Influencer divides internet over post-partum baby ‘compliment’

Fitness influencer Steph Claire Smith has divided social media after targeting post-partum bounce back culture and comments she received following the birth of her son.

A fitness influencer has divided social media after targeting post-partum bounce back culture and comments she received following the birth of her son.

Steph Claire Smith appeared alongside Kic co-founder Laura Henshaw on the Wednesdays podcast, hosted by best friends Sophie Habboo and Melissa Tattam, while the pair were in the UK.

In the episode, the former model talked about comments that were said to her after she and husband Josh Miller welcomed baby Harvey in May 2021.

Steph Claire Smith spoke about comments that were said to her after she and husband Josh Miller welcomed baby Harvey in 2021. Picture: Instagram

“People would say to me ‘it doesn’t even look like you’ve had a baby’ but it’s so damaging when we hear that so often,” Steph said.

“It’s like, what is wrong with looking like a mum?”

The 29-year-old revealed throughout her pregnancy she craved her comfort foods as a kid, which she classified as “just carbs”.

“I was fine with it, I just went with the flow. I think that through everything that we’ve been through and what we’ve learned I knew how to be in that space,” Steph said, referring to her time as a model where she was constantly criticised about her body.

“It’s like, what is wrong with looking like a mum," she asked. Picture: Instagram

“But for someone who is really confident and happy with my lifestyle choices it’s important, especially during that post-partum period, that you rest. Your body has just gone through a marathon.”

The model-turned-fitness influencer said she understood it was hard for people who lived active lifestyles to do but her appreciation for her body has grown since having her son.

Social media users were divided by what Steph said during the podcast, with some expressing frustration.

One commented: “OMG we can’t say anything anymore far out, not even compliments.”

Steph co-founded Kic with Laura Henshaw. Picture: Instagram

“A mum isn’t defined by the way they look. Post pregnancy, you will have a bit more weight but that’s not the definition look of a mum either,” another added.

Another said: “I love this so much so important to hear!”

“Yep this is EXACTLY how I feel post-partum,” one commented on the podcast snippet Steph uploaded.

“Ffs can we say anything without you getting offended,” one said.

Steph took to the comments to clarify her stance, saying: “I want to be clear, I didn’t take it as an offence, I’m upset that we see that as a compliment though.”