In October 2024, a TikTok user named Hannah, known by her handle @nursehannahbh, went viral for a candid video showing her finding 17 soiled diapers scattered around her home. In the video, posted on October 5, 2024, Hannah explained that she doesn’t use a diaper pail. Instead, she and her family typically collect the diapers in a bag at the end of the day, though this system failed during her day of solo parenting. Her husband was away, and she was left managing both a toddler and a newborn while feeling unwell, which led to the “17 diaper moment.”
@nursehannahbh OMG seriously so gross #mom #momtok #pregnant #pregnancy #pregnantlife #baby #birth #labor #babvannouncement #momlife #youngmom #momtiktok #toddler #momof2 #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodunfiltered ♬ original sound – Hannah 🤍Advertisement
The video quickly garnered attention, racking up over 5 million views, sparking both criticism and empathy in the comment section. Some viewers were shocked by the number of diapers strewn around the house, and they questioned why she didn’t use a diaper genie or a similar solution. Others, however, found her story relatable, especially fellow mothers who have struggled with the overwhelming responsibilities of parenting young children. The incident led to the creation of a phrase that encapsulated this moment — the “17 diapers moment” — which symbolizes the chaotic and exhausting reality of early motherhood.
The Viral Moment and Public Reactions
Hannah’s video touched a nerve on social media, with the #17diapers hashtag being used in over 2,000 TikTok videos as mothers around the world began sharing their own experiences of feeling overwhelmed. While many TikTokers criticized her for allowing so many diapers to pile up, others sympathized with her situation and shared their own stories of exhaustion and “survival mode” parenting.
One user commented that Hannah’s story was “not relatable,” while others, like @justisabellaj, used the platform to raise awareness about postpartum depression and anxiety, explaining how these conditions can make everyday tasks, like disposing of diapers, feel insurmountable. The sentiment of support grew as more mothers rallied behind Hannah, recognizing the struggles of balancing childcare with personal health and well-being.
Licensed therapist and author KC Davis, known for her book How to Keep House While Drowning, posted a supportive video titled A Love Letter to 17 Diaper Mom, where she displayed a photo from one of her own TikToks showing a similar scene of diapers left on the floor. Davis reassured Hannah and other mothers who might feel ashamed by the backlash, stating, “You’re fine. I did this too.” She emphasized that moments like these don’t define a mother’s capabilities or worth.
A Symbol of the Pressures on Mothers
The drama surrounding the “17 Diapers Mom” video highlights the pressures mothers face in balancing societal expectations with the realities of parenting. Many viewers pointed out that public scrutiny of mothers, especially those who share their vulnerable moments online, only adds to the mental and emotional toll that comes with raising young children. The fact that Hannah felt overwhelmed while managing a toddler and a newborn, particularly while feeling unwell, resonated with countless other mothers who have felt similarly overburdened.
Hannah herself responded to the mixed reactions in follow-up videos, explaining that she was simply trying to survive a particularly tough day. She acknowledged the criticism but noted that the overwhelming support from other mothers was far more valuable. Mothers flooded her comment section, sharing stories of similar moments when they struggled to manage their homes while feeling isolated and exhausted.
A Conversation on Motherhood
The viral video has sparked important conversations about the challenges of motherhood, especially during the early years when the physical and emotional demands are highest. Many mothers shared their own “17 diaper” stories, emphasizing the importance of offering support rather than judgment to mothers who are doing their best, often under difficult circumstances.
As the conversation around the “17 Diapers Mom” video continues, the incident serves as a reminder that every mother’s experience is unique, and moments of messiness or overwhelm are a natural part of parenting. Despite the initial wave of criticism, Hannah’s openness has helped to create a supportive space where mothers can share their struggles and triumphs alike.
Though Hannah has not posted further updates about the 17 diaper incident, the discussion around her video has continued to grow, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding toward mothers everywhere.
@nursehannahbh Replying to @Becca you moms are really saying youve never been ILL ill with multiple kids?? #mom #momtok #postpartum #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodunfiltered #newborn #newbornbaby #youngmom #momsoftiktok #husbandwife #toddler #toddlerlife #momof2 ♬ original sound – Hannah 🤍
@ispywithmylittlee14 #17diapers #mothers #lonely #isolation #sore #womensupportingwomen ♬ original sound – spotify.lyrics