My favorite lactation cookie recipes include oatmeal, flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, fenugreek, almonds, and don’t forget the chocolate chips!
Oatmeal is a soluble fiber, packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. It can increase the hormone, prolactin, that supports increasing milk volume and production. Oatmeal alone is a healthy, fulfilling snack that can be enjoyed any time of day, or night, as it provides a soothing effect to our minds and body. Anyone that has breastfed knows the stress that can occur, especially during the first few weeks of establishing a routine.
Brewer’s yeast is a galactagogue composed of proteins, including all the essential amino acids, minerals, enzymes and B-complex vitamins. It is a good option to enjoy the benefits of chromium, a mineral that encourages a more balanced blood glucose level, preventing you from becoming hangry.
It can have a bitter taste, so baking is the preferred option. You can also add 1 teaspoon of brewer’s yeast when you prepare smoothies, tea and even your morning cup of joe! Brewer’s yeast is a probiotic, adding value to your digestive system. Adults can enjoy 1-2 teaspoons a day. It is not recommended for children.
Flaxseed adds many benefits to your tasty treat! It is an essential fiber, supporting healthy bowel movement, increasing intestinal health. It contains many essential micronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and selenium. Flaxseed is also a great source of DHA and EPA, which is passed through human milk to your baby and supports growth, development and sustainment. Skip flaxseed in your cookies if you have any bleeding disorders or on a blood thinner, as flaxseed may slow blood clotting.
Fenugreek is an aromatic spice that has been found to increase milk supply in some lactating parents, but not all. It has been found to have a mild galactagogue effect. You won’t know the effect it has on you, and there is no harm in trying.
Almonds are a wonderful source of protein, fatty acids and calcium. Bone loss is a normal incidence for lactating parents. Don’t worry 12 months following weaning, your bone density will return to baseline levels.
My favorite lactation cookie recipe is from Ambitious Kitchen.
I love this site because there is flexibility with the ingredients. For example, if you don’t have brewer’s yeast, you can use oat flour. Add 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek for a divine taste! The cookies are warm (fresh out the oven) and tasty. Enjoy them as a light snack, or with your morning tea. As summer approaches, I will create cookie sandwiches using a coconut milk based ice cream. YUM!
Now, who ate the cookies out of the cookie jar?
Jadah Parks Chatterjee