Feathering the empty nest

[Candycrush]

This is going to be an unpopular opinion but I think it’s a little bit rude. For the last few years, many thousands of people have been invested in her journey, have donated to her very worthwhile NICU fundraiser, bought her book and generally kept her going during her darkest moments. Now she finally has what she was looking for it’s like seeya. I feel the least she could do for these people is to just post a photo of the baby and reveal the name.

I know this is a rave thread but I kind of agree. I've always liked Elle and I admire how much she's done to raise awareness. I get that FTEN is essentially her job and she's more or less taking maternity leave. I get that some parents don't want their children on social media but she showed Teddy and wrote a book called "ask me his name". There's obviously a lot of people keen to know more judging by all of the comments on her posts. I just think that blocking people who searched for her private profile, changing her private profile's name and her mum going private etc wouldn't have been necessary if she posted a 'closure' (not the right word but the most fitting one I could think of) photo of the baby and her name. In a way people would have what they wanted and wouldn't pester her to find out. Again, I wouldn't wish what she went though on anyone and I get the irony that parents will be criticised if they do or don't show their children. I just agree that by posting bump photos etc her page is no longer a safe space anymore so I think the majority of her followers are so happy for her that they would love to at least know a name to celebrate the happy ending to a journey that they've followed her on.

 

[Pushyplumb]

What an absolute breath of fresh air to have an influencer say we have everything we need and would rather brands donate the items to charities rather than give to her. I am so unbelievably happy for this family.

 

[Noname123]

Crying! How wonderful, what brilliant news! A little baby girl

Another traumatic experience for her, I bet she was beside herself in the ambulance. God bless her.

 

[Leita]

It probably happened because like the rest of them, she isn't actually kind in real life, despite all the "Be Kind" tat they all have all over their homes. There's definitely a black list going around, I'm on it (my personal account), I can still see her on my business account. I used to really like Elle. I even sent her a heartfelt message after I read her book (I've suffered from multiple miscarriages and her book really helped me cope). And then she blocked me, it was a real slap in the face as I had confided some pretty personal things (shame on me). So, she may be doing all sorts of work for charity and helping others (well done her), but she certainly doesn't practice what she preaches. I'm happy she got her happy ending after the terrible loss she has suffered. But I'm no longer under the illusion that any of these "influencers" care a jot about their followers or how THEIR actions affect others. They drone on and on about how they are bullied and their mental health suffers, but they have zero problem bullying people themselves. Just something to be aware of.

Sorry to hear of your miscarriages. That’s awful you had shared personal things with her and then was blocked. IG is a snippet of someone’s life, what they want to share and what they want everyone to see. It’s just that a snap shot. I honestly didn’t think Elle would be part of the blocking brigade and shocked I’ve been blocked. I read her book, reviewed, and promoted for her. To be blocked after that is, well, what can I say. It places her in the same category as all the other petty IGers who do the same.

Ive wondered if there is a block list circulating. If this is the case (not certain) then it feels like a form of school playground tactics. I’ve also now been blocked by Cara Suthers (who I have never followed), Just a little build (I have followed for years) and All that’s Pretty. All about the same time on my personal account not business account.

I’m glad Elle and family have their take home baby too. Its just shocking how immature this group of IGers really are.

Theres a few insagrammer's who class any sort of criticism or people questioning their actions as trolling. It just seems very coincidental that I called an "influencer" out about breaking the first lockdown. Then the next day about 4 others that I follow but never interacted with had blocked me.

I’ve not even called anyone out, or liked etc and been blocked by 3-4 others.

 

[Freedomofspeech89]

I’m so so happy for them. Brought back so many memories. She’ll need to be really kind to herself over the next few weeks as her emotions will be all over the place. I remember it well with my rainbow baby. Such happy news though.

 

[Missoula18]

<silence>
I really hope this means baby is here safely!!

 

[barrrlohflaughs]

In her reply she says she will share on IG when baby here safely - but no name or face, and blog will have no baby related content.
It is a bit annoying when people put themselves in the public eye and open up so much to their followers (who are all rooting for them big time) and then keep something so huge SO private..

Ah well that’s just a bit shit then. It’s even more annoying that she will share the news/pictures with the likes of carasuthers who probably couldn’t give a hoots but not the very people who are following her and giving her the platform to raise awareness!

 

[barrrlohflaughs]

Her stories this morning have got me crying like a crazy person. I don’t think I’ve been happier for someone! Especially someone I don’t even know!

 

[Lynseyp]

If she posted pics of her baby on FTEN page then she may get some dislike from those who have unfortunately lost babies in the past and they may feel its a dig/rubbing their faces in it. (You know what people are like, there will be some who feels this way).
By opening a new account for her friends and family she could post photos of the baby plus she wont receive as many messages so she can enjoy the new arrival without the need to reply to followers.

Elle never bought her Son home, so you can imagine how she must be feeling bringing her daughter home. She just wants to spend as much time with her and i completely understand that.

I have never been in her situation, so unless you have we will never understand what its like and we can only offer our best wishes to Elle and im sure she will report back on FTEN when she is ready too.

