August is National Breastfeeding Month, but for nursing mamas, every month is breastfeeding month. Every week, day and middle-of-the-night hour. I am a firm believer in breastfeeding, and am currently nursing an 18-month-old toddler.
Breastfeeding a toddler is in many ways easier than breastfeeding an infant; she can easily latch and now ask for milk. (She pats the couch or floor, looking up at me with a knowing smile.) But what hasn’t changed are the demands breastfeeding puts on my body; and with an on-the-go toddler, I need wholesome, healthy foods to keep my milk supply and energy levels going. Enter: Milk’d Nutrition.
Milk’d Nutrition launched their website in November 2018 and has both an online store and brick-and-mortar business. The company is run by Kayla Hansmann and her mother, Melanie. Kayla is a certified Lactation Counselor and Registered Dietitian, and Melanie a seasoned baker. Together, they create small-batch, healthy snacks filled with goodness and galactagogues.
Milk’d’s products include their signature muffin cups, energy bites, smoothie/overnight oat mixes and freshly ground nut butters (almond, cashew and peanut). All items are created using wholesome and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Orders can be picked up at the store, shipped or hand-delivered, which is super convenient for a busy, breastfeeding mom. (Oh – and for those of you who are suckers for Pinterest-perfect packaging, Milk’d’s items come boxed and bagged in adorable, gift-worthy packages.)
Of course, all of this sounds great, but do the products actually taste good?
Yes. Yes they do.
The muffins are little two-bite wonders, and they come in brownie and oatmeal flavors. The oatmeal is a tasty, just-sweet-enough snack or breakfast option. The brownie is dessert disguised as breakfast. It’s rich and decadent, and somehow healthy at the same time.
My favorite products are the energy bites. These grab-and-go bites are perfect fuel for a busy, on-the-go mom. A perfect blend of protein, fat and carbs, these guys have the breastfeeding trinity of oats, brewer’s yeast and flax. They also feature the classic combo of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, for a perfectly sweet and satisfying bite.
One thing to note: since all Milk’d products are fresh and contain no preservatives, they need to be consumed within two weeks of purchase. They are so delicious, I guarantee this won’t be a problem, but for those of you with incredible self control, these products are freezer-friendly. I have been grabbing an energy ball or two from the freezer for snacks, and they hold up really well.
Of course, you may be wondering whether these lactation products actually boost milk production. I nurse my daughter on demand, and can definitely tell if it’s been a few hours between feedings (nursing moms – you know what I mean). I find that I’m making plenty of milk to support my daughter’s growing body, and also feel sated and energized after eating an energy bite or muffin. The bites are particularly wonderful for a middle-of-the-night snack.
Also, it should be noted that Milk’d products aren’t just delicious for breastfeeding moms; they also make healthy snacks for kids, too. My kids particularly loved the brownie cups, which make a quick and easy breakfast option for busy school mornings.
I love supporting local businesses and Milk’d fills a much-needed void in Cincinnati’s pre- and postnatal scene. In addition to creating addicting and wholesome lactation products, Kayla also provides pre- and postnatal nutrition counseling and lactation consulting.
Motherhood is not easy, and Milk’d Nutrition provides support and sustenance for Cincinnati moms.
