human beings,” she wrote. “What great and amazing feat has YOUR body done?”

Jax-Blake told Global News that what hurt the most was that one of the three people who taunted her that day was a woman. She admitted that although she tried to stay strong during the incident, she broke down on the car ride home.

After sharing her story on Facebook, which has received over 3,000 shares, a local radio station picked up her story which prompted an outpouring of support from people (and moms!) from all over the world.

Overwhelmed by the support, Jax-Blake told CTV News  that she wants to host her very own “post-baby bikini sit-in” but until then, is content with inspiring other moms across the globe and reminding everyone that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.