 

[Girlinabubble]

So what? People (rightly) complain when influencers get everything for free or keep taking freebies when they’ve already got huge amounts of whatever it is. In this case, they’ve bought all of these jumpers. They’ve got plenty of money, it’s up to them how they spend it. They do huge amounts for charity, so it’s not like they‘re selfishly spending their cash and ignoring those less fortunate. Are we really going to nitpick at a woman who buys her desperately wanted rainbow baby a few expensive keepsake jumpers? There’ll be plenty of clothes and items to pass on, I don’t blame her for wanting a few special items that mark a really wonderful moment in their lives. Plus, they are from a small company and appear to be made ethically, so .

Absolutely! How could anyone be critical after all she’s been through and how much she has helped others and charities. I’m sure the small businesses are really grateful too - win win - good for her!

 

[xoxo GG]

I am so glad that she told us baby had arrived safely. That’s all I think most ever wanted. I may have had my criticisms of her but my heart is just bursting with joy for her.

There is no better feeling than counting those little fingers and toes over and over again realising that they’re finally here and they made it out safely. I know that she will enjoy every second with her little one and I don’t blame her for taking a break. It must be overwhelming with so many messages, comments etc.

It’s been a whole wave of emotions to see her whole story play out, but I’m just so glad that she has put a pause on things for the best reason

 

[PrettyLittleBunny]

Absolutely agree. So hope she has her happy ending. She so deserves it

 

[Thedreamteam]

I think it’s one thing to show the rest of her life which allows her to get ads etc, but the baby hasn’t consented to having it’s entire life broadcast from day 1 on social media, why should she be pressured to do this? Also, it would have been quite difficult to hide an entire pregnancy! And why should she? To me, it represents hope. And hope is so important around loss. I really respect what she does regarding fundraising and awareness and she is not a grief counsellor, simply a parent sharing their experience to hopefully help others, so I agree with her not responding to every single (and can you even imagine how many she must get??!) DM about loss and anxiety, instead she tries to deal with issues as a whole on her page. Of all the ‘influencers’ she is definitely one of the best

 

[MrsHater]

She has replied to someone on one of her photos saying she has no plans to share the face OR name of the baby, as she wants her page to remain a safe space for bereaved parents. Which I do kind of get, and don’t get me wrong I really like her and have just finished her book, but lots of people very invested in her story and would be overjoyed about her baby news. There will be lots of bump photos... then no baby

This woman irritates me, I’m sorry! She’s in this to make money like the rest of them, despite the impression she tries to give off. She also said she wasn’t going to be posting bump photos .. er, I think she’s posted one every single day! There’s something a bit smug about her, and especially her not posting a photo or name of her baby - it’s a tad disrespectful to her followers I think. It’s like she laps up the adornment but gives nothing back To her followers; she just wants to show off her privileged lifestyle and be the posh girl who says fuck a lot.I’m not buying it.

 

[Lreb88]

So happy for them that their little girl arrived safely and they’ve taken her home.
I imagine they’re feeling so many conflicting emotions, I hope they can enjoy it as much as possible.

 

[SilverSpoonNotIncluded]

I wasnt aware this was a rave thread.


I just think when she wants something from the followers whether be it for charity or for herself she will be back. I think its a bit naive to think she hasnt made money from instagram to date. She most certainly has.

Oh she for sure has. I don’t doubt that, she’s done ADs with the white company etc. I just don’t resent her for it, I can imagine going back to work after what she went through would be really tough. And even if I hated her for doing that, I think piling on her is just distasteful.

And this thread is in the rave section, not sure if you’re being sarcastic or not!

 

[NC2020]

The cardigans are super cute and who cares if she buys them with her own money

 

[OutrageouslyScarlet]

But what is she ‘famous’ for? Raising money and awareness. I also don’t begrudge her for making money from Instagram. She said she didn’t think we could return to work due to her mental health and yes she has a husband with a good job but it’s nice to have Some financial independence.

 

[Nellyboy]

Can people block you from seeing their stories? I have 2 IG accounts and on one I can see Elle has posted stories and on the other its saying she hasn't posted any stories.

Yes people can block you from seeing their stories. Sounds like you might have been if you can see them from another account.

they have way too much time on their hands if they are keeping track of names to block and pass around.

Well then they’re all as petty as each other. Especially if they condone anyone breaking lockdown. #pettypeople

I only noticed this week. I cannot even see her profile! I’ve unfollowed now from my business account too. Can’t be doing with it tbh and I’ve only ever been positive about her. I’m not sure why it’s happened.

It’s a business to her. Don’t take it personally. Unless you’re bigging her up she’s not interested, that’s my opinion of her anyway. Before anyone comes at me, it’s my opinion I’m not saying anyone else has to see it the same way

I’m also blocked by cara suthers. Never followed her!

Well that’s super petty to block somebody who’s never even followed her. These big accounts need to get over themselves in the middle of a bloody pandemic

they have way too much time on their hands if they are keeping track of names to block and pass around.

Wish I could double like this

 

[Spider12]

I think she will do one once the baby is born and is at least a few days old. With Teddy passing in those first few days I bet her anxiety will be sky high. I can’t wait to hear everything has gone ok