Lactation Cookies

Lactation cookies are a delicious way for a breastfeeding mom to boost her milk production. As any new breastfeeding mom can attest to, you are pretty much starving all of the time. It’s great to have an easy-to-eat snack, that helps your breastmilk supply, and has the label “lactation cookies” so your family knows they are for mom only!

Some foods known to help increase breastmilk supply that are either included or optional in the recipe are: oats, nuts, healthy fats and oils, brewers yeast, flaxseed, and brown rice. 

The very best way to increase your supply is to nurse more frequently. A few delicious cookies just help boost it a little more. Some people find the brewer’s yeast taste to be a little strong, but that is an important ingredient in boosting your milk supply. If the taste bothers you, try using less to start, and adding more in a future batch. Alternatively, use this Brewer’s yeast… it is not bitter like all the other Brewer’s yeast options! I actually haven’t tried it because the regular taste doesn’t bother me. But apparently, many people prefer this one since it is “de-bittered”. 

Depending on the size of cookies you make, this recipe can make 60+ cookies. I like to make a huge batch, roll the dough into balls and freeze the ones I won’t eat in the next few days. These also make a great gift for a new mom.

Worrying about breastmilk supply is just one of the many struggles a breastfeeding mom may face. If you are facing this challenge, meet with a lactation consultant! For more of my advice after breastfeeding three babies, go to: Breastfeeding Lessons Learned.

LACTATION COOKIES
Ingredients:
• 4 Tbsp flaxseed meal
• 6 Tbsp water
• 2 cups whole wheat flour*
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt (or any sea salt)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3-4 Tbsp brewer’s yeast
• 1 cup coconut oil (or butter), melted and cooled**
• 1 cup coconut sugar and/or date sugar***
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs (replace with flax eggs for even more of a boost)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats (or more, if you like)
• 1 cup your favorite mix-ins**** (almond slivers, cranberries, chocolate chips, raw cacao powder, etc.)

 

*I use a combo of flours. In these pictures, I used a combination of whole wheat, sprouted grain and brown rice flours. I am going to work on a version that just uses oat flour only.
**You can use butter instead of coconut oil. Two of my babies had strong reactions when I ate dairy, so I prefer to make these dairy-free. It’s not uncommon for a newborn to have some level of intolerance to cow protein, so I often use coconut oil… just in case!
***You can replace 1 cup of date/coconut sugar with 1 cup white granulated sugar, or with 2/3 cups of honey. If using honey, lower the baking temperature to 325℉ and bake for a few extra minutes.
****In the cookies pictured, I filled up a measuring cup halfway with dark chocolate chips, added about ¼ cup of white chocolate chips and then topped it with organic raw cacao powder.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350℉. Combine flaxseed and water. Let sit until ready to add to batter. In one bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon and brewer’s yeast. In a separate bowl cream the coconut oil with sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well. Stir in oats, flaxseed water mixture and your mix-ins. Roll dough into balls and place on lightly greased or lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies and how soft/crunchy you like them.

 

I prefer to store these in the refrigerator or freezer, for better consistency and freshness.

A lot of people say they notice more of an increase in supply when they eat the dough raw. Do not eat uncooked cookie dough if you are pregnant.

Galactagogues

(“galact-“=milk and “ogogue“=promote) Galactagogues are thought to help promote and increase the production of breastmilk. These are used by moms with varying degrees of success. Not everyone reports an increase in breastmilk production with galactagogues, but many people do. Adding galactagogues to your diet, in addition to frequent nursing or pumping, can boost your milk supply!

Brewer’s Yeast • Brewer’s yeast is different than baker’s yeast and nutritional yeast. Brewer’s yeast contains protein, B vitamins, iron, selenium, chromium, and amino acids. Chromium and B vitamins can help fight off depression. The B vitamins, iron, and protein help give you energy. If you have recurrent yeast problems or a yeast infection, it is best to avoid brewer’s yeast.

Oats • Oats are a good source of fiber and iron. They are also a good source of manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. They are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects. Many women notice that when they eat oats in the morning, they are able to pump more milk during the day.

Flaxseed • Flaxseed has phytoestrogens that can increase breast milk production.

Coconut Oil • Coconut oil is said to increase the quality and amount of breastmilk.

Raw Nuts • Eating raw nuts can stimulate breastmilk production and the mono-saturated fats in nuts can increase the richness of the milk.

Other Healthy Ingredients

Pink Himalayan Salt • Pink Himalayan salt is the purest form of salt. It is a much healthier and more natural alternative to table salt. When making table salt, the refining process strips away all the naturally occurring minerals, except chloride and sodium. It is treated with chemicals and additives. Pink Himalayan salt is unrefined and has numerous health benefits. It is believed to improve digestion, mood, blood pressure, and regulate the body’s pH.

Raw Cacao Powder • This is an optional ingredient, but I like to add some in. Cacao is a great plant-based source of iron and magnesium. Both are important in a postpartum and breastfeeding diet. Iron helps maintain energy and prevent fatigue. Magnesium helps balance postpartum hormones. As an added benefit during the postpartum period, cacao is known to elevate mood!

This recipe is adapted from: http://onepartsunshine.com/baby-shower-gift-idea-lactation-cookie-mix-in-a-jar/. On this site, you’ll find a great idea for how to give lactation cookies in a jar for a shower or new mom gift.

These are a great addition to a breastfeeding basket gift for a new mom or mom-to-be!