Lactation cookies are snacks prepared using galactagogues or foods that assist in boosting milk production.
Lactation cookies have vital vitamins and minerals which nitrify breastfeeding mothers therefore enhancing a steady flow of milk.
So, do lactation cookies work? Yes, most lactating mothers who have used these cookies report a swell in their milk production.
Key Ingredients in Lactation cookies
The most common ingredients in Lactation cookies include:
1. Brewer yeast
The brewer yeast is rich in all other vitamins except B12. The vitamins assist in boosting energy and holding up the systema nervosum. Brewer yeast assists in digestion process as well as maintaining healthy eyes, hair and skin.
2. Flaxseed
You can obtain dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron as well as vitamins B and E.
Flaxseed is significant in maintaining a steady digestive system and hinder irritable bowel syndrome. What’s more, it reduces blood glucose and boost insulin tolerance.
3. Oats
Oats is a big supplier of soluble fiber that assists in reducing the intake of carbohydrates into the blood vessels. This helps to ward off increase in blood sugar level. Besides, they are rich in magnesium, minerals and vitamins.
4. Wheat germ
The wheat germ comprises zinc, which is of great importance to lactating mothers. It supports the body’s immunity and prevent nipples from cracking. More so, it’s argued that it helps in postpartum depression.
5. Galactagogues
It is the most used ingredient present in lactation cookies. Galactagogues refers to herbs and foods which help in boosting milk production.
When to Start Using lactation cookies
There is no ideal time to start taking the cookies as it depends on individual preferences.
You can take them a few days to delivery so as to nourish your body with a lot of vitamins and maintain a steady flow of milk. You can also opt to use the cookies after delivery of the baby.
Related: From breastmilk to Formula
Either way, always ensure to cook or buy your lactation bites before your baby arrives.
Signs That You Have Low Milk Supply
Lactation requires keenness. A mother might assume that she is producing enough milk when she is not, or worry that she is producing insufficient milk, whereas she has lots of milk.
To avoid this confusion, you should look out for these two main signs to know if you are producing enough milk for your baby or not.
1. Not enough weight gain
It’s common for newborns to shed off their weight after birth. However, they should regain their weight in a span of two weeks after birth.
If your baby doesn’t retain weight by the end of two weeks, it’s one indication that you have a low milk supply.
2. Not enough dirty diapers
Depending on your child’s age, you should monitor how regular your baby is defecating and peeing per day. Normally, there should be 6-8 wet diapers and a few dirty ones per day.
If you notice a decrease in the number of wet or dirty diapers, it’s a sign that you have a low milk supply.
Supplementary Foods that Lactating Mothers Can Eat
It’s advisable to eat carrots, dark leafy greens, sesame seeds and also foods rich in fiber and proteins. This combination not only aids the mother’s healing process but also causes an insatiable appetite.
Eat healthy fats like olive oil, wild salmon, nuts, and avocado just to mention a few. Fat is vital to baby’s growth and mother’s metabolism too.
Take bone broth, this is a combination of simmered bones of healthy animals, veggies, herbs and spices. It’s mouthwatering and also helps to strengthen the bones, ease digestion and build hair, skin and nails.
Make sure you take a lot of water, this is because breast milk constitutes of 70% water.
How to Store Lactation Cookies
Although it’s okay to prepare your lactation cookies in advance, they can easily become stale if not properly stored.
Below are some of the ways you can preserve your Lactation cookies:
1. Freeze baked lactation cookies
Once you have baked your cookies, allow them to cool before placing them into a container (tightly closed), and place them in a freezer.
2. Freeze raw lactation Cookies Dough
You can freeze raw dough to ensure your lactation cookies are crispy in days to come.
Mould your dough and place it on a flat surface. When it solidifies, put it inside a freezer bag. Take the amount you need and bake as you wish.
3. Refrigerate No-bake lactation cookies.
If you prefer no-bake lactation cookies, always close your bag tightly before refrigeration.
Refrigerated cookies remain fresh for up to three months.
Related: What to engage in during maternity leave
How Many Lactation Cookies Should a Mother Consume per day?
You can eat lactation cookies anytime of the day and in the amount you wish.
Mostly, it’s advisable to eat 1-2 lactation bites in a day or an hour prior to breastfeeding or pumping.
Conclusion
So, do lactation cookies work? Yes, they do. The cookies comprise of key ingredients including galactagogues, oats, and brewer yeast among others that work to boost breastmilk production. They are nourishing hence recommendable to all lactating mothers as they make breastfeeding easy.