If you’re a breastfeeding mom, you know the importance of keeping your milk supply up and that’s where lactation cookies can help! But certain questions may arise like when should you eat them? aren’t they just like regular cookies? What if I eat too many or do they actually work? Well If you are looking for answers we’ve got you covered.
This post will cover everything from what they are, when to eat lactation cookies, and the truth about if they work or not! So if you’re a breastfeeding mom or are planning on nursing and want to know about boosting milk production you’ve come to the right place!
Before diving any further if you are struggling with breastfeeding or need help consult a lactation consultant near you! Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy and there is help available. A lactation consultant can help you and your baby have the breastfeeding journey you deserve.
So, without further ado let’s move into what these super milk-boosting cookies actually are and get down to answering your lactation cookie questions!
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What Are Lactation Cookies
If you’ve chosen to breastfeed your baby you most likely have heard about eating lactation cookies to boost your milk supply, but what actually are they?
Lactation cookies are a type of cookie that contain common ingredients known to increase breast milk production. They typically contain key ingredients like brewer’s yeast and flaxseed, which are great at helping to boost milk production. You can make lactation cookies or lactation bites at home or find them in the grocery store.
What Are The Main Ingredients Of Lactation Cookies
The main ingredients of lactation cookies are oats, fenugreek, flaxseed, and brewers yeast. These foods are common galactagogues ingredients which means they are known to help with milk production.
- Oats: Oats are a great source of iron, which is essential for milk production. They also contain beta-glucan, a great source of soluble fiber that has been shown to increase milk production.
- Fenugreek: Fenugreek is an herb that has been used for centuries to increase milk production. It works by stimulating the growth of mammary cells, which leads to an increase in milk production.
- Flaxseed: Whole flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for both mom and baby. Flax seeds also contain lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that has been shown to increase milk production.
- Brewer’s Yeast: Brewer’s yeast is a type of yeast that is often used in baking. It is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for milk production. It also contains chromium, which has been shown to increase milk production.
Lactation cookies are a great snack for new moms because they taste great, are super healthy, and are packed with nutrients! Plus they help to boost your milk supply!
Do Lactation Cookies Work?
So the real question is do these cookies actually help boost breastmilk production? The good news and short answer is yes, they can!
There are many factors that affect milk production from stress to diet and everything in between. So, while lactation cookies can help a nursing mother to increase milk production, there is no guarantee that they will work for everyone.
That being said, there are many women who have sworn by the power of these cookies and have seen a significant increase in their milk production after eating them on a regular basis.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your milk supply they are worth trying!
Can I Eat Lactation Cookies While Pregnant?
If you’re wondering if you can start eating lactation cookies while pregnant, the answer is yes!
There are no harmful side effects to eating these cookies while pregnant, and they can actually be a great way to get some extra nutrients during pregnancy. The main ingredients in lactation cookies are all great for pregnancy, so they make a perfect snack for expectant moms!
How Do I Know If My Milk Supply Is Low?
Your breastmilk supply works off a supply and demand basis meaning the more you nurse or pump the more milk your body will produce.
If you notice that your baby is suddenly fussy or not eating as much as usual it could be a sign that your milk supply is low.
Other signs of a low milk supply include:
- You are not pumping or nursing as often as you were
- Baby is not gaining weight
- A decrease in the amount of milk you are producing
- Breasts feel softer than usual
Remember stress, growth spurts, and teething can all affect your milk supply so it’s important to not worry if you see a dip in production. You’re breasts never fully empty when nursing, think of your supply as more like a river than a lake, it’s constantly being replenished!
If you think you’re not producing enough milk and have a low milk supply you may want to consult a lactation consultant.
Other Tips For Boosting Your Milk Supply
If you’re looking for ways to boost your milk supply there are a few things you can try:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid stress
- Nurse or pump frequently
- Eat lactation cookies
- Consume extra calories
When To Eat Lactation Cookies
There is no perfect time to start eating lactation cookies, but they can be a helpful way to boost your milk production if you are struggling to produce enough. In the early days of breastfeeding, your body is working out how much milk your baby needs and so it is important to continue to breastfeed frequently in order to establish and maintain a healthy milk supply.
Your body will adjust and regulate your milk supply according to your baby’s needs. The first few days or weeks after your milk comes in you may feel super engorged until your body finds the balance. Remember breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis. The more you nurse your baby the more it signals to your body to produce more milk.
During Pregnancy
There is no harm in starting to eat lactation cookies while you’re pregnant although it’s not necessary. Eating a balanced healthy nutrient-dense diet will help your body and give it what it needs to produce enough milk.
Postpartum
Many women choose to start eating lactation cookies when their baby is going through a growth spurt. Growth spurts typically occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. During a growth spurt, your baby will want to nurse frequently, which is also known as cluster feeding.
This can leave you feeling like your body is not producing enough milk when actually all the feeding is boosting your milk supply. Your breasts may not feel full as they usually do and it’s usually in these times that many women choose to eat lactation cookies to give their supply a boost.
Time Of Day
When it comes to what is the best time of day to eat lactation cookies, there really isn’t one. Some ladies prefer to eat one as a snack each morning, while other mothers choose to eat one or two throughout the day or even before bed! It’s really up to you and what works best for you!
How Many Lactation Cookies Should I Eat?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some women find that eating one lactation cookie per day is enough to boost their milk supply, while others find that they need to eat more than that to see results. Ultimately, you will have to experiment a bit to find out what works best for you.
The most important thing is to be consistent for a few days and give the cookies a chance to work their magic!
What Happens If You Eat Too Many Lactation Cookies?
Eating too many cookies is not going to be harmful to you or your baby and shouldn’t have any negative effects, but eating too many may upset your digestive system and give you an upset stomach.
If you find that you are having trouble digesting the cookies or are having unwanted side effects it’s best to cut back on how many you’re eating or stop eating them altogether.
How Long Does It Take Lactation Cookies To Work?
Most people report that they notice an increase in breast milk supply within 24 to 48 hours of starting lactation cookies.
How To Store Lactation Cookies
The best way to store lactation cookies is in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 2 weeks when stored this way.
Or you can make a big batch and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Lactation Cookie Recipes
There are several great recipes for homemade lactation cookies available these cookies are very popular and made with healthy ingredients. If you are looking for a recipe without brewers yeast then these cookies are great too!
Can I Just Buy Lactation Cookies Instead Of Making Them?
If you don’t have the time or ingredients to make your own lactation cookies, you can always buy them! Just make sure to check the ingredient list and buy ones that contain natural ingredients.
There are a few different companies that sell lactation cookies, so you should be able to find one that’s perfect for you.
Here are a few popular options:
Conclusion
Whether you are a first-time mom or have been through the experience before, a low milk supply can be worrisome and frustrating. This article provides tips on how to identify and address low milk supply issues.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed, it is important to consult with a lactation consultant to get help. There are also some easy ways to boost your milk production, such as drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy foods.
Lactation cookies are another popular way to increase milk supply, and there are many recipes available online. Finally, if you don’t want to make your own cookies or find store-bought ones too expensive, there are several companies that sell lactation cookie products.