"I'm Pregnant, I'm Fat and I Hate It": Salon writer discusses pregnancy body loathing

Kim Brooks opens about her pregnancy weight struggles in her Salon essay, "I'm pregnant, I'm fat and I hate it." Read the article, and a response.

In other news, check out the latest reviews of Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? on Healthy Baby Network and Feministing!

The Fashion Industry Doesn't Like Coco Rocha's Grown-Up Curves

Coco Rocha is the latest model to come out against the fashion industry's stubborn adherence to a super-skinny aesthetic on the runway. Rocha has recently gone on the record saying that she has lost jobs because her body is too big now that she's reached the ripe old age of 21.

We remember when Rocha was a featured speaker at a CFDA Health Initiative forum back in 2008, where she confessed that a day in the life of a typical model involved hearing sensitive comments like, "We don't want you to be anorexic--we just want you to look like you are." She also admitted that an agent had once advised her to throw up after meals and that she had used diuretics to control her weight. Today, Rocha has a healthier outlook: “You know what, I’ve stopped caring. If I want a hamburger, I’m going to have one. No 21-year-old should be worrying about whether she fits a sample size.” The same cannot be said for many industry insiders, who, despite their attendance at the CFDA forums, are still upholding the unhealthy standard of hiring pre-pubescent girls and then routinely rejecting them when they start showing the first signs of curves.

“A lot of people are accountable, and nobody’s saying anything about it,” says James Scully a well-known fashion industry casting agent. “What happens when these girls develop and turn into women?” Well, it looks like they get the axe.

"A Model's Prospects: Slim and None" [NY Times]

Breaking Down Beauty Commercials: What Advertisers Don't Tell You

From the fake eyelashes in mascara ads to the "secret" ingredient in Proactiv, this parody takes on the beauty biz and its empty promises.

"What If Beauty Ads Told the Truth?"
via Jezebel

Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? Blog Book Tour

Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? has been on the virtual road over the past few weeks, making stops at lots o’ blogs. A few of our favorite quotes from reviewers:

“Reading this book was like listening to a friend…Obviously, this book is about pregnancy but underneath its healthy dose of humor, it’s about finally making peace with ourselves and our bodies.” –Crazy Suburban Mom

“I found it a very informative, fun read. It’s also an important book since women do so often feel horribly insecure about their bodies.” –Tripping Toward Lucidity

“Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? made me open my eyes to my own pre-conceived perceptions before I had children, what my expectations were while pregnant and the guilt that I had kept buried since then. I even giggled and cheered through the section of ‘The WTF Files: How to deal with dumb comments and stupid moves’…I finished reading with so much to consider. I leave with a whole new outlook on myself, almost making peace with myself after all these years.” –My Organized Chaos

“Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? is a no-holds barred, realistic guide about body image, the media, style, sex, and even breastfeeding. I found it informative, well-written, amusing and quick to read. And there was more than one section that I found myself nodding my head vigorously in agreement…This manual is a wonderful resource for any woman and would make a PERFECT baby shower gift!” –In the Trenches of Mommyhood (leave a comment by Friday, January 15th and you’ll be entered to win a copy).

Thanks to all those who have taken the time to read and review our book. You can check out a full list of tour stops here.

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