Lactation cookies are a popular way for breastfeeding mothers to help boost their milk supply. These cookies typically contain ingredients like brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, and oats that are thought to aid milk production. But how often should you actually be eating these cookies if you want to see results? Here are some quick answers to common questions about the recommended frequency for eating lactation cookies:
How many lactation cookies should I eat per day?
2-4 cookies per day is a commonly recommended amount. Spreading your intake throughout the day is best.
Should I eat lactation cookies with every nursing session?
It’s not necessary to eat with every single session, but having a cookie shortly before or after nursing is beneficial.
Is it ok to eat lactation cookies multiple times per day?
Yes, eating 2-3 lactation cookies spaced throughout the day is fine and may help maximize milk production.
How soon before or after nursing should I eat lactation cookies?
Aim to eat your cookie about 10-30 minutes before or after breastfeeding your baby.
How Do Lactation Cookies Help Milk Supply?
Lactation cookies can help boost milk supply in a few key ways:
Brewer’s Yeast – This is the main active ingredient. Brewer’s yeast contains compounds that help increase milk volume.
Oats – Oats contain soluble fiber and plant proteins that may increase prolactin and milk production.
Flaxseed – Flaxseed also contains soluble fiber and healthy fats that support breastfeeding.
Galactagogues – Most recipes include herbs like fenugreek, fennel, and blessed thistle that have galactagogue properties.
Calories – The extra calories from lactation cookies help fuel milk production and breastfeeding, which burns calories.
So by incorporating key ingredients that support milk supply, lactation cookies provide a tasty way to help nursing mothers optimize their milk production.
How Many Lactation Cookies Should I Eat Per Day?
Most lactation consultants and bakers recommend consuming 2-4 lactation cookies per day. Here are some guidelines on how often to eat lactation cookies based on your goals:
For maintenance – If you have an established milk supply and you simply want to maintain it, eat 1-2 cookies per day.
For boosting supply – When trying to increase a low milk supply, aim for 3-4 cookies per day.
For adopted nursing – Adoptive mothers working to induce lactation may need up to 6 cookies per day.
With other galactagogues – If also taking fenugreek, blessed thistle, etc then 2 cookies per day is usually sufficient.
For weight concerns – Limit to 1-2 smaller cookies if wanting to watch caloric or sugar intake.
Always pay attention to how your body responds. Increase or reduce frequency based on your milk supply goals and nutritional needs.
Should I Eat Lactation Cookies With Every Nursing Session?
It’s great to have a lactation cookie as a snack throughout the day, but you don’t need to eat one with every single nursing session. Here are some tips on timing:
– Have a cookie shortly before or after breastfeeding. This timing allows maximum benefits from ingredients like brewer’s yeast that aid let-down.
– Consume 1 cookie mid-morning and 1 in the afternoon. Spreading intake out helps keep levels of milk-boosting compounds in your body more constant.
– Avoid eating a cookie right before bedtime. Ingredients like flaxseed and fenugreek can sometimes cause digestive issues at night.
– Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day as well. Cookies work best alongside good hydration.
– Listen to your body. Note when you seem the most full or engorged and adjust your cookie intake accordingly.
While lactation cookies can be very useful, keep in mind that other factors like hydration, rest, and proper nursing technique also impact supply. Cookies shouldn’t fully replace other lactation-boosting habits.
Is It Okay to Eat Lactation Cookies Multiple Times Per Day?
Yes, it is perfectly fine and even beneficial for breastfeeding mothers to eat multiple lactation cookies over the course of a day. Here are some tips:
– Aim for 2-4 cookies spread out over the day. This provides a constant boost to milk production.
– Pay attention to serving sizes. Stick to standard cookie sizes around 3-4 inches wide. Giant cookies may pack too many calories.
– Drink plenty of fluids. Stay well hydrated to help digest all the extra fiber and sugars. Water is best.
– Monitor any digestive issues. Some women experience bloating or loose stools from frequent cookies. Reduce intake if this occurs.
– Store cookies properly. Keep leftovers fresh in the fridge or freezer for grab-and-go snacks. Stale cookies won’t help supply.
– Pair with healthy meals. Don’t fill up too much on cookies alone. Eat nutritious foods as well.
The ingredients in lactation cookies are very safe, so you can feel good about enjoying a few of these snacks throughout the day while nursing. Just listen to your body’s signals and adjust frequency according to your comfort.
When Should I Eat Lactation Cookies – Before or After Nursing?
The optimal timing for eating lactation cookies is about 10-30 minutes before breastfeeding or immediately after. Here’s why:
Before nursing:
– Ingredients have time to digest and enter breastmilk.
– Helps signal to the body to start milk production.
– Allows cookies to boost let-down response.
