Breastfeeding is strongly recommended for the first six months. Breastfeeding ensures that a newborn gets all the necessary nutrients and antibodies in the first few months of his birth. The more you nurse your baby, the more the milk is produced. However, the quantity of milk produced varies and often it may not be enough for a full feeding. Hence, one of the most popular methods used by new mothers to increase their milk supply is the consumption of lactation cookies.
Lactation cookies are snacks which are made using galactagogues or foods that are believed to improve breast milk production. They have been used for a while, but have gained popularity over the past few years. Many mothers have seen an increase in their milk supply after eating these cookies, but this is mostly anecdotal evidence. There is little scientific research backing lactation cookies increase breast milk supply. In fact, doctors are concerned that women who feel they are not making enough milk might just eat lactation cookies instead of seeking medical help. Placebo effect aside, these cookies are quite healthy and do provide a vast variety of nutritional benefits required by nursing mothers.
As already mentioned, galactagogues are milk boosting ingredients, but there is no clear proof that they work as advertised. However, the galactagogues in lactation cookies are generally quite beneficial to health.
Oats are nutritious foods that offer high amounts of healthy carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, vitamins and so on. Compounds like saponins, which stimulate the immune system and raise prolactin levels in the body, are said to boost milk synthesis. Their carb and fibre content regulates sugar absorption in the body, preventing blood sugar spikes.
Fenugreek seeds, also known as ‘methi dana‘, are a common part of Indian cuisine. They are packed with healthy phytoestrogens, which buffer the oestrogen in your body. This, in turn, controls prolactin, and thereby milk production. It is also thought to increase perspiration, which activates the letdown reflex leading to release of milk.
Flaxseeds are rich in healthy fats, such as the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients improve cardiovascular health and the immune system. They are also known to boost the synthesis of breast milk. Flaxseeds also contain fibre, vitamin B, vitamin E, potassium, and calcium, which makes them an important part of a balanced diet.
Brewer’s yeast is used in various foods like bread, dosa, cakes, and so on. It is rich in vitamin B-complex, which helps increase the milk production as they are crucial in cellular metabolism. Yeast is also packed with protein and micronutrients like selenium and chromium. However, consumption of yeast may result in digestive problems like diarrhoea or gas. If you or your baby are sensitive or allergic to yeast, please avoid this ingredient.
Aside from boosting breast milk production, here are a few important benefits of lactation cookies for nursing mothers:
The ingredients in lactation cookies are rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, phytohormones, antioxidants and a host of other powerful nutrients required by the body for the efficient functioning of metabolic processes. For instance, the iron content in flaxseed and oats is essential in preventing anaemia, a common condition in new mothers, by maintaining blood production rates.
Oats are filled with large amounts of dietary fibre or roughage (especially in the form of beta-glucans). This eases the postpartum difficulty of bowel movements and constipation. This can also help in reducing some of your pregnancy weight.
As per some research, the combination of nutrients found in flaxseed and brewer’s yeast can help combat postpartum depression, better known as the baby blues. In any case, the small amounts of sugar in lactation cookies can certainly improve your mood.
Lactation cookies are not harmful in any way, because their ingredients are totally natural. A few minor complications might be a gas problem from the oatmeal or an increase in weight if you eat too many cookies. Furthermore, fenugreek is sometimes not recommended for nursing women with health conditions, but the amount present in lactation cookies is too small to cause any serious problems.
Lactation cookies are tasty as well as healthy. As you can make them at home by yourself, you can control the tastes, textures, and flavours to suit your preference. They serve as excellent snacks you can munch on if you’re feeling hungry. Avoiding processed foods in favour of homemade cookies is actually quite beneficial.
Below is a list of healthy and delicious lactation cookie recipes you can make at home.
These delicious chocolate chip lactation cookies require simple ingredients and take less than ten minutes of preparation time.
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These nutritious cookies are sugar-free and contain a variety of healthy ingredients.
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These yummy no-bake lactation cookies are packed with berries and raisins, giving them a tropical flavour.
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These spicy pumpkin lactation cookies are a delicious treat.
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These eggless lactation cookies are ideal for vegans and vegetarians who want to avoid animal products.
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Here are some important questions that are frequently asked about lactation cookies.
Most nursing mothers can tell if there is a difference in milk production within the first two or three days. Ideally, you should give it up to a week to be totally sure.
Simply place all your lactation biscuits in a sealed container or a ziplock bag. Then you can store them for around a week or so before they become inedible. If you baked too many, you can freeze the remaining, where they will stay fresh for at least a few months.
This depends on you. Most women eat one or two cookies a day.
Yes, breastfeeding cookies are entirely safe for older children. However, please make sure that your older child brushes and flosses his teeth twice a day to flush any food particles out.
No. They are called so because they contain foods which improve breast milk production.
It is certainly possible. Replace any dairy products with an effective substitute, for instance, milk can be replaced by coconut milk, butter with almond butter and so on.
If you are facing problems in breast milk production, there could be several reasons, ranging from inadequate latching to lack of proper feeding schedule. If you are facing any problem in breastfeeding your baby, ask your doctor for advice. If your doctor suspects you might be facing any complications, he will refer you to lactation consultants who are trained to handle this problem with ease and empathy.