Lactation cookies, also known as milk-boosting or milkmaid cookies, are specialty cookies made with ingredients like oats, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseed that are thought to help increase breast milk supply. These cookies have become quite popular among new nursing mothers hoping to boost their milk production. But can you have too much of a good thing when it comes to lactation cookies? Let’s take a closer look.
How lactation cookies are thought to work
Lactation cookies get their name from the fact that they contain ingredients that are believed to help support breast milk production, including:
- Oats – Contain fiber, iron, and complex carbohydrates to provide mom with energy.
- Brewer’s yeast – A rich source of B vitamins which help support milk production.
- Flaxseed – High in omega-3 fatty acids thought to increase milk fat content.
- Fenugreek – An herb said to help increase milk supply.
The idea is that by consuming these galactagogue ingredients, a breastfeeding mother can potentially produce more milk. However, while some moms do report increased milk supply after eating lactation cookies, there is limited scientific evidence confirming their efficacy.
Potential benefits of lactation cookies
While the jury is still out on whether lactation cookies directly increase milk supply, there are some potential benefits to keep in mind:
- Nutrition for mom – Even if they don’t affect milk supply, lactation cookies provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that nursing moms need.
- Hydration – Many recipes call for butter and other sources of fluid which can help with hydration.
- Calories – Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so the extra energy from cookies can help.
- Comfort – Warm cookies can provide a welcome treat for sleep-deprived new moms.
So while the milk-boosting claims are unproven, lactation cookies are a tasty way for breastfeeding moms to get some additional nutrition.
Potential downsides of overdoing it
Eating a lactation cookie or two per day as part of a healthy diet is unlikely to cause any harm. However, some potential downsides of overdoing it on lactation cookies include:
- Weight gain – Lactation cookies are calorie dense, so overeating may lead to excessive weight gain.
- GI upset – Some women report digestive issues like gas or diarrhea if they eat too many cookies.
- Allergic reactions – The cookies often contain common allergens like wheat, dairy, and nuts.
- Interactions – The herbs in cookies may interact with medications or exacerbate health conditions.
- Tooth decay – Too many sugary baked goods could increase risk of cavities.
Additionally, relying too heavily on cookies as a milk supply solution may result in moms feeling disappointed if their milk production doesn’t increase.
Recommended daily intake
Most lactation consultants and other experts advise limiting lactation cookie intake to no more than 1-3 cookies per day. There are no definitive studies showing that more than this provides additional milk boosting benefits.
The most commonly recommended daily intake amounts are:
- 1-2 cookies if choosing a commercially made product like UpSpring, Milky Mama, or Munchkin Milkmakers.
- 2-3 cookies if using a homemade recipe with galactagogue ingredients.
Nursing moms should drink plenty of fluids along with lactation cookies to stay hydrated and maximize milk production.
Tips for getting the most from lactation cookies
Here are some tips to get the greatest milk-boosting benefits from lactation cookies without overdoing it:
- Choose an organic brand or make your own using quality ingredients.
- Look for recipes with no more than 2-3 galactagogue ingredients to prevent GI issues.
- Slowly incorporate cookies into diet and monitor baby for negative reactions.
- Have cookies as a snack between meals rather than as dessert after a large meal.
- Drink extra fluids like water, milk, or tea when eating cookies.
- Wait 1-2 weeks to see if milk supply changes before adjusting intake.
- Track milk supply and compare on days with and without cookies.
- Talk to a lactation consultant or doctor if you have any concerns.
Signs you may be eating too many
Monitoring how you feel after eating lactation cookies can help determine if your intake needs to be adjusted. Here are some signs you may be overdoing it:
- Digestive discomfort like gas, bloating, or stomach pain.
- Loose stools or diarrhea.
- Decrease in supply once stopping cookie use.
- Baby seems gassy or fussy after feedings.
- Unexplained rash or redness in baby.
- Significant weight gain.
- Feeling shaky, sweaty, or unwell if a dose is missed.
- Strong cravings for cookies throughout the day.
Pay attention to any adverse symptoms and consider cutting back or stopping cookie intake if they persist. It’s also a good idea to discuss with your doctor.
Healthier lactation cookie alternatives
For moms looking to cut back on lactation cookies but still get those helpful galactagogue benefits, some healthier alternatives include:
- Oatmeal – Make a bowl with milk, berries, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast.
- Smoothies – Blend oats, Greek yogurt, banana, and fenugreek seeds.
- Energy balls – Mix dates, peanut butter, oats, and brewer’s yeast.
- Protein bars – Look for options with flaxseed, oats, or brewer’s yeast.
- Chia pudding – Combine chia seeds, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
These provide more nutritional balance and can make a great lactation cookie substitute.
The bottom line
While lactation cookies may provide some benefit for breastfeeding moms, eating too many could lead to digestive upset, weight gain, and other issues. Most experts recommend limiting intake to 1-3 cookies per day and monitoring baby for any negative reactions.
Nursing mothers should focus on a healthy, balanced diet overall rather than relying solely on lactation cookies to increase milk supply. Cookies can be used as an occasional treat but not as a milk-boosting panacea. As with any new food, moderation is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lactation cookies should I eat per day?
The recommended amount is 1-3 lactation cookies per day. Consuming more than this does not seem to provide additional milk-boosting benefits and may cause unwanted side effects.
When should I eat lactation cookies to increase milk supply?
The best times to eat lactation cookies are as a snack between meals or before bedtime. Having them on an empty stomach can allow the body to best utilize the galactagogue ingredients. Avoid consuming them right after a large meal.
How long does it take for lactation cookies to work?
It can take 1-2 weeks of regular lactation cookie intake to notice any potential increases in milk supply. Be patient and monitor changes over time. Combine cookies with other milk boosting techniques as well.
Can I eat lactation cookies while pregnant or not breastfeeding?
Lactation cookies are not recommended for pregnant or non-breastfeeding women as they contain herbs intended to increase milk production. While small amounts are unlikely to be harmful, discuss with your doctor first.
Do lactation cookies really work to increase milk supply?
Some breastfeeding moms do report increased milk supply after eating lactation cookies. However, the scientific evidence showing these cookies directly boost milk is limited. Their efficacy seems to vary greatly by individual.
What happens if I eat too many lactation cookies?
Consuming excessive amounts of lactation cookies can lead to side effects like digestive issues, weight gain, baby gassiness, and allergic reactions. It’s best to stick to the recommended 1-3 cookies per day.
Can I eat lactation cookies while breastfeeding if my baby has reflux?
Lactation cookies contain herbs that may aggravate reflux symptoms in some babies. Monitor your baby closely for increased spit up, gas, or fussiness if eating cookies. Stop use if symptoms worsen.
Are there any risks or dangers with lactation cookies?
There are no major known risks with lactation cookies consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. However, potential concerns include digestive problems, weight gain, allergies, and interactions with medications. Excessive intake may lead to dependence.
Do lactation cookies really need special ingredients or are regular cookies okay?
Lactation cookies contain specific galactagogue ingredients like brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, and fenugreek. Regular chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies are unlikely to provide milk boosting benefits without these added ingredients.
Conclusion
Incorporating a few lactation cookies into your daily diet may offer some advantages for breastfeeding mothers looking to maximize their milk production. However, moderation is key as excessive amounts can cause more harm than good. Always listen to your body, pay attention to any symptoms, and discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
While lactation cookies may provide a little boost, they should not be relied on as a magic solution. Focus on maintaining a nutritious lactation diet, staying hydrated, and using other tips like nursing frequently to keep your milk supply going strong.
