Mum’s video of breastfeeding triplets goes viral: ‘Just let us feed our babies’

Breastfeeding is hard work and the last thing any new mum needs is the not-so-helpful comments and advice of others. Elle, mother of triplets, recently posted a clip on TikTok to celebrate her ‘nurserversary’: six-months of feeding her three babies. And she shared with it the many negative comments people have offered over that time – all of which she took no notice of.

“Never doubt a determined mother”

Elle is in fact a mother of four who went for baby number two – and got three for the price of one. Her triplets were born at 29.5 weeks and spent 55 days in NICU. While this would have been a challenging time, Elle’s clip shows nothing but strength and determination with a collection of videos and photos of her breastfeeding journey so far. To top it off she has added the caption, “Feeding isn’t a one lane road. The message is never doubt a determined mother. Just let us feed our babies.”

@elle.plus.fourr

Feeding isn’t a one lane road. The message is never doubt a determined mother. Just let us feed our babies. #breastfeeding #fedisbest #triplets #fypシ

♬ What a time by Niall Horan and Julia Michaels – ana.tpwk

Why would you even say that?

While the clip shows Elle feeding her babies with great success, it also reveals the many negative things people have said to her over the past six months in regards to breastfeeding her triplets.

Comments such as “We don’t really see triplet moms breastfeed successfully breastfeed, but you can try” and “Being good bottle feeders will get them out of the NICU faster, I would stick with that.”

And unfortunately the list goes on:

• “Your hands are going to be way too full to pump.”
• “Can they really learn to latch after being on a feeding tube for so long?”
• “Is it really possible to make enough for all 3?”
• “I thought NICU babies only took bottles.”
• “But premmies don’t usually breastfeed.”
• “You’re never going to sleep again.”
• “They’re going to want you all the time.”

“You are amazing!”

The clip went viral with over 188,000 likes and nearly 1000 comments. Mothers everywhere offered their words of congratulations and support, in awe of a mum who has been working so hard for her many babies.

“Holy neck. That’s legendary! Good work Mumma,” said one viewer. Another said, “That freezer stash is the stuff of legends. You are seriously a champion!” while another commented, “That’s epic. Way to prove them all wrong.”

Other followers had managed to push through similar challenge such as one mother who said, “I was told I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed my daughter because she was a premmie. She latched instantly.”

Many others understood the trials of pumping and could appreciate just how much work was involved – especially as they were generally only pumping for one and not three. “Amazing!” said one. “I can’t even produce that much for my one premmie.” Another said, “I struggled (and failed) to nurse my NICU baby. I know the determination and hard work this took! Well done momma.”

What a super mum!

Elle was so overwhelmed by the many messages of love and support that she posted a follow-up video, thanking everyone, answering any questions and offering her own personal “milk tips”. For someone who says they’re “not naturally an overproducer” she has done an incredible job. And her final comment on her breastfeeding video explains a little of what has been keeping her going:  “Happy 6 month nurserversary, my little ones”.

Clearly, you should never tell a mother what she can and cannot do!