Meet Our Founder!

To kick of 2012, I thought it'd be nice to introduce you to the woman behind it all, our very own Beth!  She was inspired to start Milk Smart Mama after the birth of her oldest son, Barrett, after a rough start to nursing.  A postpartum blood transfusion led to a delay in her milk production, resulting in Barrett losing a full pound after birth.  Instead of falling head first into the 'Booby Traps' (as BestForBabes.org puts them), she sought advice from seasoned professionals: a supportive pediatrician and a local La Leche League group, which led to a 30-month-long nursing relationship.  Nursing Barrett made her realize that she wanted to put her talents to use, helping nursing Mothers, but how? 

First, Beth considered her skill set.  What, exactly, could she do to help other breastfeeding Mamas, without compromising her time with her son and husband?  A comment on Facebook about ugly, nasty nursing bras sparked interest and about six months later, she opened Milk Smart Mama in May of 2009.  In 2010, she welcomed her second son, Maxwell, into the world.  Despite an unexpected cesarean, she was able to nurse him for the first time in recovery.  Postpartum recovery wasn't exactly easy, with Beth needing a blood transfusion and recovering from major abdominal surgery and Maxwell having a tongue tie, plus losing 12% of his body weight.  They clipped his tongue tie and with the help of the hospital's lactation professional, were able to head home, despite their rocky start.  (Maxwell is still nursing!)

Being the brains behind Milk Smart Mama isn't just about lacy bras and nursingwear, though, it's also worked as a way to grow friendships and become more involved in the community.  Regularly hosting live bra-fitting events in Mama's Hip in the Highlands (which is her favorite thing to do!), Mama's Hip also features a mini-MSM boutique in store, allowing Moms in the community to see, touch and try on some of the goods that are featured on our website.  She acted as one of three co-hosts for the Louisville Green Family Fair this past summer, as well, which was a truly wonderful event - one that we're all looking forward to again this year. 

When it comes to working from home, Beth says to remember to be flexible, all of the time.  From making phone calls in the attic to working until the wee hours of the morning, it can be difficult (but not impossible) to find the time to do the work necessary to run the website.  [Remember - there are only three of us in the Milk Smart Mama crew!]  Barrett and Maxwell attend a Parent's Day Out program one day a week, but the other six days a week, Beth is multi-tasking it as a business owner, Mom, wife, friend and active member of her community.

She leaves us with these words to live by, "It's really important to me that we encourage Moms to breastfeed, no matter how they want to do it," a statement that all of us, as nursing Mothers, should take into consideration.  A Mom that nurses for 2 weeks is as important to the process as a Mom that nurses for 2 years (or longer).  "We need to not judge her, we just need to be supportive."

A huge, huge thank you to Beth for taking the time out to of her day to chat with me (right in the middle of the holiday madness).  We all hope that 2012 has found you and your family well!

or email me katie@milksmartmama.com