Lactation Cookies for a Simple Snack not a Fix

You often hear eat this or make these cookies or drink this tea to boost milk supply. Some things really do help boost supply but if you have an underlying issue you are just putting a bandage on the problem when finding out the root of the issue could resolve it all together. The very first thing to do is take a look at what is going on did you drink enough water that day, 64 ounces or more are recommended for nursing mothers. Did you take in enough calories? Are you coming down with a cold? Did you get even less sleep than normal? A lot can harm your supply temporarily some you can control like getting enough water while other things you can not like getting enough sleep ( I know I have a non sleeper full of energy toddler and a four month old).

This article by the boob geek  is one of my favorite as it goes into great depth on why taking galactagogues is not a fix. Galactagogues are scientifically proven things that can help increase supply. It is also important to note that not all people react the same way so if you notice that the supplement is not helping you then it is a good idea to stop taking it. “It is important to be aware that fenugreek can affect blood sugar levels, so much so that it is effectively used to treat diabetes.  Knowing this, a nursing mom with hypoglycemia or diabetes needs to watch blood sugar levels if fenugreek is her galactagogue of choice.” Mother’s Milk, How to Increase Supply. How do you know if you really have low supply this Kellymom link has great information on it as often we may think we have low supply when we do not actually.

So if you want to bake up a batch of cookies for a snack here is a great recipe. I know as a breastfeeding mother I am always hungry but often get wrapped up in things and forget to snack so for me lactation cookies are a great snack!

My go to recipe

• 3 cups quick cooking steel cut oats or regular oats I that is all you have (if you just get steel cut they tend to not cook enough in the cookies so lots of fiber and chewing) 
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (if all you have is regular flour it will work just slightly less heathy of a cookie)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 Tablespoons brewer’s or nutritional yeast 
• 1 cup virgin coconut oil (can use 1 cup of softened butter if you prefer) I also love the Costco brand virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup honey
• 1 1/3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
• 2 eggs (if no eggs or need egg free this is a great egg substitute  you can use 2 tablespoon ground flax seed whisked with 6 tablespoon cold water allowed to sit for 5 min before adding)
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed meal 
• optional 1 cup dark chocolate chips or 1/2 cup of favorite nuts I love walnuts in mine when I have them on hand

Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, yeast, and baking soda. Set them aside.
3. Using a stand mixer, or a separate large bowl and a hand mixer, cream together the coconut oil (or butter) and honey
4. Mix in the vanilla, eggs (or egg substitute), and ground flax seed meal
5. Stir in the dry ingredients, slowly. You can use a stand mixer on low, or just stir them in by hand with a large wooden spoon
6. Stir in the chocolate chips and/or nuts
7. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy clean up then drop one and half inch balls onto it, about an inch apart
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, look for edges to become golden
9. Remove from oven and let cool.
10. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to one week or freeze some if you make a large batch.
11. Enjoy your snack cookies and don’t worry dads can have them also they are safe for all not just lactating mamas.