BSIM
Self Introduction:
I am Shalu Vinu. I am an engineer by profession, but I used to be a model and television host back in India. I got married in 2015 and moved to California, USA. Vinu and I have three beautiful children. Viaan is 6, Viaah is 3, and Viaaz is 6 months. I have been a vlogger for 8 years and a home entrepreneur. Being a mom of three makes me the happiest person on earth. I am so happy and proud to say that I tandem fed my three kids at the same time.
What were the challenges I faced the first time, and how did I overcome them?
Viaan, my first child, was born in 2016, when I was 26 years old. When he was born, there was literally no milk supply. So I had to feed him formula for the first 2 days, which he didn’t take properly. So his weight was dropping to a dangerous level, and we had to take him to the hospital every single day. When they said I had to admit him for some IV fluids, I cried a lot and started pumping like anything. Initially there was nothing, but slowly it helped with the milk supply, and in a week there was sufficient milk to feed him. Then I realized how many other people were struggling just like us. So I started pumping more and donating as much as I could. Three of my kids didn’t take bottles, so I fed them directly and kept donating the pumped milk. And I promised myself that I would continue to feed my baby until he weaned himself.
What were the challenges I faced the second time?
Viaah, my second child, was born in 2019. I was so confused and worried that we were not ready to stop feeding. Everyone advised me to wean off my son, as it’s not safe or good to feed during pregnancy. I talked to my doctor, and surprisingly, she told me that I could breastfeed my son as I was in a low-risk pregnancy. Then I started to read and research a lot. The BSIM group was a lifesaver. I read a lot of incredible stories there, and we decided to continue our journey. I breastfed him throughout my pregnancy and just before my daughter was born. After the delivery, I tandem-fed both my kids, and it was such a special feeling. I didn’t have any issues with supply this time, and there was more than sufficient for both, and I was able to donate some too. Many people said my younger one wouldn’t get enough milk, but she grew up perfectly fine.
What were the challenges I faced the third time?
I found out about our surprise baby #3 Viaaz in 2021. I was very confident this time because I was still feeding both of them. Viaan stopped the morning feeds at that time. When Viaaz was born, everything was so easy and familiar. He fits in just perfectly, and I still wanted to feed three of them. No matter what others think about me, I want all my kids to self-wean. So I continued to feed them. Viaaz was feeding 12–14 times a day, Via was feeding 6–7 times, and Viaan was feeding 1–2 times a day.
Viaan turned 6 years old in December 2022, and I fed him on his birthday. After that feed, he told me that he is ready to stop the breastfeeding because he has had enough, and he wants his siblings to get more. You know how much these kids can surprise us. Many emotions came to me, and I was remembering those first few hard days we had been through.
What kept me going during the difficult times was the memory of hugging him and crying so hard that I couldn’t feed my baby. Now, after 6 years, here we are, and it was an amazing journey we had. I am still tandem feeding the younger 2 and will continue to feed them until they are ready to wean off.
What kept you going through the difficult times?
We had our ups and downs, but the bond they share while feeding is incredible. They always hold hands, too. I make sure to talk to my kids about the importance of feeding their siblings.
How did you manage to feed all three kids?
I fed my younger one first. When he was finished, he fed the older two in tandem. I tried to give most of the colostrum to the little one. My kids are adjusting so well, and they are happy to share it with siblings, which makes it easier. They never had a fight about this and patiently waited for their turns. We read a lot of books about sibling love and sharing.
How did you keep up the motivation to feed all three of your munchkins?
The struggle we had the first time is always the motivation to feed them. When it’s full, one of my munchkins comes and empties it, so I’ve never had an infection.
Your journey is amazing. Were there any facts you wished you knew before?
Our bodies are so surprising. Even if you don’t have milk for a few days or weeks, it can arrive at any time. Pumping helped me a lot with the supply.
Who were the people in your support system? What role do they play in your BF journey?
I have a very large support system, including my husband, parents, in-laws, sister, and the list goes on. My husband is the biggest support, and we had been through a lot the first time. So he made sure I got enough rest, ate nutritious food, and took prenatal care. I wouldn’t have done this without him.
Any other information to share with other moms?
Trust your body and try to embrace it. Make sure to take the vitamins and eat healthy. Drink plenty of water, and mainly don’t stress yourself. I keep reading a lot, and it helps to be in the loop. I enjoy reading many successful dating stories because I recognize myself in them. So I would love to take a moment and tell my fellow moms to keep faith in their bodies and make sure to take care of their bodies and minds. Mammas, we’ve got these.
