Model Ashley Graham is proud of her post-partum body

Model and mum-of-three has reflected on the Barbie doll Mattel made in her likeness in 2016.

Appearing on the US Today in July, 2023, the body-positive star explained the doll was designed to mimic her features.

“She’s got thick thighs. She’s got a round butt. She has lower belly fat.”

Ashley went on to explain that there was one request that Mattel wasn’t able to meet. “The one thing I did ask for was cellulite,” she explained. “But they couldn’t do cellulite.”

The America’s Next Top Model alum reflected on the impact a doll like this would’ve had on her when she was younger. “If I would have had a Barbie that looked like my body shape growing up, I think my mind would have not been as traumatised.”

Model Ashley Graham welcomed her twin sons, Malachi and Roman with her husband, filmmaker Justin Ervin in January 2022. Scroll down to see more snaps of her family today.

Sharing the news to her Instagram stories on January 7, 2022, Ashley wrote:

“Justin and I are so excited to share that our baby boys are here. They were born early this morning at home and are happy and healthy. I’m taking some time to heal up and connect with my husband and three boys, but I truly can not wait to share more with you all. Much love, AG.”

It wasn’t long after giving birth that Ashley, who also has a four-year-old son, Isaac, posted three personal images to Instagram, celebrating her “new” tummy.

“Hi, new tummy,” she captioned the post. “We’ve been through a lot. Thank you. #3monthspostpartum.”

In the comments section of the post, Ashley was praised by many of her 19.8  million followers for embracing her postpartum body.

“Always so refreshing to see womens bodies raw, unfiltered and in all its glory 😍😍😍 You absolute beauty,” wrote one fan.

“Thank you for this because I’m 2 months postpartum and seeing how beautiful you look is really empowering for those of us struggling with the way we look. You are stunning and I love this! ❤️,” added another mama.

Commented another: “Your transparency about your body helps so many!! Thank you for being beautiful inside and out!💕”

In February 2023, Ashley was praised once again for being real and showing her postpartum stomach one year after giving birth to twins.

In the photo uploaded to Instagram, Ashley is squeezing her stomach. Celebrity friends and fans were quick to support the mum-of-three.

Actress Alyssa Milano commented “Beautiful”, while celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes wrote, “The realest one we know.”

Other fans spoke of the positive impact Ashley is having by sharing these unfiltered, real images.

“I wish I saw posts like this when I was younger. The impact of photos like these is substantial.,” wrote one fan.

Added another: “Why did this make me burst into tears? Thanks for being a real voice…. This post baby #3 body has me shook.”

Before the twins’ arrival, Ashley spoke up about the pressure women face to bounce back to their pre-baby body shape.

“I learned that the hard way when I tried to control everything when I was pregnant with Isaac and I told myself that I was going to bounce right back because I was breastfeeding and everybody told me, ‘Oh, if you breastfeed you’re going to lose all the weight,'” she told PEOPLE.

“And I had a few honest women tell me you will never feel the same. So they were just blunt with me and sure enough, I haven’t felt the same. It’s so hard acknowledging and accepting the loss of control of your body when you’re pregnant.”

In 2020, Ashley proudly shared her stretchmarks from her first pregnancy.

Scroll down to see more photos of Ashley’s parenting journey…