weeLove: Desserts that do Double Duty
Milky Mama
Lactation Treats to Boost Supply
Breastfeeding can be incredibly joyful… and incredibly challenging all at the same time (welcome to parenthood!). From clogged ducts to low milk supply, there’s a lot to contend with as you get into the groove. That’s why Krystal Duhaney, a Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and mother of two founded Milky Mama. This Black owned business offers tasty lactation treats, using natural ingredients, that encourage a new mom’s breastfeeding journey and promote milk production. (So there’s no excuse to turn down that brownie!). We are grateful that we were able to catch up with Krystal to learn more about Milky Mama and hear her helpful tips for breastfeeding success.
What led you to start Milky Mama?
I created Milky Mama due to the breastfeeding difficulties I experienced with my first child. When I became pregnant with my second child, I was determined to have a better breastfeeding experience. Using my knowledge as a Registered Nurse and my previous breastfeeding journey, I developed a delicious cookie recipe using natural ingredients known to promote milk production. I knew that there were many other mothers that experienced the same difficulties I did and wanted to share my new product with them. So, Milky Mama was born!
What are some common hiccups/barriers people experience when starting to breastfeed and solutions that may help?
A few common struggles that many breastfeeding parents face are issues such as difficulty/painful latching, low milk supply, clogged ducts, and lack of support. Parents of all races report that they had to stop breastfeeding before they wanted to due to lack of support from their peers, healthcare providers, family members, and employer. However, generational trauma and systematic racism has contributed to lower breastfeeding rates in the Black community. The percentage of Black parents that breastfeed is lower than any other race. In 2015, only 64.3% of black infants were breastfed compared to 86.6% of white infants that were breastfed and 82.9% of Hispanic infants that were breastfed. Additionally, studies show that Black infants are more likely to be offered and fed formula in the hospital after birth than any other race.
Things like prenatal breastfeeding courses and education, breastfeeding support groups, and a knowledgeable lactation consultant can help parents have a successful breastfeeding journey.
Are there certain products, resources, and/or items you recommend parents investigate and/or add to their baby registry that can help facilitate breastfeeding from the get-go?
I recommend that parents and their partners take a breastfeeding course to help prepare them for their upcoming breastfeeding journey. Additionally, a great, lanolin-free nipple balm can do wonders to soothe sore nipples. A breastfeeding pillow is a great way to maintain comfort for you and baby while nursing. Also, be sure to check with your insurance company before giving birth; most provide you with a free breast pump which can be very helpful to have on hand if you’re planning on pumping/storing milk. Breastfeeding-friendly attire such as nursing shirts and bras can provide easy access during nursing sessions.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their breastfeeding journey, what would it be?
Educate yourself. As a new breastfeeding parent, it’s common to worry if your baby is getting enough milk, if you’re latching properly, etc. By educating yourself on what is normal and what to expect, you’re setting yourself up for a confident and successful breastfeeding journey.
Be sure to check out Milky Mama’s cookies, brownies, drinks, and herbal supplements. They also offer an awesome online course, Breastfeeding 101, to help educate, empower, and support moms throughout their breastfeeding experience.
