Many new mothers look for natural ways to support and boost their milk supply during breastfeeding. One popular and tasty option is lactation cookies, specially crafted with ingredients known to promote lactation. These cookies are easy to make at home, combining wholesome, galactagogue ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast. Whether you’re a busy mom or simply want a comforting treat that also helps your breastfeeding journey, this easy lactation cookies recipe provides a simple yet effective way to nourish both body and baby.
What Are Lactation Cookies?
Lactation cookies are baked goods designed to help increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers. They typically include ingredients called galactagogues foods that support or stimulate breast milk supply. While scientific evidence on some of these ingredients is limited, many mothers report positive effects when incorporating lactation cookies into their diet. Besides the potential milk-boosting benefits, lactation cookies also provide an energy boost and essential nutrients important during postpartum recovery.
Common Galactagogue Ingredients in Lactation Cookies
- Oats: Rich in iron and fiber, oats are believed to help increase prolactin, a hormone important for milk production.
- Brewer’s Yeast: A good source of B vitamins, protein, and minerals that can support lactation.
- Flaxseed: Contains omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which may have positive effects on milk supply.
- Fenugreek (optional): A traditional herb used to boost milk, but some prefer to avoid it due to its strong taste or potential allergies.
These ingredients, combined with wholesome basics like whole wheat flour, butter, and sweeteners, create delicious cookies with added nutritional value for nursing mothers.
Easy Lactation Cookies Recipe
This recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing taste or benefits. It uses common ingredients you can find at most grocery stores and avoids complicated steps, making it perfect for busy moms or first-time bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, oats, brewer’s yeast, ground flaxseed, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
This recipe makes about 18-20 medium-sized cookies that are chewy, slightly sweet, and full of lactation-boosting ingredients.
Why Make Your Own Lactation Cookies?
While you can find pre-made lactation cookies online or in some stores, making your own offers several advantages. Homemade lactation cookies let you control the ingredients, avoiding additives or preservatives found in commercial products. You can also customize flavors, add your favorite mix-ins, and adjust sweetness to your preference. Additionally, baking can be a relaxing and empowering activity, giving new mothers a way to nourish themselves and their babies through food.
Benefits of Homemade Lactation Cookies
- Customization of ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- Freshness and no artificial additives.
- Cost-effective compared to buying specialty products.
- Easy to prepare in batches and freeze for later.
Tips for Making the Best Lactation Cookies
- Use fresh brewer’s yeast: Make sure your brewer’s yeast is fresh and stored properly, as it can lose potency over time.
- Grind flaxseed fresh: Whole flaxseeds can pass through the digestive system without releasing nutrients, so grind them before adding to your dough.
- Don’t overbake: Baking until just golden keeps cookies soft and chewy, which many prefer.
- Try different add-ins: Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots also complement these cookies well.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer shelf life.
Are Lactation Cookies Guaranteed to Work?
It’s important to understand that lactation cookies are not a miracle cure. While many mothers find that galactagogue ingredients help support their milk supply, results can vary widely. Factors like hydration, nursing frequency, stress, and overall health play crucial roles in milk production. Lactation cookies should be considered as part of a holistic approach to breastfeeding, combined with proper hydration, rest, and support.
If you have concerns about milk supply or breastfeeding challenges, it’s always best to consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Easy lactation cookies offer a tasty and convenient way to include potential milk-boosting ingredients in your diet. With simple preparation, wholesome components, and delicious flavor, they can be a comforting addition to the busy life of a breastfeeding mother. Whether you make them regularly or just occasionally, these cookies serve as a reminder to nurture yourself while nurturing your baby. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the benefits of a homemade treat that supports your breastfeeding journey in a gentle, natural way.