'This is me 12 days after having my son' - Candice Swanepoel hits back at post-baby bikini body shamers

The 29-year-old has earned millions for her toned body and kept her 12 million Instagram followers up to date with her changing shape during pregnancy, with a number of sweet photos on the beach alongside her two-year-old son, her bump proudly on display.

Earlier this week, however, she was photographed in a bikini on the beach, just days after giving birth and the pictures were published online, which prompted some judgement.

"This is me 12 days after having my son. If you have something bad to say about it… Check yourself," she captioned the accompanying pictures.

"Society can be so cruel to one another. Beauty standards are sometimes impossible for women these days. I am not ashamed to show my post-partum tummy, I am proud actually.

"I carried my son for nine months in there, I think I've earned the right to have a little tummy."

She later shared photos of her while still pregnant, saying: I don't have to hide my stomach just because people have unrealistic standards of women. We create life… what can you do? Ladies are all in this together. Be kind to each other."

The South African supermodel shared excitement at welcoming her second child last month. "These are the most precious gifts life has given me. I am a lucky woman to be their mommy, to help guide them through this thing called life........ Now, they will always have each other. Anacan & Ariel #brothers."