MILK Label is a modern maternity brand innovating the maternity underwear and personal care industry by providing safe, effective and environmentally-responsible breastfeeding leakproof solutions. Passionate about helping women feel comfortable and confident while breastfeeding and protecting the environment, MILK Label design underwear to empower.
Would you give us a bit of backstory on what led you to develop MILK Label? We really admire your mission of breastfeeding empowerment. Tell us about what this means to you.
MILK Label is driven by a passion for empowering breastfeeding women to live fully unencumbered by the demands of motherhood. Our story began when two of our co-founders, Jess and Steph, were breastfeeding their newborns, experiencing oversupply and constant milk leakage on clothes and sheets with no sustainable leak protection options. Our personal breastfeeding journeys illuminated the need for better, more natural protection, so we decided to create it.
One of the main barriers to breastfeeding women experience is embarrassment and we wanted to help break down this barrier by creating a comfortable, functional leakproof nursing bra so women feel less impeded by breastfeeding and hopefully, more likely to succeed and enjoy their own breastfeeding journey. We wanted mothers to trust what they were putting close to their bodies at this time and enter into the fourth trimester with ease and confidence.
Would you share a bit about your own breastfeeding experience? Where did you find support during this time?
Steph: When my first daughter was born as soon as she latched my midwife said, “Oh! She’s a great feeder!” and it wasn’t until I saw how some friends and their newborns struggled to understand what that truly meant. I was blessed with an oversupply and a baby with a naturally good latch but it was still challenging and at times painful. I decided to become really resourceful and made sure to check my latch with any and all midwives who crossed my path, I watched youtube videos about achieving a deep latch and actually, I’ve helped so many friends to learn how to breastfeed since my own journey. Look up the ‘flipple’, it’s my favorite.
The second time around, it was tougher. My second daughter didn’t seem to “get it” as quickly and I constantly worried about whether she was getting enough with her average latch. I think all mums can relate to that concern. So I sought support from a local lactation consultant who gave me the confidence and guidance on the best feeding techniques for us.
Jess: One thing I struggled with was a super strong letdown and I had to wear disposable pads for over 6 months both times I breastfed because washable pads just didn’t work for me. This is how the idea for MILK Label was conceived.
I probably also owe my husband some gratitude here for the nutritious meals he made me during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I really noticed the difference on days I’d eaten well and those where I hadn’t eaten enough food or drunk enough water. Nutrition is so important.
We love your Music of Milk playlists. What’s a song that’s been lifting you up lately?
Jess: I absolutely love our Spotify playlists, there’s soft, easy songs to transport you to Italy while preparing dinner and uplifting tracks for elevating your afternoon vibes. One of my all time favorite artists is Lauryn Hill who features on our neo-soul Playlist 05 with Doo Wop (That Thing).
What is one piece of motherhood advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?
Steph: One of my friend’s mums wrote this at a baby shower once and it struck me as so incredibly true because I’ve witnessed the effects myself, “When in doubt, just add water.” It serves so many purposes, baby fussing? Gassy? Unwell? Needing to get energy out? There’s nothing quite like a lovely bath, even better when it’s enjoyed together from some skin to skin bonding.
Enjoy a 10% MILK Label discount now through January 31, 2025 with code MILKYOAT10 !
