07/29/2019
What Are Lactation Cookies, And Will They Increase Milk Supply?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of mothers do not breastfeed for as long as they intend to. Why?
This can occur for many different reasons, including:
Issues with lactation and latching
Concerns about infant nutrition and weight
Mother’s concern about taking medications while breastfeeding
Unsupportive work policies and lack of parental leave
Cultural norms and/or lack of family support
Unsupportive hospital practices and policies
As these challenges are faced by so many moms, there are a ton of different products on the market that claim to support healthy lactation, one of them being lactation cookies. For the breastfeeding mom concerned about her milk supply, these treats can be an easy solution!
What’s In Them?
At this point, you’re probably wondering what makes these cookies so effective. Why do so many moms swear by them?
Many lactation cookies contain galactogogues, which are substances found in various herbs and foods that promote lactation. Examples of galactogogues include turmeric, fennel seed, oatmeal, and chickpeas, just to name a few.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some specific ingredients found in my lactation cookies:
Brewers Yeast: This ingredient is a source of B vitamins, chromium, selenium and protein. It does not contain B12, but the other B vitamins in there may help to boost energy and support the nervous system. It is also said that it can help with digestion and keep your skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver healthy.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed is a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It contains vitamins E and B, calcium, iron, and potassium. It can be used to help keep your digestive system regular and prevent irritable bowel syndrome. It may also lower blood glucose and improve insulin tolerance.
Oats: A great source of soluble fiber, oats help to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, which helps to avoid spikes in your blood sugar levels. They are also a great source of magnesium as well as other vitamins & minerals so it’s a great idea to have them as part of your diet anyway!
Wheat Germ: This ingredient contains zinc, which is a must for breastfeeding moms. Zinc aids the immune system and even helps to protect cracked ni***es, a common occurrence when breastfeeding. Like brewer's yeast, it is also believed to help with postpartum depression.
Galactogogues: One of the most common ingredients found in lactation cookies, galactogogues
