A 23-year-old mother from Lafayette, Louisiana, is turning heads — and making headlines — for an unconventional side hustle that’s bringing in over $3,500 a month.
Her product?
Her own breast milk.
McKenzie Stelly, a mom of two, never set out to become an entrepreneur. But after discovering she had an oversupply of breast milk, she turned her surplus into a thriving business — one that’s now in high demand, not just from new moms, but from an unexpected group: bodybuilders.
From Motherhood to Milk Money
McKenzie’s journey began with a deep desire to give her children the best possible start.
“I’ve always wanted to breastfeed my babies because I believe it gives them the best start in life,” she said. “My mom did it — I wanted to do it too.”
Her first son, Elias, was born with two teeth at birth, making breastfeeding painful and impractical. Instead of switching to formula, McKenzie reached out to a breast milk donor through Facebook — a gesture that would later inspire her own journey.
When she gave birth to her second son, Rhett, in August 2024, her body began producing far more milk than Rhett needed.
Rather than waste it, she decided to pay it forward — donating through Tiny Treasures Milk Bank, a nonprofit network that helps families in need. She received a small stipend for her time and effort.
But then, she decided to try something bolder:
👉 Selling her milk directly.
She posted on Facebook, offering her breast milk for 70 cents per ounce.
That’s when things took a surprising turn.
Bodybuilders Start Buying — And the Demand Skyrockets
McKenzie expected interest from other nursing mothers.
Instead, her inbox flooded with messages from an unexpected clientele: male bodybuilders.
Why?
Because breast milk is packed with high-quality proteins, antibodies, and growth factors — all highly sought after in fitness circles.
Some bodybuilders believe breast milk:
- Boosts immune function
- Enhances muscle recovery
- Provides easily digestible, natural protein
While it may sound bizarre, the trend isn’t entirely new.
In recent years, a niche but growing number of athletes have turned to breast milk as a natural alternative to processed protein powders — despite the lack of scientific evidence proving it builds muscle more effectively.
For McKenzie, the financial incentive was undeniable.
“I found it strange at first,” she admitted. “But then I saw how much I could make.”
Now, she charges $5 per ounce for bodybuilders — a 700% markup from her original price.
At over five gallons (640+ ounces) per month, that adds up to over $3,500 in monthly income — all from a natural bodily fluid she was already producing.
The Logistics of a Lactation Business
Producing that much milk isn’t easy — or cheap.
McKenzie follows a strict pumping schedule to keep her supply high and avoid clogged ducts or mastitis, a painful breast infection.
She uses high-end electric pumps — some costing up to $300 — and invested in a dedicated freezer to store and rotate her milk safely.
“Pumping isn’t as easy as it might sound,” she said. “It’s time-consuming, and there are real costs involved.”
She now pasteurizes her milk and stores it in sterile bags, clearly labeling each batch with dates and nutritional info.
Ethical and Medical Perspectives
While McKenzie’s business is legal — selling breast milk is not regulated by the FDA — it has sparked debate.
Supporters Say:
- It’s a personal choice — her body, her milk
- She’s filling a demand in a free market
- Donors deserve compensation for time, effort, and health
Critics Warn:
- Breast milk sold online is unregulated and can carry bacteria or viruses
- Infants in need may be priced out if commercialization grows
- No proven benefit for adult muscle growth
Medical professionals emphasize that while breast milk is perfect for babies, its benefits for adult athletes are not scientifically proven.
McKenzie’s Message: It’s About Choice
McKenzie is unapologetic about her business model.
“People think breast milk should always be free — and I agree, to some extent. But it’s still a product of my body and my time.”
She continues to donate to babies in need through milk banks, but sees no issue with charging adult consumers a premium.
“I charge more for bodybuilders because they’re grown adults making a lifestyle choice. It’s not a necessity — it’s a tool they choose to use.”
Final Thoughts: A Modern Twist on an Ancient Resource
McKenzie Stelly’s story is more than a viral headline — it’s a reflection of modern motherhood, entrepreneurship, and shifting cultural norms.
What began as a personal health decision has become a lucrative, full-fledged business — challenging taboos and redefining what’s possible for women in the gig economy.
Love it or question it, one thing is clear:
👉 Breast milk is no longer just for babies.
And for moms like McKenzie, that’s a profitable reality.
One ounce at a time, a new kind of hustle is feeding a surprising market.
