Meet Kailin Hamilton | Registered Dietitian, Lactation Consultant, and owner of Just Nourishment, LLC

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

Hi Kailin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

The thought process behind starting my business took place over a decade. I feel so grateful to see it come to fruition.

In my late adolescence, I struggled to find a healthy relationship with food and nutrition. Working with a fabulous Registered Dietitian helped me realize that food is not only a tool for energy but also a way to nourish ourselves and our loved ones. Working with this dietitian changed my entire outlook on food, taught me the value of intuitive eating, and inspired me to become a Registered Dietitian myself.

Later when I became a parent, my own journey with lactation opened my eyes to the numerous barriers that parents face in reaching their goals. Even though I had numerous privileges that not everyone has (like maternity leave, a supportive partner and employer, financial stability, and access to medical care) it did not start out as the bonding experience I had imagined. Instead breastfeeding was painful, messy, overwhelming, and isolating. It took some time, but finding compassionate, knowledgeable lactation support made the world of difference for me.

These experiences solidified my love for maternal and pediatric nutrition and deeply inform my practice. I believe that guilt or shame should never be involved when it comes to feeding practices. I resonate with the idea that “support is best”. And I see the beautiful opportunity to nurture a sustainable, healthy relationship with food starting at a young age.

 So, my goal in starting this private practice was to make nutrition and lactation support more accessible and to support families as they navigate the complexities of feeding their babies and children.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

The first aspect that sets me apart is the fact that I specialize in all areas of pediatric nutrition- from lactation, to starting solid foods, to feeding children. I love it all!

Next is that I meet clients where they are at, literally. I remember how difficult it was to get out of the house with little humans. Inevitably, there was always a diaper blowout, a sibling to entertain, a nap schedule to compete with, etc. Additionally, transportation can be a barrier to accessing support. For these reasons, I am proud to offer in-home and virtual nutrition and lactation services.

Finally, I partner with The Lactation Network to accept insurance for lactation services, accept HSA/FSA, and offer a sliding scale discount on a need basis. Those receiving Medicaid or WIC services, BIPOC individuals, and single parents are always encouraged to apply.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way:
There are many! The first that comes to mind right now is the importance of opening doors. One of the first people who reached out to me after starting my business told me, there is always more room at the table (thank you, Angela). I have been inspired to find a community of professionals around me who embrace this idea. Those words meant so much to me and I look forward to doing the same for others. Especially in a profession historically lacking diversity and equal access, it feels like a privilege and a responsibility to continue making space and opening doors.

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?

Well let’s see. I hope they are coming to visit in the early Fall because I would take them to see the aspen leaves at Kenosha Pass. This experience is absolutely magical and not to be missed.

Other things on the agenda around where I live (Fort Collins) might include:
-The Tuesday night Food Truck Rally at City Park.
-A hike at Horsetooth with Le Creperie croissants for a picnic at the top.
-The Gilded Goat for good beer.
-Old Town Fort Collins: specifically The Clothes Pony, The Crown Pub, and Wolverine Farm bookstore.
-Finally, if they are here on a Friday, we would definitely do our traditional Pizza Movie Night at home with Krazy Karl’s Pizza.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

1. First is my own Registered Dietitian, Carol Ann Darwin, and my own IBCLC, Becky Boyd. They are two of my dearest teachers and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

2. My partner and husband, David. We got married right as we finished college, so he has been through every step of my career thus far with me. He is an equal partner in raising our three kids, a cheerleader for every goal I have, and my biggest champion.

3. Then there is my mom. Not only does she encourage me in all I do, she is also a full-time high school teacher currently finishing up her Ed.D. I told her I am going to call her Doctor Mom when she graduates this year. She inspires me.

4. My graduate school advisor and friend, Dr. Alena Clark. This woman is incredible. She lights a spark for so many of her students. She has done just that for me and I am forever grateful.

5. Finally, my colleagues and friends at Weld County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and the Northern Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition. Working for WIC and with the NCBC has taught me so much. Both organizations will always have a special place in my heart.

And while there are many authors whose books have impacted my work, I want to take the opportunity to shoutout the following: The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor. This book is incredible. Do yourself a favor and go buy a copy today!

Website: www.justnourishment.com

Instagram: @just.nourishment

Image Credits
Michelle Garey Photography