When Mercedez Eckman began baking cookies in her Kentucky kitchen during her own breastfeeding journey, she never imagined it would grow into a business. But after her husband suggested turning her supply-boosting recipe into a company, moms across the state embraced it. Today, The Leaky Momma is a Lexington-based bakery creating indulgent desserts with functional ingredients that naturally support lactation — proving that sometimes the best businesses are born from the challenges of motherhood.

Postpartum recovery is a journey that requires more than just rest-it calls for intentional nutrition that fuels healing, energy, and emotional balance. From iron-rich foods that combat fatigue to omega-3s that stabilize mood and enhance breast milk, what new mothers eat directly shapes their recovery experience. Even small choices, like hydration and whole grains, can make a big difference. And for those craving comfort, lactation-friendly treats like The Leaky Momma’s cookies show that postpartum nutrition can be both functional and enjoyable.

Leaky gut in children can affect more than digestion and impacts mood, sleep, and immunity. Functional nutritionist Ravina Thomas, a functional medicine practitioner explains how nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and environmental factors can weaken the gut lining, leading to inflammation and behavioral changes. With the right diet, lifestyle shifts, and awareness, parents can support gut health and prevent long-term complications.