Plus-size model Tess Holliday shares honest image of the 'reality of being a mum'

Model and mum-of-two Tess Holliday has shared a brave picture of what she describes as the 'reality of being a mum'.

The 31 year old, who is mum to sons Rylee, 11, and Bowie, eight months, uploaded the image of herself with tears rolling down her cheeks to her Instagram account, telling her 1.4 million followers that she had 'reached her limit'.

'This is the reality of being a mom,' she wrote in a heartfelt message alongside the candid photo. 'I've been up since 3 am, & every time I get Bowie to sleep & try to lay him down, he wakes up.'

'He is teething & has no clue I have to work today, & most days I can work 15 hour days, take care of both boys & put some lipstick on & deal with it. Most days I drink my coffee & smile at every little thing he does thinking it's the best thing in the world, but not today.'

'I've been crying for nearly two hours, & I'm crying as I write this. I've reached my limit, exceeded it to be honest.'

Tess went on to explain that her confidence has been knocked since giving birth to her second son in June 2016, making her job in the public eye even more challenging.

'The pressure of "looking good" for a living is too much today. When your face is breaking out from the hormones of breastfeeding + total exhaustion from lack of sleep, bags under your eyes, patchy red skin & to top it off no energy to work out or leave my bed.. how do you do it? How do you feel confident in your skin & feel like you aren't letting the client down by showing up exhausted & disheveled?'

'Yes, I chose a career based on my looks & I'm the first one to say that beauty isn't what should drive you, it's certainly not what motivates me. As a working mom in an industry that's as critical as mine, where is the line? The balance? The compassion? Is any career understanding when you show up at negative 10% because your kids wouldn't let you sleep & you want to hide under your covers & cry? Not many.'

'I hope one day that changes & society views mothers as the flawed human beings we are that are just trying to keep our shit together like everyone else. #effyourbeautystandards #workingmoms #disruptperfectmomsyndrome'

Fans were quick to assure Tess that she wasn't alone in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, with one writing: 'I feel you! 4:30AM with my teething non sleeping 10 month old after 4 wake ups during the night then my 3 year old was up at 6:30 for the day. This is most days! Official zombie Mom!!!!'

'As a fellow mumma, I feel you ...,' another agreed. "Motherhood is paved with guilt and struggles & ALL mums walk the same road... keep on walking though... but stop often & look around because it's also a really beautiful journey too.'

'Beautiful mama, we have all been right there with you,' a third added. 'You are not alone, and your beautiful in your tears. When I am sitting there exactly where you are, just remind yourself, this too shall pass. Sending so much love.'