Lactation Cookies ~ What's The Hype?

How Could Something so Yummy be Good For Me?

Lactation cookies are one of the most delicious inventions! YES, they work. I can't even tell you how many times I've been asked about these little wonders. Are they good? How do I make them? Where can I get a recipe? Can you make them for me? Can I buy them somewhere?

So, yes, they are very good and healthy for the most part (more on that later). You can look up a recipe on the internet (even vegan recipes), you can buy them on the internet (they are a little costly, I'm not saying they aren't worth it). I do make them for my mom's when I am in their home during a postpartum visit most of the time but I do not sell them.

What I REALLY like about these cookies is that they aren't a specialized baked good; the whole family can & will eat these. Then, they will ask you to make more. Especially if you don't tell them they are lactation cookies because then, they won't eat them. I make them for my family & have never told them what they are. Ugh, now I WANT cookies!

So what makes these little wonders tick? Why do they work?

What Are Lactogenic Foods?

Foods with lactation-promoting properties are called lactogenic foods or galactagogues. Lactation cookies contain 3 major lactogenic foods: oatmeal, flax seed meal & brewers yeast. Some recipes call for cinnamon; I suggest making sure you add cinnamon. Cinnamon has been shown to keep your blood sugar level in control naturally & BONUS, it's yummy. You need to have some sugar in these just to taste great but if you can get by with less you can reduce it.

For a complete list of lactogenic foods contact me here Lisa Kehoe IBCLC 

Do I Need To Make These?

Lactation cookies are not for everyone. BUT didn't I just say everyone can eat them? Yes, but here's why I say that & one of the reasons I am blogging about this.

Most breastfeeding problems are preventable and fixable, and many are caused by incorrect latch or scheduled feeding. Only a small percent are due to medical conditions. If you are experiencing a drop in supply because latch is not good or baby is not eating long enough then lactation cookies are NOT going to fix that. Seek good knowledgeable help when dealing with low supply, latch, transfer and "scheduling" of feedings.

Another thing you need to think about when trying to boost your supply by eating cookies (I know that even sounds weird as I type it). Cookies in general are calorie "BOMBS"! These contain a lot of calories from the flour, oats, shortening, chocolate (or fruit), etc. So as good as they are for you they need to be eaten in moderation. I have moms that want to get their "baby" weight off (which is 100% understandable). Eating these will not make you gain weight but if you eat them several times a day (as well as the other foods that your body should have to maintain a good milk composition) you will have a weight increase. That doesn't mean they aren't good for you or your family just as anything use restraint. These are dense in several things that are good for us; fiber, omegas (good fats), antioxidants, vitamin B, protein, chromium (along with the cinnamon can lower blood sugar). 

You may just have a temporary drop in supply. Once you can get a boost from these or an herbal galactagogue like Milk Pack Professional, you can keep the supply up with feeding on demand or keeping your pumping schedule up at work.

Recipes Please?

So I don't really endorse any one recipe. I've used several and they were all good. As long as they contain those 3 major lactogenic foods mentioned they should show some results. Change it up to fit your likes. Instead of milk chocolate use dark or white. You can add cherries, raisins, dried apricots, crasins, nuts, etc. Be creative and see if you can develop your own recipe. Use variations on how you bake them. In the Summer or if your in a hurry you might throw them in a pan for bar cookies. For added creativity you can put a small ball in the waffle iron & they will be done in a flash. You can freeze the dough, you can freeze the cookies before baby arrives. You can even give them as a GIFT! If you come up with a great recipe and want to share it I will give you all the credits, just post in the comments section.

*Disclaimer-Please read

IMPORTANT!: If you are having continuous supply issues or baby's weight is continuing to drop contact me immediately so I can help you figure out what is going on or get you in touch with someone in your area that can help.