We are thrilled to have Kayleigh Harrigan with us today. She is the founder of Mothership Milk, a revolutionary service that freeze-dries your breastmilk, offering moms the nourishing benefits of breastmilk with the ease of formula. When Kayleigh found herself moving cross-country as a nursing mom, she faced a heartbreaking reality—she couldn’t bring her frozen breastmilk along. That was the moment she realized she didn't want any other breastfeeding moms to feel the same stress. Drawing on her background as a birth and postpartum doula and student midwife, Kayleigh created Mothership Milk. We sat down with her to talk about everything from ayurvedic postpartum rituals, that work/parenting dance, and what being a 'good' mom really means to her.  

What inspired you to start Mothership Milk? Was there a specific 'aha!' moment? A few months after our babe was born, my husband and I decided to leave LA and relocate to small-town Michigan to be closer to family. During our cross-country move, I was unable to bring my breastmilk stash with me because of the challenges of transporting frozen milk. Once we were settled in Michigan, I had a friend reach out for weaning tips as “it was either she wean or buy a third chest freezer!” These two instances sent me down the rabbit hole in search of a way in which to make breastmilk easier to work with, without compromising on the magic that only human milk can provide. My research led me to freeze-drying (which was already in use in milk banks around the world and was backed by decades of peer-reviewed research!) and the rest is history.

How did your own experience with pregnancy/postpartum/motherhood influence your mission? Prior to starting Mothership, I was a longtime birth worker and studying to be a midwife. The on-call lifestyle is tough and as soon as I gave birth, I couldn’t fathom being one foot out the door at all times while also juggling motherhood and exclusively breastfeeding. Mothership Milk allows me to continue to support new mamas  and babies, but with a more predictable schedule and a bit more sleep.

"I write down all of the things that I did accomplish on a given day. The practice may seem trivial, but it’s had a big impact!"

 

What has it been like growing a business while also growing a family? Oftentimes, I catch myself in the “you’re not doing enough in either department” mindset. One tool that has really helped me navigate this intrusive thought is writing down all of the things that I did accomplish on a given day. The practice may seem trivial, but it’s had a big impact!

Were there any rituals, meals, or products that truly helped you recover postpartum? I was very fortunate to have an Ayurvedic doula support for the first few weeks after birth. She focused on preparing me warm, nourishing meals and massage for both myself and baby. She kept my nervous system in check and allowed me to really be present as I got to know this new tiny little earthling. I also sipped on Oat Mama tea and made a little ritual where I would spend the minutes it took for the kettle to boil to meditate. This gave me a few minutes of pause and presence and was super grounding amidst all of the messy, intense, oftentimes chaotic era that is new (all?) motherhood. 

How do you balance motherhood and entrepreneurship — or do you? What boundaries do you put in place? It’s tricky because of the omnipresent nature of these roles - it feels as though I have to be constantly on for both at all times. I am grateful for an extremely supportive partner who shows up for me and our family in all the ways. This fall our son will be starting at a Montessori preschool to help more readily silo Mum versus work-mode and hopefully cultivate some more work/life balance. 

What does “being a good mom” mean to you — and has that definition evolved? I used to think that motherhood was all self-sacrifice, but now I’ve realized the importance of prioritizing my own well-being, too.

My mindset was truly “prepare for the worst, hope for the best.”

What did early postpartum look like for you — the real version? My mindset was truly “prepare for the worst, hope for the best” - as a postpartum doula I knew how challenging and relentless early motherhood could be. I was pleasantly surprised that my fourth trimester felt sacred and gentle and supported. My community is largely made up of other perinatal workers, midwives and lactation consultants, and I was fortunate to be under the care of so many wise women during my transition from maiden to mother.

What’s something you wish you’d known before becoming a mom? That this will be the most difficult thing you’ll ever do, but also the most expansive and rewarding.

"Your intuition is a sound and steady compass.”

Now that you are a mother, what is your favorite piece of advice to give an expecting friend? Your intuition is a sound and steady compass.

What are 3 things you are loving right now? Somatic therapy, “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Lagree Pilates.