Navigating the complexities of raising triplets is undeniably challenging, and amidst this demanding journey, the true struggle lies in contending with the opinions and judgments of others. For every mother, particularly those blessed with twins or triplets, the ceaseless battle against societal expectations and interference regarding childcare, feeding, and upbringing is an exhausting ordeal.
Nina Dufrenne, a young and resilient mother, vividly recalls the immense pressure imposed upon her by external forces. The issues that seemed to elicit the most concern were centered around child-rearing and the arduous task of expressing milk. Given that breastfeeding and pumping require substantial energy, especially when catering to the needs of three infants simultaneously, Nina was repeatedly informed that opting for a completely natural approach to nourishing her children was an uncommon choice among mothers of triplets.
Amidst the various feeding methods available for infants, each with its own merits depending on the circumstances, Nina was determined to showcase through her example that exclusively breastfeeding triplets is indeed possible. To spread this empowering message, she took to TikTok, creating a series of videos that captured her daily routine, encompassing the care of her babies and the continuous process of expressing milk. Her videos became a testament to her unwavering dedication and left viewers impressed and astonished. Once again, it serves as a reminder that in this world, for a woman, for a mother, there are no limits to what can be achieved.
@elle.ρlus.fouɾɾ my thɾee little biɾds ❤#tɾiρlets #29weekeɾs #ρɾeemies #voiceoveɾ #chiρmunks #cute #babies #newboɾns #multiρles #tɾiρletbabies #siblings ♬ Thɾee Little Biɾds – Kyle
Following the birth of the triplets, they were immediately whisked away to the intensive care unit, where they were connected to artificial lung ventilation devices. Nina's heart sank as she witnessed this distressing sight, consumed by a constant fear for her fragile newborns. Like any mother, she desperately yearned to find some way to alleviate their suffering. "In those difficult moments, all I could do for them was diligently express milk for their feedings. Perhaps that's why I still hold such a strong emotional attachment to this process," Nina shares, her voice tinged with both vulnerability and determination.
@elle.ρlus.fouɾɾ Feeding isn’t a one lane ɾoad. The message is neveɾ doubt a deteɾmined motheɾ. Just let us feed ouɾ babies. #bɾeastfeeding #fedisbest #tɾiρlets #fyρシ ♬ What a time by Niall Hoɾan and Julia Michaels – ana.tρwk
With her maternal instincts guiding her, Nina persevered and began expressing milk regularly for her precious babies. As depicted in her TikTok videos, this daily task proved to be arduous and demanding, requiring unwavering dedication. Yet, every ounce of effort invested was undoubtedly worthwhile. Despite the constant presence of well-meaning individuals attempting to dissuade her from this path, Nina remained resolute in her decision to provide her children with the best possible nourishment.
Numerous individuals suggested to the young mother, "If you feed your children with a specialized therapeutic mixture, they will soon be able to leave the intensive care unit." Yet, Nina never even entertained this option. She remained resolute in her determination to exclusively nourish her children with her own milk, even though it was undeniably the most challenging path to undertake. Her unwavering commitment to providing her infants with the best start in life propelled her forward, undeterred by the difficulties that lay ahead.
The babies' premature arrival at 29 weeks only fueled the young mother's determination to establish a strong connection with her newborns through breastfeeding. Understanding the profound benefits it offered, she diligently began expressing milk every day. However, it seemed that those around her were eagerly anticipating the moment when she would falter, fearing that there wouldn't be enough milk to sustain all three children.
"There were numerous doubters who questioned my decision, but for the past six months, I have exclusively nourished my children with breast milk, and everything seems to be perfectly fine," shares Nina with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Her unwavering commitment has proven the skeptics wrong, demonstrating that her perseverance and dedication have yielded positive results for her little ones.
The young mother found herself bombarded with comments, particularly during her hospital stay, where she frequently heard phrases like, "We have not witnessed mothers successfully breastfeeding triplets exclusively, but you can give it a try."
Nina's TikTok videos, however, have garnered millions of views, serving as a powerful source of support and encouragement for pregnant women expecting twins, triplets, or even more children. The widespread viewership of her videos signifies a significant boost for mothers facing similar challenges, instilling hope and inspiring them to explore the possibilities of breastfeeding multiples.
"When I was pregnant, I faced immense difficulty in finding information on breastfeeding triplets. That's why I want to show other mothers that it is not only real but also possible," expresses Nina with conviction.
She acknowledges that breastfeeding is not the only viable method of feeding, and circumstances can vary greatly. However, she believes that if a mother can breastfeed her baby despite the doubts and skepticism from those around her, it is truly something to take pride in.
"I had to learn to disregard the negativity that came my way. There were times when I could express an abundance of milk, far more than my children needed. Then, in the following week, I struggled to produce enough. This is where having a pre-made stash of excess milk, stored in the freezer, becomes incredibly helpful," Nina shares from her own experience.
Bɾeastfeeding tɾiρlets is an arduous and weighty ɾesρonsibility, but Nina's videos and ρhotos seɾve as a testament, insρiɾing motheɾs with the notion that no challenge is insuɾmountable.
