Lactation Cookies So Amazing Your Partner Will Steal Them
(Originally posted on April 14, 2017)
What's the deal with lactation cookies?
Lactation cookies are cookies that contain galactagogues, substances believed to increase milk supply. While I do not want to put forth or reinforce the idea that you need extra stuff or a special diet in order to successfully breastfeed (most women don't), or that lactation cookies should be your first go-to if you have concerns about milk supply (they shouldn't), I do believe in trying something for yourself to see if it works for you, as long as it won't harm you (and especially if the thing in question is this delicious).
That said, my disclaimer is this: before you decide to try lactation cookies, or other galactagogues- think through your reasons for doing so. If you have concerns about your milk supply, the first thing you should do is get in touch with a certified lactation counselor (CLC) or board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). Also remember that galactagogues will be most beneficial when combined with the most effective way to build your supply- frequent breastfeeding and milk removal. For more info about galactagogues check out this great post on Kellymom.com.
Now for the recipe:
Ingredients:
3 cups oats
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
5 Tbs brewer's yeast
3 Tbs ground flax
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 sticks of butter, softened
1 1/2 cups organic coconut sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
2 tsps vanilla
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
Directions:
Mix oats, flours, yeast, flax, baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl beat butter and sugar, add eggs, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients gradually, and stir in chocolate chips. Use an ice cream scoop to portion cookies onto a greased baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for 10-14 minutes.
Notes:
I used some white whole wheat flour to boost the nutritional value, but you can use whatever flour you prefer. I've also made the cookies with white sugar, and they turned out great, but the coconut sugar boasts a low glycemic index, 16 vital amino acids, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc... and my cookies came out arguably more delicious than they did with the white stuff! Feel free to play around with the mix-ins, but I wouldn't sub out the oats, brewers yeast or flax, as those are the galactagogues in this recipe. I bake mine for the full 14 minutes, but your oven may vary.
Another good galactagogue option is an herbal supplement made by Motherlove, More Milk Special Blend Herbal Supplement, but again- if you have questions or concerns about your milk supply, and you haven't already- please reach out to a lactation professional right away to address your particular situation.