Lactation cookies are a variety of supplement presented in cookie form that aids in stimulating milk production after childbirth. They are available for purchase from various sources including bakeries, supermarkets, and online vendors, or they can be prepared at home.
How Do Lactation Cookies Work?
Lactation cookies contain specific components known as galactagogues, which are designed to enhance a mother’s milk production. These galactagogues often consist of herbal elements like garlic, fenugreek, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, or oats. Additionally, pharmaceutical galactagogues such as domperidone and metoclopramide are also used. Although there is limited availability of clinical trials regarding both herbal and pharmaceutical galactagogues, numerous mothers report observing an augmentation in their milk supply after consuming such ingredients.
Benefits of Lactation Cookies
Research on herbal galactagogues is unfortunately limited, but even if the ingredients in the cookies don’t directly increase milk supply, they offer essential nutrients and calories necessary for breastfeeding mothers.
Sufficient nutrition plays a crucial role in milk production, so simply addressing some of these nutritional deficiencies may contribute to increased milk supply. Among the common ingredients in lactation cookies are oats, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseed, all of which offer important nutrients.
Oats : Oats are rich in dietary fiber, supporting bowel health, and depending on their processing, they also contain various vitamins and nutrients. Available as quick-cooking, traditional, or steel-cut oatmeal, or as oat flour, oats are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten intolerance or allergies.
Brewer’s yeast: besides being purportedly used as a galactagogue, is also employed in treating diabetes mellitus. Given its relevance to postpartum diabetes, brewer’s yeast may aid new mothers in managing blood sugar levels and insulin. Moreover, it serves as a primary source of B vitamins, enhancing energy levels crucial for sleep-deprived new mothers.
Flaxseed: a notable source of omega-3 fatty acids, is vital in a breastfeeding mother’s diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to improved cardiovascular health, cognitive function, gut health, and reduced risk of certain cancers. Flaxseed might also assist in hormone regulation, aiding postpartum mothers in adjusting to the hormonal changes after pregnancy.
Other potential ingredients in lactation cookies include nuts or nut butters, supplying protein; sugar, providing quick energy and calories; and flours, offering fiber and carbohydrates. Given the heightened calorie requirements of breastfeeding mothers, consuming a few lactation cookies can help meet these demands.
Read Also: 9 most powerful nursing books for breastfeeding mothers .
How to Make Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies follow a recipe structure similar to many other types of cookies, comprising a base flour, fats such as butter, leavening agents like eggs and baking soda, and sweeteners.
While there are numerous recipes specifically tailored for lactation cookies, you can also modify a standard cookie recipe by incorporating galactagogue ingredients such as oats or flaxseed. Galactagogues can also be added to other foods or consumed separately, though some, like fenugreek, may cause stomach discomfort and are best consumed within recipes alongside other ingredients.
When seeking recipes, prioritize sources from reputable medical outlets such as hospitals’ or pediatricians’ websites. It’s essential to research the ingredients thoroughly before preparation and consult your doctor or pediatrician to determine their suitability for you and your child.
Where to Buy Lactation Cookies
Premade lactation cookies are available from various sources, including online retailers like Amazon, which offer commercially produced brands. Independent bakers may also sell them online, but it’s crucial to research the bakery and ensure their products comply with food safety regulations.
National pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens, as well as box stores such as Walmart and Target, frequently stock commercial brands of lactation cookies. Additionally, you might find them in stock at local bakeries or request them specifically if they’re not regularly available.
How Do I Know Lactation Cookies Are Working For Me?
The outcomes of consuming lactation snacks can vary among women and are contingent on factors such as whether one is exclusively breastfeeding or pumping.
For instance, when I shared my lactation cookies with three nursing friends, two observed an increase in milk production within 24 hours, while the other noticed a gradual increase in supply over the following days as she continued consuming the cookies.
Despite individual variations, there are several indicators to discern if your breastmilk supply is increasing after consuming lactation snacks:
For exclusively breastfeeding mothers, signs may include a stronger letdown, longer nursing sessions, or a more contented appearance in the baby. If the baby is younger than 6 months, they might also seem more fatigued.
For exclusively pumping mothers, you may notice a greater volume of milk in your bottle after each session. If you engage in power pumping, results might manifest a bit quicker, but it’s essential to adequately nourish your body.
If you’re breastfeeding while supplementing with pumped milk, you might notice a combination of the aforementioned outcomes.
Can Lactation Cookies Give Baby Gas?
If your baby has a dairy intolerance or allergy, lactation cookies containing dairy products can lead to gas or stomach upset. Otherwise, lactation cookies are generally safe for babies.
What Happens If A Man Eats Lactation Cookies?
There’s nothing particularly special about lactation cookies from a man’s perspective; his body will process them like any other cookie. These cookies are generally safe for the entire family to consume. However, the milk-boosting ingredients they contain will only impact a breastfeeding mother’s milk production.
If I Eat A Lactation Cookie Will I Produce Milk?
If you are not a new mother currently breastfeeding, consuming a lactation cookie will not lead to spontaneous milk production, even if you have previously lactated. The body relies on pregnancy and childbirth-related hormones to naturally initiate milk production. Although lactation cookies may enhance this process, they are unable to initiate it themselves.
Conclusion
The use of lactation cookies can be a supportive addition to a breastfeeding mother’s routine. While their effectiveness in directly increasing milk supply may vary among individuals, lactation cookies offer a convenient and potentially beneficial option for addressing nutritional needs during breastfeeding. Whether homemade or store-bought, lactation cookies provide a tasty and convenient way to incorporate galactagogue ingredients into one’s diet.
However, it’s essential to remember that lactation cookies should complement a well-balanced diet and not substitute for proper nutrition. Additionally, consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on lactation support and dietary considerations is always advisable. Ultimately, incorporating lactation cookies into a breastfeeding journey can offer comfort, convenience, and potential nutritional benefits for both mother and baby.
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