Emily Enger, a 33-year-old teacher from Minnesota, is making over $1,000 a month by selling her excess breast milk online. She isn’t alone — a growing number of mothers in the U.S. and U.K. are turning their natural supply into a lucrative side hustle, sometimes even selling to bodybuilders seeking “liquid gold.” What started as a practical way to use leftover milk has now become a full-blown trend, raising both opportunities and health concerns.
Emily Enger and the Rise of the Milk Hustle
At first, Enger thought,
“I have this milk sitting there in the freezer, I might as well just give it away.” But she soon realized that producing milk requires time, effort, and energy, and that value shouldn’t be ignored. “You can’t go into a hair salon and expect a free haircut. Time and, literally, energy has gone into producing milk. That should be valued,” she told The Times
Her story highlights a growing trend: mothers finding financial empowerment through what many consider a natural resource. Today, Enger makes over $1,000 a month from her breast milk, turning an everyday part of motherhood into a profitable venture.
Representational image showing breast milk being expressed using a pump. (Photo: Freepik)
Other Moms Cashing In
Emily isn’t alone. Keira Williams, 31, a NICU nurse from Atlanta, began selling her milk in May and has sold over 103 liters since. “I have made $800 in just one day,” she told the New York Post. Williams uses Facebook groups to connect with buyers — a method common among many mothers.
Across the U.K., stay-at-home mothers have turned milk-selling into a practical way to supplement income.
“If men or women are willing to pay me to use my breast milk, which is great for everyone and contains amazing properties, then I would definitely just make some money from what I produce for free.” Enger told Daily Mail
Another mother added that selling milk allowed her to stay home longer after maternity pay ended without losing income.
Some mothers are earning between Rs 69,000 and Rs 86,000 per day depending on supply and demand, highlighting how a natural side hustle can turn into a serious income source.
Why the Trend Is Growing
Several factors are fueling this milk-selling trend:
- Social Media Pressure: Various groups like Breastmilk Community on Facebook with around 33,000 members, and discussions on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit – emphasize “breast is best,” creating awareness and driving demand.
- Formula Concerns: Investigations into baby formula by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made parents rethink feeding options.
- Demand Beyond Babies: Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts are seeking nutrient-dense “liquid gold.” Jameson James “JJ” Ritenour, an amateur bodybuilder on Netflix’s (Un)Well, said, “If I wanna grow and be the best that I can, I’m going to eat like a baby… and if drinking breast milk is a part of that, then it’s definitely an edge I’m going to take advantage of.”
ⓘ Instagram post by Jameson James “JJ” Ritenour
Sports dietitian Brian St Pierre in a conversation with Men’s Health explained,
“I think the idea behind drinking breast milk for muscle growth is that it’s incredibly calorie and nutrient dense, and it has some additional healthy substances,” said Brian
“Breast milk is designed to rapidly grow a human baby, so maybe people think a similar effect will happen to fully grown humans?” Brian added
Some mothers are earning money by selling their excess breast milk online while managing the stress of multiple commitments, similar to startup burnout.
Properly labeled and stored breast milk in a home freezer ensures safety and freshness. (Courtesy of LAFFAZ)
Health and Legal Concerns
While profitable, the milk business has risks. Lactation consultant Rachel Watson warned,
“Pumping an extra 60 ounces a day is not normal. Women can get all sorts of problems from over-pumping, including mastitis, nipple blebs, nipple trauma, and disruption of the breast microbiome.”
Contamination is also a concern. A study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that out of 101 online-purchased samples, 10% were adulterated with cow’s milk or formula, and 75% contained pathogenic bacteria or viruses. Freezing milk further reduces fat, calories, and micronutrients.
Legally, selling breast milk online remains a gray area in most countries, with limited oversight.
Empowerment and Societal Impact
Despite the risks, many mothers view milk-selling as empowering. Megan Lemmons from Los Angeles told Daily Mail, “It’s the most empowering, beautiful thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. I’m proud of my milk money.”
This trend reflects a broader cultural shift: mothers are exploring new ways to earn income, assert financial independence, and leverage natural resources while responding to social pressures and market demands.
The Milk Hustle – What’s Next?
As more mothers explore the financial and practical benefits, selling excess breast milk is gradually gaining attention as a niche side income. But experts warn that proper care, moderation, and legal clarity are essential to ensure safety for both mothers and buyers.
Whether it remains a niche side hustle or evolves into a mainstream business, Emily Enger and her peers have shown that even the most natural resources can become a powerful economic tool in today’s world.
Sources
- Mothers selling breast milk for $1,000 a month, The Times, 2025
- Women buying and selling breastmilk online via Facebook groups, Daily Mail, 2025
- Side-hustling mothers earning big bucks selling their breast milk, New York Post, 2025
- Men drinking breast milk claiming it cures disease and builds muscle, Daily Mail, 2025
- Bodybuilders drinking breast milk for muscle gain, Men’s Health UK, 2025
- US mother cashes out more than $87,000 per month by selling excess breast milk, Free Press Journal, 2025
