We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Koiner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Something in the lactation industry is off. Six years ago, after suffering with my own personal struggles with nursing, I knew that change was needed. I felt impassioned to pursue a career that would empower other families in their feeding journey. Little did I know that my degree in nutrition and dietetics, the hours of volunteering in the hospital, and my own trial would be used to make something beautiful. It’s been the most redemptive, fulfilling, and exciting experience of my life. I feel truly blessed to be able to do something that I love; something that God specifically equipped me to do; something that is changing lives. I’m truly thankful. I am changing the lactation game and I love it!

What should our readers know about your business?
The Milk Box lactation provides in-home, in-office, and virtual consultations to families that are struggling with a variety of lactation issues. From initiation to weaning to bottle feeding to pumping – we equip families through it all.

Office visits are provided at Genesis Pt & Wellness off South Main Street in Fort Worth and at Harper House Clinic in Aledo.

Home visits are offered all around DFW!

I’m excited to be able to meet people where they are – emotionally, physically, and mentally. When I enter into your home, I want you to be able to feel safe, secure and relaxed. You can be as naked as you want to be, in the most disheveled state that you might have ever been. “I’m sorry” does not belong in your vocabulary during this season. I have been there and I know what its like to feel the pressure of parenthood. I love that I can help provide confidence and peace to my families.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Man! Fort Worth is a great city! We are not native to Texas and have loved getting to know this area over the last decade. There are so many great places to eat (something my family really enjoys is trying new restaurants). When our friends visit, we take them to First Watch or Press Cafe for breakfast; Velvet Taco or Rodeo Goat for lunch or dinner; 97 West for drinks and, if you can afford it, dinner too! Yum! We love that the Fort Worth Zoo is so close and easily accessible. The Trinity Trails is a wonderful place to run, walk, and explore and, if you’re close to the University area, you can walk to a lot of the restaurants I mentioned. The Dream Park is great for kiddos too! We love the beautiful Botanic Gardens as well. We go to Rangers Games and TCU football games. We go downtown to enjoy live music on the weekends. We feel really lucky to live is such a healthy and vibrant city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many different people and experiences that have been woven in to the tapestry that has made up The Milk Box Lactation.

Firstly, there are three professors at Texas Christian University, Dr. Anne VanBeber, Rebecca Dority, and Dr. Gina Hill, who paved the way for me to narrow my focus on maternal nutrition and ignited a new level of passion in me. I still have a relationship with them today, even twelve years later.

And where would I be without the priceless experience of my clinical lactation internship at John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS)? I worked alongside three extremely knowledgeable and passionate IBCLC’s – Gina Larobina-Lewis, Lorena Martinez, and Lucinda Garcia – who lovingly and patiently demonstrated the skills and qualities that are required as an effective lactation consultant both in a clinical and an outpatient setting.

These women have changed me forever. I’m incredibly grateful for their investments in me.

Website: https://themilkbox.org/

Instagram: @the_milk_box

Image Credits
https://caitmcfamilypics.pixieset.com/themilkbox/ – Caitlyn McGinnis Photos Permission taken from my patient, Brooklinn D, for consult shot.

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