McKenzie Stelly, a 23-year-old mother from Lafayette, Louisiana about two hours west of New Orleans has discovered an unexpected money-maker: selling her breast milk.
From Donation to Demand
Stelly first encountered the world of milk-sharing when her first son, Elias, was born with bottom teeth and couldn’t breastfeed directly. A stranger on Facebook donated breast milk, prompting Stelly to appreciate the generosity and want to pay it forward. When her second son, Rhett, arrived in August 2024, she found herself with an oversupply. To avoid clogged ducts and mastitis, she began donating through Tiny Treasures’ milk bank—but soon realized she could earn money while doing good.
Turning Excess into Earnings
Stelly started listing her extra milk on Facebook at 70 cents per ounce. “That’s when”—she admits—“bodybuilders started hitting me up… it was rich in protein.” Now, she earns up to $5 per ounce from fitness aficionados, given that bodybuilders don’t need the milk for survival—but treat it as a “tool” to enhance protein intake and recovery.Her operation brings in more than five gallons of breast milk per month—she earns over $3,500 monthly and has even purchased a second fridge to store her growing supply.
Striking a Balance Between Ethics and Opportunity
Stelly acknowledges the delicate balance between meeting athletic demand and honoring the altruistic roots of milk-sharing. “Some people think breast milk should always be free,” she says, “and I agree—but it’s also a product of my body and time.” By charging selectively higher rates to bodybuilders, she emphasizes that they’re making a lifestyle choice, unlike parents who rely on milk to nourish infants.
Scientific and Ethical Perspectives
Health professionals emphasize that while breast milk is rich in nutrients and contains immune-boosting properties, its benefits are specifically tailored for infants. The composition of breast milk changes over time to meet a baby’s developmental needs, making it less likely to provide unique advantages for fully grown adults. Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive scientific studies on its effects for bodybuilding means claims about muscle growth remain largely anecdotal.
Beyond health considerations, there are ethical questions about the commercialization of breast milk. Some argue that selling it for non-infant consumption takes away supply from babies who genuinely need it, especially in cases where mothers cannot produce enough. Others question whether it’s appropriate to profit from such a deeply personal and biologically intended resource.
A Niche Yet Growing Market
Despite the controversies, the niche market for breast milk among bodybuilders and wellness enthusiasts shows no signs of disappearing. Sellers often advertise through online forums and niche social media groups, highlighting personal health claims and testimonials from repeat buyers. Some athletes believe that the milk’s natural composition gives them an “edge” over competitors, even if scientific evidence is lacking.
The practice also taps into broader wellness trends that prioritize “natural” and unprocessed sources of nutrition. For some, the appeal lies less in proven physical benefits and more in the perception of purity and exclusivity. In an age where exotic supplements and unconventional diets frequently trend online, breast milk has carved out its own unusual corner of the fitness world.
Conclusion
Public opinion on this phenomenon is sharply divided. While some dismiss it as a harmless personal choice, others view it as unsettling and potentially exploitative. As awareness grows, calls for clearer guidelines and regulations on the sale of human breast milk—particularly for adult use—are becoming more common. Whether seen as a harmless curiosity, a questionable health fad, or an ethical dilemma, the bodybuilder breast milk market reflects the lengths some people will go in pursuit of performance and wellness. For now, it remains a peculiar blend of science, speculation, and strong opinions—one that continues to provoke both fascination and debate.
