In case you missed it: This was one of Lifestyle's most popular stories of 2016. It was originally published in August
Australian blogger Mel Watts has a fanbase of mothers throughout the world.
On her blog, The Modern Mumma, she talks candidly about the trials and tribulations of parenting, and it's her down-to-earth approach that has made her so popular - until now.
In a tearful post on Facebook, the blogger has spoken out about the barrage of abuse she recieved from online trolls after writing about having sex after kids.
The post (warning, it gets a bit racy) discussed having a "quickie" with her husband while the baby was asleep, and received more than 5000 Facebook likes.
Watts says after posting the article, she's suffered vicious attacks from around the world. Hundreds of abusive messages have flooded in from critics, who have taken aim at her parenting style, and even the state of her marriage.
In the wake of the abuse, the blogger recorded an emotional video on bullying, and said the problem originated from parents, not children.
"It's the parents. The parents are the ones that are causing the bullies", she said through tears.
Speaking to the trolls who have sent her abuse, she said, "Does it make you feel better?" "You either like it or you don't. If you don't have anything nice to say, you scroll on."
She went on to defend her family, and spoke of the profound distress the online backlash has caused her.
"When people start personally attacking my husband and my children and the way that my children are brought up, that really upsets me," she said. "I shouldn't have to tolerate it. No one should have to tolerate it.
"Words do matter, and words do hurt."
However, since publically addressing the online trolls, the blogger has received a wave of support from other parents.
"People are so cruel," one commenter wrote on Facebook. "You're amazing and I love reading your blog, watching your snapchat and seeing all aspects of your life. Stay strong."
Another fan said she admired Watts for her candidness. "You inspire me with your posts, and I'm thankful that you are one of the few who share about the real maternity and life etc. Thank you for being honest, for being yourself, for being real and for sharing this with all of us."
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