Quick Answer
The recommended daily serving of Milkmakers lactation cookies is 2-4 cookies per day. Most lactation consultants and mothers recommend starting with 2 cookies per day and gradually increasing to 4 cookies if needed. The key is finding the right amount that works for you and your milk supply.
How Many Cookies Should I Eat to Increase Milk Supply?
When trying to increase breastmilk supply, the general guideline is to consume 2-4 Milkmakers lactation cookies per day. Here are some tips on finding your optimal dose:
- Start with 2 cookies per day, ideally 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening.
- After 3-4 days, evaluate your milk supply. If it has not increased, bump up to 3 cookies per day.
- Give your body another 3-4 days to respond. If your supply is still not where you want it, try 4 cookies per day.
- Find the minimum number of cookies needed to reach your desired milk supply. More is not necessarily better.
- Be patient and consistent. It can take several days for your body to respond.
The key is finding the right cookie dose that works for your body and optimizes your milk production. Every woman is different, so some trial and error may be needed.
Why Milkmakers Cookies Help Increase Milk Supply
Milkmakers lactation cookies are carefully formulated with natural ingredients that have been shown to support breastmilk production:
- Oats – Rich in iron, beta-glucan fibers, and phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen and boost milk supply.
- Flaxseed – High in omega-3 fatty acids that aid milk production and milk fat content.
- Brewer’s yeast – A rich source of B vitamins, protein, minerals that optimize milk production.
- Fenugreek – Herb that contains phytoestrogens and improves breastmilk output.
- Brown rice flour – Provides an energy boost from complex carbs to support nursing.
In addition to galactagogues, Milkmakers cookies provide extra calories, protein and fluids needed for breastfeeding. The cookies act as a lactation supplement to help new moms meet the 500 extra daily calories recommended while nursing.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits
Here are some tips to get the most out of your daily Milkmakers cookies:
- Have 1 cookie as a snack between meals, not as a meal replacement.
- Drink plenty of fluids along with the cookies to aid milk production.
- Eat a balanced diet high in protein, calories and nutrients to support lactation.
- Avoid overindulging in cookies. More than the recommended amount is unlikely to increase supply.
- Allow a few days for your body to respond to the cookies before increasing your dose.
- Take cookies consistently every day without long gaps for the best results.
The cookies work best as part of a comprehensive lactation plan including proper nutrition, hydration, rest and nursing/pumping habits. Cookies alone are not magic bullets for increasing milk supply. But combined with a healthy lifestyle, they can provide an effective and delicious boost.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Milkmakers lactation cookies are made with natural ingredients that are generally recognized as safe for breastfeeding moms when consumed in moderation. However, some women may experience minor side effects:
- Gas or bloating – From the oats, flaxseed or brewer’s yeast.
- Altered taste of breastmilk – Due to the fenugreek spice, which some babies dislike.
- Diaper rash – Babies may get rashes if mom eats too many fenugreek-containing foods.
- Maple syrup odor in urine/sweat – A harmless side effect of fenugreek.
- Allergic reaction – Though rare, those allergic to flaxseed or fenugreek should avoid the cookies.
These symptoms are generally mild. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs. Check with your doctor before taking the cookies if you have allergies or medical conditions.
Are Homemade Lactation Cookies as Effective?
Homemade lactation cookies can be effective if they contain the right combination of ingredients in appropriate doses. However, it can be tricky to replicate the precise formulations used in Milkmakers cookies:
- Oats, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast need to be uncooked to retain their nutritional value.
- Fenugreek requires specialized preparation to reduce bitterness and maximize efficacy.
- Getting the ratios of wet to dry ingredients right is important for palatability and galactagogue bioavailability.
- Overbaking can damage proteins, fibers and nutrients essential for supporting lactation.
Unless you follow an extensively tested recipe, it is hard to guarantee homemade cookies will provide the same benefits as Milkmakers. The cookies were developed by lactation specialists and undergo rigorous quality control testing. This ensures each batch delivers consistent support for breastmilk production.
How Long Should I Eat Lactation Cookies?
Most lactation consultants recommend eating lactation cookies like Milkmakers for the duration of breastfeeding, especially in the first 3 months postpartum when milk supply is being established. Here are general guidelines on how long to take them:
- First 1 month – Consume daily to help boost milk production in early stages.
- Months 2-3 – Continue taking daily to maintain adequate milk supply as baby’s needs increase.
- Months 4-6 – Can scale back to 1-2 cookies daily or take a few times per week.
- Months 6-12 – Only take cookies sporadically as needed if experiencing supply dips.
- 12+ months – Consult doctor before continuing long-term use.
The cookies are considered safe for the first 6-12 months while breastfeeding. Extended use beyond 12 months should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Keep in mind effects on milk supply diminish over time as body regulates.
What If I’m Allergic to Ingredients?
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Milkmakers cookies, discontinue use. Some alternatives include:
- Tree nut allergy – Substitute almond or coconut flour for oat flour.
- Gluten intolerance – Use gluten-free oat flour or alternate grains like quinoa.
- Flaxseed allergy – Swap for chia seeds, hemp seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Brewer’s yeast allergy – Replace with nutritional yeast or bovine colostrum supplements.
- Fenugreek allergy – Supplement with blessed thistle, goat’s rue or moringa.
Be aware that any substitutions may change cookie efficacy. Consult a lactation specialist to design an alternative cookie tailored to your allergy and lactation needs. Never consume ingredients that cause adverse reactions.
Comparison to Other Lactation Cookie Brands
How do Milkmakers cookies compare to other top lactation cookie brands like UpSpring, Pink Stork and Munchkin Milkmakers? Here is a brief overview:
| Brand | Main Ingredients | Calories Per Serving | Cost Per Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milkmakers | Oats, flaxseed, brewer’s yeast | 300 calories per 3 cookies | $15.99 per 16 oz package |
| UpSpring | Oats, brewer’s yeast, fenugreek | 300 calories per 3 cookies | $29.99 per 16 oz package |
| Pink Stork | Oats, flaxseed, fenugreek | 210 calories per 2 cookies | $24.99 per 9 oz package |
| Munchkin | Oats, brewer’s yeast, fennel | 180 calories per 2 cookies | $1.79 per 4 oz package |
While all four brands provide similar lactation-boosting ingredients, Milkmakers offers the best value with competitive pricing for its ingredients, number of cookies per package, and calories per serving.
The Bottom Line
In summary, the recommended Milkmakers dosage is 2-4 cookies per day to help increase breastmilk production. Have 1-2 cookies as a snack between meals or before nursing/pumping for best results. Allow 3-4 days to see effects and adjust your dosage as needed to reach desired milk supply. Take cookies consistently every day for at least the first 1-3 months postpartum while establishing milk supply. Minor side effects are possible but not common. Homemade cookies may be an alternative but cannot guarantee the same efficacy as Milkmakers. Use lactation cookies as part of an overall lactation plan including proper hydration, nutrition and nursing/pumping habits. Consult your doctor with any concerns while taking lactation cookies.
