Expectant Mom Of 4, Anna Strode Is Bringing Pregnancy Shaming To Light And It’s Thrilling
When a married woman doesn’t have children, she’s harped on to begin trying from just about everyone that she knows. If she only has one child, then it’s horrible not to give them any siblings.
But if she has “too many kids”, behold the pregnancy shaming trolls, because that’s just unacceptable or at least that’s what so many others like to remind her. Even more confusing, the “too many” number is subjective depending upon which judgmental troll you encounter that day.
If you’re a mother of multiple kids, and especially if all your children are little, you can probably remember the first time someone shamed you for a third, fourth, fifth or sixth pregnancy.
She took to her Instagram page to share her experience…
”I had absolutely no idea that “pregnancy shaming” existed until, I announced we had baby #4 on the way. You may have noticed I’ve been a little quite on Instagram the last 7 or so months. I’ve been busy and sick but also a little anxious when posting. Why?! Because over the past 7 months I have been criticised, judged and blatantly questioned why we have chosen to have another baby.
I’ve had comments and inbox messages saying all sorts of things from “wow, surely you’re not pregnant AGAIN ????” to “STOP HAVING BABIES” to people asking if I don’t believe in contraception and making rude comments about our children being so close in age and that I won’t enjoy them. So to be clear… Yes – I do believe in contraception, I was on it for manyyyyyy years. YES this baby WAS planned.
We actually tried for a few months before successfully falling pregnant. And YES, I thoroughly enjoy my children even though they are close in age. I LOVE it in fact! I always wanted 4 children.
READ ALSO: Why South African Mum, Thembeni Khuboni, Is Heartbroken After Having Five Children
For as long as I can remember, 4 just seemed like the number for me. I also all imagined them being close in age. I was blessed that my husband wanted the same. I never imagined that doing what my hubby and I wanted to do, would upset so many people or affect them in anyway.
I mean, I don’t understand why us having another baby would worry anyone so much? Anyone would think I asked the “pregnancy shamers” to wake all night and feed my baby, change dirty nappies, entertain my toddlers. But no, nothing will change for them so why the negativity towards me and my families choices?!
I’ve decided some people are just negative and that’s that… you can’t please everyone. Be kind people, please be kind ✨ Has anyone else ever experienced pregnancy shaming?! #motherhoodunplugged#motherhoodunfiltered #momlife#pregnancy #mumsofinstagram.”
Pregnancy is meant to be a happy time, and it’s already tough enough as it is. If a woman is, or has decided to be, excited about a pregnancy, it’s time for everyone to jump on board too — regardless of their own personal feelings on the matter. Regardless of how many children she has.