Looking to increase your milk supply? Well, why not give lactation cookies a go? Yep, that's right. You actually have an excuse to eat cookies...
We spoke to Diana Griffiths, Marketing Director at Munchkin to get the lowdown on these wonder cookies.
What are lactation cookies and how do they work?
Lactation cookies are snacks for breastfeeding mums that have been made with natural organic ingredients commonly known as galactagogues, traditionally used to support and increase breast milk supply.
What are the common ingredients in lactation cookies?
Fenugreek is the most popular, well-known and researched ingredient to boost milk supply. Other ingredients include Brewer’s Yeast, Oats and Flaxseed. Rich in B-vitamins, proteins, and minerals essential for nursing mums, Brewer’s Yeast is also traditionally used to increase milk supply, while Oats and Flaxseed provide whole grains, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and lots of healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for both mother and baby.
Why use lactation cookies?
Lactation cookies are fantastic for breastfeeding mums who would like a little more support in their feeding journey. Lactation cookies help to boost milk supply and offer a wide range of essential nutrients to nourish new mums and their babies.
Do lactation cookies actually work?
The fenugreek ingredient has been shown to increase breast milk supply.
When should I start using lactation cookies?
Many mums have them in hand close to their delivery date and continue to use them throughout their feeding journey.
How fast do lactation cookies work?
One serving a day can help breastfeeding mums reap the full benefits. However, every mother responds differently, and it takes trial and error to see what works best. For lactation support, we recommend contacting a lactation consultant or speaking with a GP.
Can anyone eat lactation cookies?
Lactation cookies are a great snack for anyone as they won’t help with milk production unless you are lactating - only lactating mothers will reap the benefits of a boosted milk supply!
1.
Munchkin Milkmakers Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
Description
With six bags per box, each bag is filled with tasty, bite-size cookies packed with ingredients that are traditionally used to support breast milk supply such as Fenugreek, Oats, Brewer's Yeast, and Flaxseed.
Review: "Despite being sceptical I am extremely pleased! I exclusively express and 8 weeks in just couldn't get my supply up, never more than one feed ahead and sometimes short which required supplementing. I've only been using these a few days and already I am a few bottles ahead! For me this is incredibly welcome as it takes the pressure off knowing I have plenty there ready to go and can cope with any of those cluster bursts! I may actually be able to freeze my first batch in a week or so!"
2.
CooKiss Lactation Biscuits
Description
Containing six wrapped packs of four lactation cookies, making them easy to store and ensuring they are always fresh, these cookies are full of a natural source of breastfeeding vitamins and minerals including thiamine and niacin, phosphorus, iron and zinc. These cranberry cookies taste great dipped in a warm drink or even with yogurt and fruit.
Review: "I already bought 2 packs, this biscuits have very nice taste. I'm using to help with my Breast milk supply this biscuits are very helpful for the new mums. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Great biscuits."
3.
Boobbix Breastfeeding Cookies
Description
Enjoy these chewy double chocolate Lactation Cookies, stuffed full of dark chocolate chips and fairtrade organic cocoa and containing brewers yeast, oats, flaxseed and fenugreek. Each box contains 10 cookies in a resealable environmentally-friendly pouch and have a three-month ambient life.
Review: "These biscuits are great for breastfeeding mums and saved me in the mornings when I needed a snack before I could get to the kitchen to make breakfast. I gave 4 stars because they are quite pricey especially with delivery. I felt the cookies did have a positive effect in my milk supply and I have bought them a few times because they’re so delicious."
Make your own lactation cookies
Why not try making your own lactation cookie? We love this recipe from mum-of-two Kim over at The Best Idea for Kids.
Makes: 12 cookies
You will need:
1/2 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp milled flaxseed
3 tbsp water
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp brewer's yeast
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup raisins
2 tbsp whole flaxseed - optional
Method:
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit [150 degrees celsius]
-
In a mixing bowl, mix the coconut oil and sugar until soft. Add the egg and vanilla and mix.
-
Combine the milled flaxseed and water in a separate bowl and then add to the mixing bowl.
-
Add the flour, brewer's yeast, cinnamon and salt to the mixing bowl and mix again.
-
By hand, mix in the oats, raisins and whole flaxseed.
-
Scoop out the batter onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Flatten the cookies slightly.
-
Bake for 12 minutes.
Most popular:
Breastfeeding tea: What is it and does it work?
9 ways to boost your breastmilk naturally
20 healthy meal ideas for mums who are breastfeeding
What is power pumping and how will it help my milk supply?