As a certified lactation counselor and pediatric nurse, I knew about lactation cookies but obviously didn’t have the chance to try any until I had my own baby. As a new mom, I did some of my own researching into lactation cookies and the best ways to use them. Lactation cookies can be useful for some moms by giving a boost to your milk supply. This post will go over all the most frequently asked questions about lactation cookies – do they actually work, when to eat lactation cookies, and more!
What are Lactation Cookies?
In case you’ve never heard of them before, lactation cookies are cookies that new moms eat in hopes to increase their milk supply. You may have also heard of them as breastfeeding cookies. They can be made in muffin form or no-bake cookie bites (also known as lactation bites) as well. There are many different recipe variations but they are all meant to do the same thing – increase a breastfeeding mother’s milk supply.
How do Lactation Cookies Work?
One of the ways lactation cookies work is by using galactagogues – key ingredients that stimulate milk production. The most common galactagogues used in lactation cookies include:
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Flax Seed
- Wheat Germ
- Oats
- Fenugreek
The cookies are baked based around these ingredients in hopes that they will stimulate the hormones necessary to produce breast milk.
Another reason why lactation cookies may work for breastfeeding mothers is simply because they are getting the extra calories needed in their diet while breastfeeding. You can burn anywhere from 300-500 calories a day just by breastfeeding.
This doesn’t mean a nursing mom needs to eat a huge diet to maintain her supply. But being a new mama is hard work and sometimes having yummy cookies handy can help!
When to Eat Lactation Cookies
The best time to eat lactation cookies would be once your baby arrives. The key ingredients in the lactation cookies may help to stimulate more milk production. You can eat them as early as the day you have your baby.
There are no limits on how long you can consume lactation cookies for. You can eat them throughout your entire nursing journey, but as with any supplements just don’t overdo it!
You may hear that some women start eating lactation cookies at the end of their pregnancy in hopes of having a bountiful breastmilk supply when their baby arrives. Just be cautious and consult with your doctor first, as some lactation cookie recipes contain fenugreek. It’s possible the herbal supplements fenugreek may cause uterine contractions, which is why you would want to be careful to not consume them too early!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lactation Cookies Work?
There is unfortunately limited scientific evidence on if the main ingredients in lactation cookies will increase your breastmilk supply. However, there is tons of anecdotal evidence from other nursing moms claiming that lactation cookies did help boost their milk production.
The #1 best way to increase your breastmilk supply is with frequent feedings or pumping sessions. The more you request removal of milk from your breasts, the more your hormones will work to create more.
(Related post: The Best Proven Ways to Increase Your Breastfeeding Milk Supply)
How Many Lactation Cookies Should I Eat Per Day?
If the lactation cookies you’re consuming are store bought or from a company, there should be recommendations from the manufacturer for how many cookies you can consume per day.
If you’re eating homemade lactation cookies, I recommend starting with two cookies per day and working your way up depending upon your results.
How Long Does it Take for Lactation Cookies to Work?
You can see increases in your milk supply as early as 24 hours and up to 2 days.
If you are really concerned about a low milk supply, please consult with a certified lactation consultant. They can help you identify the true cause for your low supply and determine what steps you can take to correct it. Lactation cookies are a helpful tool but not a magic fix!
Are There Any Lactation Cookie Side Effects?
Side effects may vary depending upon the ingredients in the cookies you’re eating. But some unwanted side effects to look out for are gas, bloating, diarrhea, and upset stomach.
Over-consuming lactation cookies can also cause an upset to your baby’s digestive system as well, so keep an eye out for any changes in your baby.
One other thing to be cautious of with lactation cookies is weight gain. Some lactation cookies contain a high sugar content and can be a sneaky way of consuming too many calories in your diet.
Fenugreek has an interesting side effect that can cause your skin and urine to smell like maple syrup (your baby’s as well!). It’s not harmful but maybe you don’t prefer to smell like maple syrup?!
What are the Common Ingredients in Lactation Cookies?
Brewer’s yeast: not only helps boost your milk supply but is a great source of B vitamins (great for postpartum!). This is the one of the more common ingredients that causes GI upset, so if you notice any symptoms try finding a lactation cookie without brewer’s yeast!
Flaxseed meal: contains omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of fiber! Tip: you can also use this in your morning bowl of oatmeal for a milk supply boost!
Wheat Germ: contains high levels of vitamin E and healthy fats. Great for your body and your breast milk supply!
Oats: great source of soluble fiber and a good ingredient to add to your diet aside from lactation cookies. There are many anecdotal reports from other moms that they saw an increase in their supply when eating oats! Use it for oatmeal, smoothies, and muffins.
Fenugreek: contains phytoestrogens which are similar to the hormone estrogen and helps boost milk supply. Just be cautious as some mother’s have found that fenugreek actually decreased their supply. If you notice a drop in your breast milk production, stop fenugreek right away.
Other common ingredients used in lactation cookies include coconut oil, brown sugar, dark chocolate chips (yum!), and vanilla extract! But there are tons of recipes out there that include alternate options if you prefer something else!
Where to Buy Lactation Cookies?
Nowadays you can find different lactation cookies at many grocery stores, including Walmart and Target. You can also purchase lactation cookies online either through the company directly or on Amazon.
Some common and delicious store-bought brands include:
- Munchkin Milkmakers Lactation Cookie Bites
- MilkBliss Dark Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookie Mix
- Booby Boons Lactation Cookies (Caramel Crunch and Chocolate Chip)
- Boobie Bar (a good bar option – oatmeal chocolate chip is great!)
- Mommy Knows Best Lactation Cookie Mix
These are a few great choices if you prefer a quick grab-and-go option.
Best Lactation Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a homemade lactation cookie recipe, this recipe by JoyFoodSunshine is incredible! My favorite part about the recipe is the substitutions she shares for some of the main ingredients. For example, if you’re sensitive to brewer’s yeast or don’t have any on hand, she provides substitution options so you can still make them!
These would make a great addition to a postpartum care package or included with a dinner meal you drop off to the nursing mom.
Lactation cookies can be a great way to help boost breastmilk production! Just remember, at the end of the day the important thing is frequent removal of breast milk by your baby or pump. Leave a comment and let me know if you discover any new favorites or if you noticed an increased milk supply!
Other Posts You May Like:
- The Best Proven Ways to Increase Your Breastfeeding Milk Supply
- Complete Guide for How Often to Replace Your Breast Pump Parts
- 10 Breastfeeding Must Haves for New Moms
- 25 Best Cooler Bags for Traveling with Breast Milk
