If you’re a breastfeeding mom, or about to become one, then you’ve probably heard about lactation cookies. Yes, cookies that actually help moms increase their milk supply! Though some moms have no problems producing milk, other moms could use a boost in this department. Did you know that 60% of mothers do not breastfeed for as long as they intended to? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is because moms may be dealing with lactation and latching issues, concerned about baby nutrition and low weight gain, facing a lack of family and/or workplace support, and many other challenges.
These lactation cookie treats are known as an easy, yummy way to improve and sustain the milk supply. We get it if you’re skeptical about how cookies can possibly increase milk supply. But the answer is pretty straightforward — the cookies aren’t your run-of-the-mill grandma’s favorite recipe.
Lactation cookies must include ingredients that naturally promote healthy lactation. Those ingredients include galactogogues, which are substances found in various herbs and foods that promote lactation. Examples of galactogogues are turmeric, fennel seed, oatmeal, and milk thistle, just to name a few. Other ingredients that are lactogenic — ones that support milk production — are commonly in lactation cookies, too, like flaxseed, almonds, brewer’s yeast, wheatgerm, and sesame seeds. Don't forget to eat foods high in protein, healthy carbohydrates, and iron to help stay full and energized while breastfeeding.
It’s recommended to start using lactation cookies as soon as you have your baby because a strong milk supply is a good thing. And they won’t make you produce more milk than needed. Have one or two as a snack if you’re feeling peckish or low on energy. As with any cookie, too many lactation cookies can cause weight gain, so don't eat too many, mama!
Here are some of the best lactation cookie recipes we found. They have a variety of ingredients for those who prefer chocolate over peanut butter or cranberries, and even a vegan option! Anyone in your household can eat these, by the way — they’re natural and healthy — but make sure they save the most for mom.
Store any of these cookies in an airtight container after baking. When making large batches, freeze the raw dough, or freeze them after baking, also in airtight containers.
The Ultimate Lactation Cookie Recipe
We're guessing these are called the Ultimate Lactation Cookie because they're jam-packed with yummy ingredients. Almonds, shredded coconut, white chocolate, and chocolate chips, plus cranberries makes us think of those "everything — cookies (also known as "garbage" or "kitchen sink" cookies) from the local bakery. They're anything but trash. Try these by Karen at Soujourner Mom.
AllRecipes Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
Try this lactation cookie recipe by AllRecipes if you want the most straightforward cookie. The batter has flaxseed meal and wheatgerm but you'll hardly taste them once you add the oats and chocolate chips. Raisins instead of the chips would taste great in this recipe as well.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Coconut Lactation Cookies
Yummy coconut and chocolate chips are the stars of this lactation cookie recipe by Jessica at How Sweet Eats. Moms might have some trouble keeping these cookies all to themselves once the rest of the family gets a whiff of these baking.
Vegan Gluten-Free Lactation Cookies
For anyone looking for a lactation cookie that's also vegan, try this one from Megan Gilmore at Detoxinista. The recipe features coconut oil instead of eggs, as well as oat flour (there's also a gluten-free variation).
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
For moms nutty for peanut butter, these cookies will fit the bill. They have the perfect balance of oats, peanut butter and peanut butter chips. The addition of the chocolate chips reminds us of that delicious peanut and chocolate classic peanut butter cups candy. Try this recipe from Food.com.
Oatmeal Butterscotch Lactation Cookies
These are such a treat! Butterscotch chips are added to a cookie base with cinnamon, coconut oil and white and brown sugar, making a soft and chewy lactation cookie by Sarah at Sage Mama Doula.
