Mother Essentials: Milky Mama’s Krystal Nicole Duhaney
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
If you didn’t know, now you know: We’ve officially entered Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25-31), a celebration and reclamation of breastfeeding within the Black community and a national rumination around challenges facing Black mothers and babies. (Read more about the roots of Black Breastfeeding Week and an important guide on What Black Women Should Know About Their Maternal Health). Which makes today’s Mother Essentials roundup all the more sweet. Krystal Nicole Duhaney is a Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, proud mother of two (Patrick, 8, and Skylar, 5), and the founder of Milky Mama. The Los Angeles-based entrepreneur started her company after returning back to work after the birth of her second child and struggling to keep her milk supply up. After developing a recipe for lactation cookies, she launched Milky Mama in 2015. Five years later, the brand now sells lactation brownies, teas, smoothie mixes, herbal supplements, and more! Plus, the Milky Mama Instagram feed is chockfull of breastfeeding tips and daily inspiration. Get to know this proud breastfeeding advocate a little better through her 13 Mother Essentials below!
Young Woodworkers Kit Club. “The pandemic has required us to get pretty creative when it comes to keeping our kids entertained. This woodworking craft kit provides hours of family fun while teaching our kids (and us) valuable woodworking skills.” Annie’s Young Woodworking Club, $19.99 per kit, Annie’s Kit Clubs.
Let The Children March. “We love this book because it details some of the inequality that the Black community experienced and the brave children that volunteered to march against racial inequality.” Let The Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrated by Frank Morrison, $16.54, Bookshop and Amazon.
Sage Essential Oil Bath Soak. “I love this bath soak after a long day of running my business and chasing after my kids. The sage in this soak really helps me wind down and decompress before bed.” Essential Oil Bath Soak, $20, Etsy.
Leggings. “I live in leggings and own a pair in almost every color.” Leggings, 2 for $24, Fabletics.
Avocado Toast. “I am ADDICTED to avocado toast. I eat it every. single. morning. Just mash half of an avocado with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, and spread over toasted, whole-grain bread. Top with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, or whatever you’re craving for a delicious treat.”
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. “I love, love, love this tinted moisturizer! It provides light coverage and gives my skin a beautiful glow. Its SPF40 coverage also protects my skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It’s also silicone-free, oil-free, and vegan, which makes me feel great about putting it on my face.” Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $46, Ilia.
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser. “This gentle cleanser is one of my faves! It’s full of antioxidants like kale, spinach, and green tea, and keeps skin clean and clear.” Superfood Cleanser, $36, Youth To The People.
Ninja Foodi. “This 5-in-1 gadget can air fry, bake, grill, roast, and dehydrate. It makes whipping up quick and tasty meals a breeze.” Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 4-Qt. Air Fryer, $229.99, Amazon.
Laser Tag. “We’re a competitive family and nothing is more serious to us than our weekly laser tag competitions. It’s a great way to have fun as a family.” Laser X Two Player Laser Tag Blaster Gaming Set, $39.99, Target.
Alaffia Kids Bubble Bath. “We love this bubble bath because it’s cruelty-free and contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oils, artificial colors, or synthetic fragrances. The clean formula is gentle on our kids’ skin and the lavender helps relax them for bedtime. I also love that by supporting this African brand, we’re also supporting their empowerment project that aims to improve maternal care, education, and environment sustainability in African communities.” Lemon Lavender Bubble Bath, $14.99, Alaffia.
Instacart. “Getting our groceries delivered is a huge help when we’re busy at home, working and teaching our children.” Instacart.com.
For more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with Trade Street Jam Co. founder Ashley Rouse, Weelicious and One Potato founder Catherine McCord, mega-influencer Chriselle Lim, Matana Organics founder Gabriela Babila, interior designer Susan Work, author Tiffany Dufu, Les Gamins founder Veronique Nguyen, Lonny editor Angela Tafoya, Wiley Body founder Vanessa Wade, DockATot’s Roma Patel, designers Anna Wallack, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Atwood, and Dana Haim, Olympian Alysia Montano, cookbook author Hetal Vasavada, model and muse Slick Woods, children’s author Serena Minott, clean living expert Kristian Henderson, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, wellness influencer Joanne Encarnacion, author LaTonya Yvette, and many, many more!
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