Black Registered Nurse Brings Breastfeeding Mothers Together 

Founder of Milky Mama

Got milk? If not, we may know someone who can help…

A registered nurse with a love for baking, Krystal Nicole Duhaney whipped up some “milk-making” cookies when she found herself struggling to breastfeed her daughter. Delighted by the dramatic increase in her supply, Duhaney saw an opportunity to help fellow mamas in the same predicament. And so, Milky Mama was born in 2015.

Since launching, Milky Mama’s product line has grown from its original Lactation Cookies to also include Tropical Iced Tea, LeMOOnade, Lactation Smoothie Mix, Herbal Supplements and, the founder’s personal favorite, Lactation Brownies. (Yum!)

Along with offering tasty treats and beverages, the company has attracted a community of breastfeeding women. “It was also important for me to create a village of support because that’s what I needed,” Duhaney says of her own experience as a new mom. “Having the extra support is so vital.”

Milky Mama facilitates weekly Facebook chats and a lactation support group. Duhaney has also furthered her mission of helping lactating women globally by obtaining her certification as an international board-certified lactation consultant. To date, she has helped over 100,000 mothers have a successful breastfeeding journey.

“My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is making a difference,” she says. “I love being able to wake up everyday and do something that I am truly passionate about.”

Milky Mama’s signature Lactation Cookies

What is it like being a black woman and business owner during this challenging time? I feel heartbroken and fired up at the same time. I’m heartbroken I have to explain racism to my children. I’m heartbroken that racism even exists. However, I am motivated to do my part to illicit change. I’m amazed by the amount of support I’ve received as a black business owner during this historical time and am using my platform to raise awareness and provide support to the black community. 

Can you recall any specific moments in your career where you felt robbed of opportunity or judged based on your race? Every year, at the end of August, we celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week. Milky Mama posts about racial disparities experienced by black breastfeeding parents that contribute to lower breastfeeding rates amongst the black community. Unfortunately, whenever we post about Black Breastfeeding Week, we get a slew of racist or discriminatory comments and unfollows. It’s extremely disheartening and a reminder that much more work needs to be done to end racial inequality.

What have you done recently to support the movement? I have joined members of my community in peaceful protests and have donated to multiple organizations in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement, George Floyd, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the countless other black lives that were brutally taken due to racism. As a company, we are committed to helping to end the black maternal health crisis and are working to provide scholarships for black lactation consultants and black birth workers to provide more representation in the birth community.

What steps should a brand take to ensure inclusivity? To promote inclusivity and diversity, every brand should make sure that they are showing black and brown faces using their products, working for their company and holding executive positions on their boards. Black representation matters.

What will be your biggest takeaway from 2020? I will remember how people of all nationalities and countries all over the world banded together to fight for racial equality and end racism. I will remember that despite feelings of division, there was an immense feeling of support and love from people all over the world. It will be an unforgettable year.

For more information on Milky Mama, head over to milky-mama.com.