With a passion for empowering mothers and ensuring that every baby has access to the unparalleled nourishment found in breast milk, Nourishy founders Cass and Dean understand the challenges that modern mothers face, from balancing work and family to navigating unpredictable schedules. They are dedicated to supporting mums and their breastfeeding journeys by offering an advanced solution for preserving the incredible benefits of breast milk. They established Nourishy in Australia with the aim of making it possible to preserve the nutritional benefits of breast milk for an extended period. This cutting-edge breast milk freeze-drying process retains all the vital nutrients, antibodies and goodness of fresh breast milk in a convenient, shelf-stable form and is accessible to parents across Australia.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
The inspiration came from a deeply personal place. Like many parents, I experienced firsthand the challenges of breastfeeding and the emotional weight of trying to provide the best for my baby, especially when returning to work or navigating unpredictable routines. I discovered that freeze-drying breast milk could offer a practical, long-lasting solution without compromising on its nutritional value. That’s when the idea for Nourishy was born: to create a service that helps parents preserve their breast milk in a way that supports their unique journey, offers flexibility and relieves some of the pressure. At its heart, Nourishy is about empowering parents with more choices and peace of mind.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
In the beginning, it started with a lot of research, late nights and listening to the needs of other parents. I spent time connecting with lactation consultants, food scientists and fellow mums to truly understand how freeze-drying could be applied safely and effectively to breast milk. After discovering Milkify in the USA – the first and only FDA-registered breast milk freeze-drying service – I reached out to explore a partnership. Their science-backed process and shared values made it a perfect fit. From there, Nourishy launched as Milkify’s Australian sister company, bringing this innovative service to families here. We started small, working closely with local families, and have grown steadily through trust, care and community support.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
One of our biggest breakthroughs came when we saw the potential of freeze-drying breast milk not just for individual families, but for broader community impact. Our partnership with Milkify gave us access to their patented, hospital-grade process, but what truly validated our work was when 7News featured our service. It helped spark national awareness and conversations around new ways to support breastfeeding parents.
Another pivotal moment was partnering with the Mothers Milk Bank Charity. By freeze-drying donated human milk, we’ve been able to extend its shelf life and make it more accessible to families in remote and rural areas of Australia. This innovation is not just about convenience; it’s about equity, access and making sure every baby has the chance to receive the benefits of human milk, no matter where they live.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Like many parents running a business, balance is an ongoing practice, not a perfect formula. Some days flow beautifully and others are a juggle of emails with one hand and snacks with the other! I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and to redefine what balance looks like in each season of life.
One truth I hold onto is that anything worth pursuing will inevitably unbalance you at times – and that’s okay. It’s a sign you care deeply. The key is checking in regularly, setting boundaries where possible and giving myself permission to rest and reset. I involve my family where I can, lean on my support network and try to model the same flexibility and grace that I hope to offer other parents through this work. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply meaningful.
