Pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and breastfeeding all take a heavy toll on a mother’s body, demanding a lot of physical strength and nutrients. It’s crucial to regularly nourish and replenish your body, especially during the postpartum period. Breastfeeding several times a day (and night) can be exhausting, but pairing a session with a cup of herbal nursing tea and a lactation cookie can offer a moment to recharge.
These cookies are a thoughtful gift for a friend who has just welcomed a new baby or a helpful treat to prepare and freeze before your little one arrives. They contain “galactagogues,” which are foods believed to naturally boost milk supply. Some well-known ones include oatmeal, fennel, and fenugreek. These ingredients also feature in my herbal tea blend for nursing.
Besides potentially increasing milk supply, these cookies are packed with nutrients required for producing breast milk. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding are quite demanding on the body, so every bit of nourishment helps! While scientific evidence on the effectiveness of galactagogues is mixed, many mothers place their trust in them. Since they’re natural and usually don’t have side effects, I think they’re worth trying, though it’s wise to consult a lactation consultant to confirm if increasing milk supply is necessary.
This lactation cookie recipe combines several beneficial ingredients that might support milk supply and replenish nutrients needed for milk production. Additionally, soaking and sprouting the almonds and oatmeal in the recipe can enhance digestibility and nutrition, making them even better for gut health.
While lactation cookies can be beneficial in some cases, it’s important to ensure that issues with milk supply aren’t stemming from reasons other than nutrition. Unnecessary boosting of milk supply may lead to a condition called mastitis, an infection of the breast.
If working with a lactation consultant and trying supportive foods don’t resolve the issue, you might consider using donor milk or a homemade organic baby formula as alternatives.
Have you ever tried lactation cookies, and did you find them effective?
