Viral Photo of Woman with Baby Bump Called 'Huge' Highlights Harm of Criticism
Revie Jane Schulz said she hopes sounding off will help others be mindful.
— -- An Australian woman took to social media this week to raise awareness of how harmful it is to criticize a woman's baby bump.
Revie Jane Schulz, who is now mom to a 3-month-old daughter Lexington, posted a "throwback" photo on Instagram, wearing a form-fitting dress showcasing her bump.
She wrote in the now viral post, "I posted this after so many comments were thrown my way for having a massive bump. I was so fed up, even when I had tried on this dress and the shop assistant said 'Holy moly! My friend is 36 weeks and you're only 24 weeks and you're WAY bigger than her!'"
"It's tough, you're carrying a human," the Queensland, Australia, woman added, "your body is dramatically changing, more than you ever expected and then to rub salt in it, strangers feel the need to comment every time you're out in public."
Schulz, 25, told ABC News that she took to social media this week to caution others to be more mindful when speaking to pregnant women.
The mother added that she knows "that most people aren’t meaning to be rude or malicious at all when discussing the size of a bump, [so] I took to my social platforms in the hope to help others realize that talking about a size of the bump can sometimes be hurtful and cause a pregnant lady concern."
"I loved being pregnant and having a great bump, however, people constantly telling me that I was 'huge,' 'carrying multiples,' [or was] 'about to pop' really took some of the joy away during such a beautiful time," Schulz continued.
The fitness trainer said "it wasn’t just the superficial aspect" that annoyed her. Schulz said when thinking of delivering her baby, due to the comments she heard, "it made me feel afraid when I needed to feel empowered!"
On Instagram, Schulz offered some advice when interacting with pregnant women.
"Here's a tip, don't mention the size of a bump. No 'you're so big!s' No 'oh! You're so tiny!'s.' Just say something like 'you look beautiful/ healthy/ amazing!'"