Tell us a bit about your work and support you offer

We’re an online health hub for mums – we provide support from preconception, pregnancy, right through to the 4th trimester and beyond. We initially launched with a single product, which was our postpartum book ‘Nourished Postpartum’, we then went on to expand our online community by releasing a series of educational courses and guides. My business partner and co-founder, Alana, is a naturopath and we wanted to be able to support families – including those who couldn’t get to see someone for in person support.

We’ve now expanded into this beautiful online community and online clinic team including a psychologist, naturopaths, a paediatric nutritionist and a sleep consultant. 

The support is about helping mums holistically through whatever challenge they’re having in motherhood.

Where did the inspiration for Mothers Mylk come from?

We started in 2021. I had a really hard time transitioning to motherhood; I’d had postpartum depression and postpartum depletion and nutritional deficiencies. I was completely overwhelmed, and I guess I didn't know what to expect coming into motherhood.

I thought I was prepared because I focused on the baby, and the nursery was perfect! I had all the gadgets and whatnot but then I forgot about me.

Looking back, I think I was totally unprepared for what was going to happen and I had no idea about my nutritional demands or how to prepare for the 4th trimester, and breastfeeding a newborn. I reached out to Naturopath Alana for support so I was actually a client of hers!

When I fell pregnant with my second son, I thought there's got to be a better way. I literally said, “I'm not going through that again.” I wished there was some sort of guide, something that just told me what to expect and what I needed to do to prepare. I pitched the idea of Mothers Mylk to Alana, and she was like, “Yeah, I'm all in - mums need this.” And that's how it evolved.

The best part is our online clinic offers support to Mums across Australia and they don't have to leave their house for an appointment. They don't have to sit in the waiting room or put the baby in the car so it’s all from the comfort of your own home.

What's been your most rewarded and challenging moments so far?

Juggling! Being self-employed and juggling work in general and mum life. I've got two very highenergy boys who get up early and go to bed late. Some days are better than others! Ten months ago I was diagnosed with ADHD which has been really eye opening about ways to support myself. I’d been in a really overwhelmed state all of the time and I just felt like I wasn't getting used to motherhood.

My mum would be like, “Oh, you know, you'll find your groove and things will get easier.” But it just wasn’t getting easier.

In fact, I felt like it was getting harder and I was more and more overwhelmed. I was lucky enough to have a good GP who recognised what was happening and since then I've been getting some support from my psychiatrist and a psychologist as well as natural strategies through our Mothers Mylk Naturopaths for my ADHD.

What do you do for your own self-care to help?

I've fallen in love with reformer Pilates and it's my non-negotiable. I try to go a minimum of four times a week. I find that the mornings that I do go to Pilates, it sets me up for the day ahead. I've got more energy. I'm more patient. That's definitely my #1 go-to for self-care.

Working with Alana has been a huge help too, along with gaining a better understanding of nutrition and holistic living. It hasn’t been an overnight thing though – it’s been a gradual learning over a number of years. Little tips and swapping out ingredients in my kitchen. I've slowly swapped all my cleaning products to low tox and a lot of little changes to improve my overall health.

WHAT WOULD YOUR 'AROUND THE TABLE' TIP BE FOR FAMILIES?

I always tell mums the most important tip is to get yourself a good naturopath; have a naturopath on your team! You really need to prioritise your own health and have someone there who is going to keep you accountable, hold your hand, guide you and basically tell you what you need. 

Babies don't need a lot in that early stage, but what they do need is a happy, healthy mum, and if you're a happy, healthy mum, the whole family is thriving.

Learn more about Mothers Mylk's pregnancy & postpartum online health hub for Mum's .

(@mothersmylk.co) | www.mothersmylk.co