What is a Lactation Cookie?

What are lactation cookies? 

Lactation cookies are special treats to give nursing moms the nutrients they need to produce more milk. Variations can include brownies, drink mixes, bars, and energy bites. They contain galactogogues which are considered to help breastfeeding mothers increase their breast milk supply. If we break that term down, the Greek terms "galact-" meaning milk, and "-ogogue" meaning leading to or promoting. 

Do lactation cookies increase breast milk supply? 

Breast milk production is driven by supply and demand. The more milk you express the more milk you will produce. However, hydration and nutrition play a vital role in this and must be monitored to ensure your body has everything it needs to effectively and efficiently produce milk. Consistently drinking fluids and maintaining a regular eating schedule helps remove one of the many variables that impact milk supply like above-average stress, poor feeding posture, and latching difficulties just to name a few.  

What ingredients are in lactation cookies? 

Lactation cookies tend to have flaxseed, oats, and brewer’s yeast as main ingredients. While these haven’t been proven to increase milk supply, they are proven to have a load of nutrition that is great for breastfeeding mommas like yourself. On average, breastfeeding women need 300 mg of DHA (omega 3), 21-25 grams of fiber, and 54-67 grams of protein per day. 

Oats
3.5 ounces of oats contain 16.9 grams of protein, 10.6 grams of fiber, and 66.3 grams of carbohydrates. Did we mention they’re also a great source of iron?


Brewer’s Yeast
An excellent source of iron, protein, and B vitamins. The B-complex vitamins in brewer's yeast include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and H or B7 (biotin). These vitamins provide the body with energy by helping break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

While these nutrients come from major meals throughout the day, adding in a snack that also counts towards your daily numbers is a win-win. If you eat chocolate chip lactation cookies, you get an added bonus. The chocolate in the cookies releases endorphins, as well as, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.  These neurotransmitters are responsible for our happiness and are all released when we eat chocolate. As a stressed-out, tired mom, what more could we ask for than a bite of something that encourages us to release some of that stress?

Secret Uses of the Lactation Cookie

• Break up and sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt
• Peanut Butter Time! Spread on some peanut butter for a protein-filled snack
• The Classic! - Dunk them in milk 
• The Guilty Pleasure - Spread on some Nutella
• Put one in a milkshake with some protein powder
  
  

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No Bake Lactation Bites

If you're looking for a delicious, healthy snack that will also boost your breast milk, check out these little cookie bites that are super quick and easy to make.

What you'll need:

Instructions:

Mix together in medium bowl. If mix is too dry, you may add more coconut oil or honey. Place in refrigerator for one hour. Remove from refrigerator and roll into 1” balls. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

You can also add other mix-ins like chocolate chips! For an extra milk boost, add 1-2 tbsp Brewer’s Yeast. 

Enjoy! 

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Lactation Smoothie 

If you’re needing a quick breakfast on the go, or a refreshing afternoon snack, try this smoothie for a booster and serving of protein. 

What you'll need:

1 Mommy’s Milk Lactation Cookie, broken up 

2 TBSP Brewer’s Yeast

2 TBSP Flaxseed 

1 scoop chocolate protein powder 

1 cup old fashioned oats 

1 cups milk of choice 

Instructions:

Combine ingredients into blender. Blend and enjoy over ice!

Where to Buy Lactation Cookies? 

If you’re interested in giving Lactation Cookies a try, check out our chocolate chip and coffee flavors. Be cautioned, one cookie will not be enough.