Sold as a nutritious and delicious snack for breastfeeding mothers, do lactation cookies actually work? Who knows! But one thing’s certain: they taste great and are packed with wholesome ingredients, so what have you got to lose? Let’s break down what makes lactation cookies good for you (and may even help your milk flow) and how to whip up a batch of your own.
Why these ingredients?
Oats
The science on whether or not oats help with breast milk supply is not definitive, they are a great source of iron and fibre. In fact, low iron levels can impact milk supply, but the beta-glucans in oats are believed to increase the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production.
Brewer’s yeast
Many moms swear by the power of brewer’s yeast when breast feeding. This nutritional powerhouse is rich in B vitamins, iron, and protein which can help combat fatigue and support a new mother’s overall health, which in turn can positively affect milk supply.
Ground flaxseed
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens, ground flaxseed is said to enhance breast milk production and make it more nutritious – a win for both mom and baby.
Now that we know the science, it’s time to get baking!
Lactation cookies
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips or raisins
Method
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water and set aside for 5 minutes. This will create a “flax egg”.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and brewer’s yeast – set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and the flaxseed mixture until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or raisins.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these cookies as a delicious and nourishing snack! Remember to also stay well-hydrated and listen to your body’s needs.
