- Khloe Kardashian welcomed her first child with Tristan Thompson, daughter True, on April 12.
- She recently returned to the gym and has been documenting her quest to "get rid" of remaining baby weight on Snapchat.
- People aren't thrilled with Kardashian's apparent preoccupation with thinness, particularly so soon after giving birth.
- The reality star defended herself in a new video, calling her fitness routine a "sanctuary."
- "Just because I have a baby doesn't mean I have to stop doing the things that I love and I love working out."
Khloe Kardashian's experience with motherhood is young — but already fraught with rumors and critique. In addition to her highly publicized relationship drama, the new mom is now under fire for prioritizing her fitness regimen so soon after giving birth.
According to Kardashian's Snapchat updates, her doctor gave her the go-ahead to work out about one month after welcoming her daughter.
"It is a struggle getting back into the groove of working out. Mentally, I'm strong. But physically, it's just not the same. My body is not doing what I feel like my mind is telling it to do," she said in a Snapchat video posted on May 10. "I'm going to be documenting me trying to get this body back, my mind, everything strong. I want mind, body, and soul, it all to be lined up and in zen. And trying to now do this with my sweet little baby girl."
Most recently, the Good American founder filmed a video for Snapchat while flaunting her stomach — and noting that she needs to "get rid of" her butt and thighs.
"Five weeks after baby, feeling good. Muscle memory is a real thing because it's still under there. Got to tighten it all up," she said. "Just need everything to be solid. If I'm solid, I really don't care."
Kardashian has also shared that, upon seeing her postpartum body in paparazzi pictures, she was shocked at how "big" her butt looked and that she "can't wait to tone up again and get my body back to where it was." Kardashian is reportedly so eager sore post-workouts that even holding her baby is a struggle.
While some moms may share these thoughts after gaining pregnancy weight and giving birth, Kardashian's candid preoccupation with thinness has rubbed many people the wrong way.
"I love her but she definitely needs to stop freaking out so much about 'getting her body back,'" one fan commented on an Instagram post from @khloesnapchats.
"I really used to love Khloé, she was my fave, but all her body talk etc. You just had a beautiful baby girl. Don't stress over it so much," wrote another.
Other critics have chimed in on Twitter.
Khloe dont be silly you looked beautiful. Your a new mum just enjoy this time & celebrate what your body had gone through and it all still works perfectly. Forget vanity right now, your better than that x
— Stephanie McAllister (@stephiemac1) May 9, 2018
Sounds like getting that snap back body is more important than just being a mother and bonding with your newborn 👶🏼
— Alicia Salazar (@Albeehonest) May 12, 2018
For the love of God just be a mom and not worry about what the heck you look like for five minutes.
— Gigi (@GigiIf) May 12, 2018
It's clear that Kardashian is acutely aware of this commentary, and posted a direct response in her most recent Snapchat.
"What I'm annoyed about is that I've read a couple of times on Twitter that, you know, they feel that I'm focusing too much on my body, but the truth is, I've worked out five or six days a week before I got pregnant and that's my sanctuary and something I love to do," she said. "I want to find time to work out because that's going to be my new normal. Just because I have a baby, doesn't mean I have to stop doing the things that I love, and I love working out and getting my mind right."
Many others seem to agree, and have defended the new mom's right to prioritize her own health.
@khloekardashian
— Alicia Uys (@Uys304) May 21, 2018
Girl do u!!! I think it is awesome for u to get ur body back and shape I wish I could of snap back into a nice body!!! So u go girl!!! U look amazing and haters are just jelly!!!!😗
You do you @khloekardashian Enjoy your precious time with your babygirl, do your workouts and what makes you happy in body and soul❤ I think it is important that moms take care of ourself and do not feel bad about it. Because if we are doing good, we are also better moms❤
— VIP REISER (@ReiserVip) May 21, 2018
There is a lot to unpack here. Kardashian is entitled to her own priorities, although it's important to remember that "snapping back" after giving birth is not always possible or even necessary.
It should also be noted that, despite the vision of beauty and fitness that is typically advertised on social media — including and especially by the Kardashian-Jenner family — being skinny is not the same as being healthy. This mindset can even cause workout habits to become obsessive.
That said, however, commenters on social media are not entirely qualified to judge Kardashian's lifestyle. As a general rule, a woman's body is her own property and her health should not be up for uninformed debate.
Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox.
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: NBA ref explains why the James Harden step-back jumper isn't traveling