Lactation products can be pricey, but they shouldn't be.
While galactagogues are not something you have to try for successful breastfeeding, some people feel like it helps them with their supply.
Common galactagogues include oatmeal, moringa, fenugreek, brewer’s yeast, marshmallow root, blessed thistle, alfalfa leaves, fennel, and goat’s rue.
Do lactation cookies even work? Well, when eaten in addition to increased pumping/feeding, power pumping, middle of night pump, some people say they see an increase in supply.
One product I do like because it has great lactogenic properties, low sugar and sodium, vegan, 100% natural and effective is Mammas Milk Bar Lactation Blend. It's super versatile, you can put it in anything! It's based in New Zealand, so U.S. folks be aware of shipping.
Most of the ingredients in here are what you’d find in normal chocolate chip cookies: butter, sugar, flour, eggs, etc.
Let’s talk about what makes these lactation cookies — and where to find some of these ingredients!
Oats: Oats contain iron, which can help increase milk supply. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oatmeal.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed contains both omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens which are thought to boost milk production. Flaxseed can be purchased as whole seeds or pre-ground; you can grind whole seeds yourself in a coffee grinder but I just buy the already ground flaxseed.
Brewer’s yeast: Brewer’s yeast is one of the most widely known galactagogues, containing iron, zinc, complex B vitamins, and magnesium. Brewer’s yeast is not the same as baker’s yeast. Brewer’s yeast can be purchased at some health food stores, but I purchase mine directly from Amazon.
Here's what you can make some time for on your next free weekend. DIY Lactation cookies!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup (226 grams) butter, room temperature
1 cup (213 grams) brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (99 grams) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1/4 cup brewer’s yeast
2 tablespoons peanut or almond butter (substitute in nut butter or leave out alto