Making breast milk can either be the most natural thing in the world, or it can be one of the most challenging. In either case, the body needs to be well supported to do the hard work of sustaining the nutritional needs of baby, so everyone can benefit from some lactation cookies!
I have made these lactation cookies for dozens of clients and they are always a big hit. So much so, that all the other members of the family want in on them too! The recipe is courtesy of the GW Midwives. *Galactagogue cookies are all the rage these days, but rightly so–they are easy to grab on the go and eat with one hand, easy to make from scratch, and taste delicious. Here’s a link to the printable recipe.
Midwives Milk Production Power and Comfort Cookies
2 C whole wheat pastry flour (regular whole wheat is okay too)
1 C oats
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1/2 cup nutritional yeast (not baker’s yeast but the yellow flakes; I purchased mine from Whole Foods in the bulk section)
1 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 C butter softened (2 sticks)
1 C raw sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 organic eggs
2 C dark chocolate chips
1 C walnuts
Combine the dry ingredients and stir. Add the dry to the creamed wet (I used my immersion blender, but you could use a hand mixer or a stand mixer).
Bake at 350 until golden. {Approximately 10-13 minutes}.
Makes 24-34 depending on the size of cookie.
*Galactagogue foods are those that encourage and enhance lacation. Check out this link for a good list of lactogenic foods.
A book I highly recommend to read to prepare your diet for breastfeeding (either before or after baby) is Mother Food: A Breastfeeding Diet Guide with Lactogenic Foods and Herbs – Build Milk Supply, Boost Immunity, Lift Depression, Detox, Lose Weight, Optimize a Baby’s IQ, and Reduce Colic and Allergies. Even if you are not struggling with supply issues, this book brings more mindfulness to what you are eating and reminds you that the nutrition post-baby is just as important (for you!) as it was when you were pregnant.
If you find you are struggling with supply issues, you might want to consider:
:: Fenugreek, either tincture, tea or capsules, but check out this very comprehensive information about the herb before you begin taking it.
I am not a medical professional, so it’s always best to check with your care provider or an IBCLC (lacation consultant) before trying any herbal supplements.
Have you had success with lactation cookies? Have a recipe to share? Link to it in the comments below and share your insights–especially if you are gluten-free/vegetarian/vegan.