Do Lactation Cookies Work?
Do Lactation Cookies Really Boost Milk Supply? Let's Crumble the Myth!
As a new mom, you're likely juggling a million things, and the idea of indulging in a sweet treat that promises to boost your milk supply might sound like a win-win!!
You see a box of lactation cookies at Target or google a fun recipe and you’re sold. Who doesn’t want a excuse to eat more cookies?!
What Makes Lactation Cookies Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies includes ingredients that support lactation such as:
Oats: Rich in iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy milk supply.
Flaxseeds: Contain omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for overall health.
Brewer's Yeast: A source of B vitamins, important for energy and metabolism.Lactation cookies often contain ingredients like oats, flaxseeds, and brewer's yeast, which are believed to have lactogenic properties. However, the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Recent studies have found no significant difference in milk supply in mothers who consumed lactation cookies vs those who did not.
The Scoop: What Really Boosts Milk Supply?
While enjoying a lactation cookie can be really fun (and I’m by no means against it), the real recipe for increasing milk supply is this:
Frequent Breastfeeding or Pumping: Regular stimulation signals your body to produce more milk.
Balanced Meals: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, adequate protein, and whole grains.
Adequate Hydration: Drinking enough fluids is crucial for milk production. You need fluids to produce fluids.
Adequate Calories: One of the most common things I see in our clients is that they are not eating enough.
Rest and Self-Care: Managing stress and getting sufficient rest can help your body produce milk.
The TOP TIP I give to moms to reduce their stress and support their milk supply:
MINERAL MOCKTAILS
WHAT IS A MINERAL MOCKTAIL
A mineral mocktail is a potassium, sodium, and vitamin C-rich drink.
Mineral mocktails are a great way to replenish essential electrolytes, support hydration, minimize stress, and improve cellular health. Oh and guess what….support a healthy milk supply!
Did you know that most women go into pregnancy with low minerals ?! Just imagine how low your minerals can get after growing a baby for nine months!
So before downing 12 lactation cookies, start with a mineral mocktail! Not only will it support your milk supply but it can also help decrease bloating, improve sleep, AND help your body handle stress. It’s a quadruple win!
My favorite way to make one during my second postpartum has been:
1 scoop of adrenal cocktail mix + 1/3 scoop of pickleball + squeeze of 1/2 a lemon in 32 fl oz of water. Both of these mixes are linked on my fullscript account where you can get them at a discount!
Want the full scoop on mineral mocktails? Download my free guide here!
So what’s the final bite?
Enjoy your cookies mama, but don’t forget to focus on the foundations + minerals first.
Resources:
Palacios, A. M., Cardel, M. I., Parker, E., Dickinson, S., Houin, V. R., Young, B., & Allison, D. B. (2023). Effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production rates: a randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 117(5), 1035–1042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.03.010
Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. (2023, March 31). But do they work? Researchers investigate effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production. https://publichealth.indiana.edu/news-events/_news/2023/2023-lactation-cookies-human-milk.html