Does your breastmilk supply need a boost? Give these delish lactation cookie recipes a try!
There are no two ways about it: if you decide to breastfeed, your life will completely revolve around feeding schedules for a fair while. And even if you’ve got the support from those around you, when your little one is screaming for more milk but your girls have momentarily given up and turned to sand, it can be pretty stressful. We are totally in the #fedisbest camp here at HoneyKids, but we also totally get how low a new mum can feel when breast milk production is not going the way you planned. The good news is that not only are there lots of ways to boost milk supplies, but one of the yummiest ways of all is by whipping up a batch (or ten) of lactation cookies! Here are the recipes we’ve tried, tested and wolfed by the batch load…
The key ingredients of every lactation cookie
Regardless of the recipe, you’ll always find one or two of these galactagogues (something that helps boost mummy milk to the uninitiated) in lactation cookies: oats, brewer’s yeast, coconut oil and flax seeds. Make sure to have these on hand if you’re ready to bake, and if you’re feeling adventurous then do try your own combos of flavours for your own unique cookie (don’t forget to share the recipe with us!).
Contrary to popular belief, if you aren’t a nursing mother, you won’t lactate if you eat lactation cookies! But here’s a tip: the hubby and kids don’t have to know that. Feel free to tell them off if you catch them digging into your stash. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us!
Lactation cookie recipes for mums to try
1. Chocolate chip cookies
This How Sweet Eats recipe is so good that HoneyKids writer Jana’s hubby has been known to steal his wife’s stash. Chocolate chip cookies are everyone’s favourite! Unlike some less sweet lactation cookie recipes, a batch of these tastes like the real deal chocolate chip cookies – the flaxseed or brewer’s yeast are well hidden amongst the deliciousness. If you’re a fan of thick, crunchy cookies, you’ll love these!
2. No-bake lactation cookies
Waiting for something to bake (especially when you’re breastfeeding) can seemingly stretch for light years when you’re HANGRY. These Texanerin no-bake lactation cookies are fuss-free and ready in a jiffy. If peanut butter isn’t your thing, substitute with almond butter. Pop the end result into the fridge, or even the freezer, and these bad boys will be good for a week. Chances are the supply will be long gone before then though…
3. Healthy lactation cookies
Lick My Spoon has one of the easiest recipes out there, and many a new (and seasoned) mum has sworn by these goodies, and they’re relatively healthy too. We love that they’re gluten-free, dairy-free and have no refined sugar added. This is mostly an oatmeal cookie bound together by mashed banana, peanut butter and coconut oil. Although the recipe calls for dark chocolate chunks, you can omit them if you’re trying to watch your calories. But we say go for it – you’re burning 500 calories breastfeeding anyway!
4. Apple cinnamon cookies
This Premeditated Leftovers apple cinnamon cookie recipe is like a much needed warm hug on a cold, rainy day – and especially perfect if you’ve been up all night with your little one. What we love most about this cookie recipe is that it has real butter and sugar in its make-up, which makes it more palatable if you aren’t fond of grainy tasting cookies. Make sure you have flax meal to hand rather than the usual flaxseed for this one.
5. Orange chocolate chip oat cookies
This is not a lactation cookie recipe per se, but if you love oranges and/or soft, chewy cookies, then you should make these goodies. This orange chocolate chip oat cookies recipe by My Kids Lick the Bowl is low in sugar, but the yum factor is still there. Honestly these taste so good, we couldn’t stop at just one. Better hide them from the hubby and kiddos… before you know it, they’re all gone!
6. Oatmeal pumpkin cookies
Pumpkin doesn’t have to be reserved for the Halloween season. This cookie recipe from Eating Bird Food are totally delish despite being vegan, has less than 90 calories and very little sugar. They may turn out a little cakey thanks to the pumpkin (apparently it tends to do that to baked goods) but that’s fine and dandy. If you’d like, add in some dried fruit (we recommend cranberries or dates) or chopped nuts for some texture.
7. Triple chocolate lactation cookies
Is there such a thing as too much chocolate? Nope, of course not! And that’s why we love this triple whammy triple chocolate lactation cookies recipe by Exclusive Pumping. It contains three milk-making ingredients that’ll boost your milk production, AND the recipe’s made by a certified lactation counsellor. Mummies, you’re definitely in good hands if you decide to make these for yourselves.
If you’re not in the mood to make lactation goodies…
Fret not – we have a list of folks who have come up with lactation cookies and products that can help you with your breast milk supply.
1. 2NUTGUYS
How about some lactation nuts, mummies? The first of its kind in the market, 2NUTGUYS got started after founder Chee Leong realised how challenging breastfeeding was for his wife. All products are dairy-free, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and were co-created together with more than 30 mothers. We’re told that the nut spread is a popular choice. Psst, the spreads are not just for mums – everyone is welcome to enjoy them too!
2NUTGUYS, available online
2. Cookie Mixx
We’ve always loved the cookies at Cookie Mixx, and we’re over the moon that the good folks sell lactation cookies too. You can go for its selection of cookies, or customise your own by adding chocolate, nuts, and/or dried fruits. Everything is freshly baked with the finest quality ingredients, reduced sugar, no added colouring and preservatives. Plus, $9.90 for 100g of cookies? Get us a few bags of these, please!
Cookie Mixx, Takashimaya B2 Food Hall, 391A Orchard Road #B208-4, Singapore 238873
3. Marian’s Lactation Boost
If you’re breastfeeding and in the mood for ice cream, we’ve got the best combo to recommend: lactation ice cream. Yes, that’s totally a thing! If you’re not up for dairy, there are other options to choose from, such as overnight oats, muffins, brownies, and even cold-pressed juices. There’s something for every lactating mummy out there.
Marian’s Lactation Boost, 2 Jalan Lokam #01-41, Singapore 537846
4. Madam Partum
This homegrown business, backed by renowned TCM brand Chien Chi Tow, is Singapore’s leading prepartum and postpartum care specialist. On top of offering post-birth recovery services, Madam Partum also stocks products that help in upping breastmilk supply. The Black Chicken Enhanced Pro-Lactation Soup provides energy by supplementing the body with qi nourishment and helps blood circulation through TCM formulae. Plus, it tastes yummy too!
Madam Partum, 192 – 196 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 436995
So there you have it – all stocked up on lactation cookies and easy-peasy milk-producing recipes, mummies!
