Juiciness Mama

When you search for “stop breastfeeding triplets,” almost every result is about how to breastfeed triplets successfully, and not about how incredibly hard it actually is. You’ll find inspirational stories of women who “did it all,” but rarely the honest conversations about those who couldn’t… or simply chose not to.

The truth is, even the average mom often struggles to produce enough milk for a single baby — let alone for multiple newborns. The physical, emotional, and logistical demands are enormous.

For me, although I loved the act of breastfeeding, it was simply logistically impossible to nurse my triplets without being up around the clock. I never had the luxury of those calm, bonding feeds people describe. Most of the time, I was hooked up to a pump, adding breastmilk to formula bottles to make sure everyone got enough nourishment.

That’s why I was so grateful when I stumbled upon Twinversity, a site that shared real stories from moms of twins across the entire spectrum. Some exclusively breastfed for two years. Others stopped after just a few weeks because the stress, sleep deprivation, or NICU stays became too much.

It reminded me that there is no one right way — only your way.

My Story: When I Couldn’t Keep Going

At six weeks old, one of my triplets, Arthur, was rushed to the ER with sepsis and a Group B Strep infection. I remember sitting in the van, watching his skin turn pale and his breathing slow. The fear that surged through my body was indescribable, I threw up twice during that agonizing 40-minute drive to the neonatal emergency room in rush-hour traffic. By the time we arrived, he was struggling to breathe and crashing on the emergency room table. Watching your tiny baby fight for his life changes you forever. The trauma and stress from that night were so intense that my milk supply dropped by half overnight, and it never fully recovered.

By 9 weeks post-partum, I’d run out of all the stored milk I had pumped previously. I felt anxious, depleted, and like I’d failed my babies. They had outgrown my supply, and no matter how much I pumped or tried to rest, my body just couldn’t keep up.

At 12 weeks post-partum, after 72 straight hours with no sleep and no childcare help, I hit a wall. The thought of not having to pump anymore; not hearing that constant mechanical hum in the background of my exhaustion, actually felt liberating.

For a moment, I considered stopping altogether.

And yet, I was reminded of the first time one of my daughters rooted and I offered her my breast. The moment was so tender and primal that it brought me back and I decided to continue for as long as my body allowed and my babies needed me.

A couple of weeks later, I made the decision to stop pumping. By then, my milk supply had nearly dried up, and my body was clearly signaling it was time. Naturally, the hormonal swings brought waves of sadness, guilt, and even a sense of failure. But after a few weeks of adjustment, I realized it was the best thing I could have done, not just for my sanity, but for my healing. For the first time in over a year, I began to feel like myself again.

Those early days with my girls (I could never seem to hold all 3 calmly for a photo!)

And here’s the beautiful part: two years later, everyone is thriving. My babies, all born under three pounds, have caught up on their growth charts and you’d never know how tiny they once were.

So today, I just want to say this — from one mom to another:

• It’s okay if you want to stop breastfeeding.
• It’s okay if you need to stop for your mental health, your energy, or your sanity.
• You have permission to choose powerfully — and to let go of the guilt.

Breastfeeding, or not breastfeeding, doesn’t define your worth as a mother. What defines you is the love, presence, and resilience you bring to your children every day.

And if no one’s told you this yet: You’re doing an amazing job mama! 💛