Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjali Sharma
Hi Anjali, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As two business owners and moms working in the perinatal space, we recognized a significant need for a better way to navigate informal milk sharing. I own Restoration Chiropractic with my husband. Our office is the only board-certified pediatric and perinatal chiropractic practice in Savannah, where one of the primary reasons parents bring their babies to us is for breastfeeding-related issues.
Collaborating with other providers has always been a priority for us, and in 2023, we were thrilled to have Morenike Tyehimba, the owner and IBCLC at Akwaaba Wellness, join us in our office. Morenike is an incredible resource for families in Savannah. As we worked together and engaged with our patients, we started discussing the challenges families in The Lowcountry face, particularly regarding the informal milk sharing landscape.
Through our discussions, it became evident that there were significant pitfalls with the current system. Parents seeking milk for their babies often encounter individuals trying to sell their milk or failing to disclose essential medical information, making the process unsafe. We both know firsthand how breastfeeding struggles can be incredibly challenging during the sensitive postpartum stage, and we felt there was a significant gap in providing the necessary support.
We connected with MAMMA, the state’s only other milk sharing alliance, who guided us in creating The Milk Connection here in The Lowcountry. Our aim is to help parents feel more secure with milk sharing by adding a level of safeguard, ensuring that they have access to safe and reliable milk sources.
To date, we have facilitated about 12,000 ounces of milk donations for families across The Lowcountry. We have shared tears with moms who are relieved because their babies have not been able to tolerate formula, and we’ve received pictures of babies who are finally gaining weight. Our journey has been driven by a deep empathy for moms struggling with breastfeeding and a commitment to supporting them during this critical time. We knew we had to create something to help, and that’s how The Milk Connection came to be – a resource born out of compassion and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of families.
We are just the facilitators, though. The real credit goes to the amazing moms who are willing to put in the work to pump and provide for babies they don’t know. Pumping is no easy task, and it takes a lot of commitment and dedication to do this. These moms are the reason we are here today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, it has been a smooth process. We started out slowly to work through some of the kinks, but we’ve been fortunate. Working together has been a lot of fun, and creating something we know is helping so many families is incredibly rewarding. At this stage, we are focused on streamlining the process and adding volunteers to extend our reach. While there have been challenges, such as ensuring safety and managing logistics, the positive impact we’ve seen makes it all worthwhile.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are the owners of two separate businesses that work together closely, are located in the same place, and share similar overall goals – the biggest being support and resources for families.
What sets us apart is our commitment to making moms feel heard. Pregnancy and early parenthood can be overwhelming, and we’re here to break that down for you, offering support both physically and emotionally. Validating parents’ concerns and recognizing that each journey is unique is key to the strong relationships we build with our patients.
What matters most to you?
We believe that the perinatal period is one of the most critical times in a person’s life, and our mission is to support families during this transformative phase with compassion and expertise.
It’s essential to us that every parent feels heard, validated, and supported in their unique journey. Whether it’s through facilitating safe and secure milk sharing, or simply being a listening ear, we want to create a space where families can thrive.
Our focus on supporting the emotional of moms and babies is at the core of everything we do. We understand the challenges that come with early parenthood, and breastfeeding, and we’re committed to helping families navigate these challenges with confidence and peace of mind.
Ultimately, what drives us is seeing the positive impact we can make in the lives of the families we serve – that’s what’s most important to us.
Pricing:
- Our services are completely free! We never ask our recipients or donors to pay for anything. We do, however, accept donations!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milkconnection.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilkconnection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555195392560
