Michelle Hackney

Becoming a parent comes with a whirlwind of emotions, joys, and challenges—and for me, breastfeeding was at the heart of it all. I wrote Mama’s Leche, a bilingual English–Spanish picture book, to honor that intimate, sometimes complicated journey that so many parents experience. I partnered with my dear cousin, Mia Ortiz, who illustrated the heartfelt images in the book.

What makes Mama’s Leche special is its perspective: it’s told from the infant’s point of view. Through soft, gentle text and warm illustrations, children see what it feels like to be held, nourished, and loved during those quiet breastfeeding moments. Breastfeeding is more than nourishment; it’s a rhythm of closeness, trust, and connection—and our book invites readers to feel that bond firsthand.

Mia and I wanted to create a book that speaks to families in both English and Spanish, reflecting the diversity of homes and celebrating language as part of connection and culture. Writing it was deeply personal. I remembered my children staring into my eyes, their tiny hands touching my face for comfort, and the quiet moments that felt both magical and exhausting. I wanted parents to see themselves in the pages, to feel validated, and to know that a primal bond part of the story.

Mama’s Leche is more than a book—it’s an invitation. It invites parents to pause, breathe, and connect with their child in the midst of daily routines. It invites children to feel seen, safe, and nurtured...and it invites readers of all backgrounds to embrace the universal bond that grows through care and love.

Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or someone who simply wants to understand this intimate part of life, I hope this book resonates with you. My goal is for readers to walk away feeling encouraged, and inspired—reminded that every small moment of care matters.

Breastfeeding, parenting, and nurturing are journeys full of questions, learning, and love. With Mama’s Leche, I hope to celebrate that journey, one page at a time, and to share a message of warmth, connection, and bilingual joy with families everywhere.