After nursing:
– Helps replace calories burned during feeding.
– Sustains prolactin levels to aid milk synthesis.
– Provides ongoing lactation benefits between feedings.
Other tips for timing:
– Try eating 1 cookie mid-morning and 1 cookie mid-afternoon for sustained benefits.
– Avoid eating right before bedtime as ingredients may disrupt sleep.
– Drink plenty of fluids with cookies to avoid dehydration.
– Note if you feel fuller/engorged after eating and adjust intake accordingly.
Timing matters, but isn’t extremely strict. Anytime around breastfeeding sessions is beneficial. Listen to your body’s signals to fine tune when cookie snacks work best for you.
How Long Does It Take for Lactation Cookies to Work?
Many moms notice increased milk supply within 3-7 days of eating lactation cookies. However, their effects can be seen as soon as 24-48 hours. Here’s a more detailed timeline:
24-48 hours: You may observe improved let-down reflex and fuller breasts.
3 days: Increase in breastfullness after feedings may be noticeable.
1 week: Milk supply is often higher, especially first thing in the morning.
2 weeks: Breastfeeding sessions may be longer and milk fattier.
1 month: Supply is consistently improved and stabilized if cookies are eaten daily.
Remember that timeframes vary between women. The pace depends on:
– Your body’s response to galactagogues like fenugreek.
– How frequently you eat the cookies.
– Use of any other lactation boosters like milk thistle.
– Your underlying milk production capacity.
Be patient, consistent with doses, and pay attention to bodily signals to note when cookies start working for you. Any supply boost typicallyplateaus around one month.
What’s The Best Lactation Cookie Recipe?
There is no single “best” cookie recipe, but the most effective lactation cookies include:
Brewer’s yeast – 1-3 tablespoons provides milk-stimulating compounds.
Oats – 1-2 cups rolled or quick oats to increase prolactin.
Flaxseed – 2-4 tablespoons for plant estrogens and fiber.
Galactagogue herbs – Such as fenugreek, fennel, blessed thistle.
Healthy fat – Butter, coconut oil or similar for energy.
Optional mix-ins:
– Nuts like almonds, walnuts for extra protein.
– Chia, hemp or pumpkin seeds for vitamins.
– Dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries or apricots.
– Spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg for flavor.
The ideal cookie has a balance of ingredients plus tastes good so you eat it consistently. Test different recipes to find your perfect match.
Sample Lactation Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 Tbsp brewer’s yeast
– 1 1⁄4 cups rolled oats
– 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
– 1⁄4 tsp fenugreek powder
– 1⁄4 tsp fennel powder
– 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
– 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
– 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
– 1 egg
– 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1⁄4 cup mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, etc.
Instructions:
1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar.
3. Beat in egg, vanilla and honey until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined.
5. Fold in mix-ins if desired.
6. Scoop dough by heaping tablespoon onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
8. Cool on rack and store in airtight container up to 1 week.
This simple recipe makes delicious lactation cookies that provide key ingredients nursing moms need. They can be customized in many ways to suit individual tastes.
Should I Consume Anything Else With Lactation Cookies?
Alongside lactation cookies, make sure to:
Stay hydrated – Drink 8-12 cups of water, juice, milk and herbal teas daily.
Eat nourishing foods – Focus on fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grains at meals.
Take galactagogue supplements – Such as fenugreek capsules, fennel tincture, milk thistle tablets.
Consume brewer’s yeast – Sprinkle on salads, soups, popcorn for extra doses.
Have lactation smoothies or oatmeal – Blend or cook with breastmilk-boosting ingredients.
Rest adequately – Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep plus daytime naps.
Reduce stress – Make time for relaxing self-care activities like yoga, reading, baths.
Ask for lactation support – Seek advice from healthcare providers like IBCLCs.
A nutritious diet, proper rest, and professional support are key complements to an effective lactation cookie routine. Don’t rely solely on cookies – incorporate a variety of lactation-aiding strategies.
What If Lactation Cookies Aren’t Working?
If lactation cookies don’t seem to be increasing your milk production after 1-2 weeks of consistent dosing, consider these troubleshooting tips:
– Re-evaluate cookie recipe – ensure adequate amounts of key galactagogue ingredients like brewer’s yeast.
– Increase cookie intake – slowly up your frequency to 3-4 cookies daily if supply doesn’t budge.
– Check for food sensitivities – rarely an ingredient like flaxseed doesn’t agree with someone.
– Add other lactation boosters – supplement cookies with teas, smoothies, oatmeal, etc.
– See a lactation consultant – rule out anatomical issues impacting supply like tongue-tie.
– Get bloodwork done – lab tests can uncover hormonal or thyroid problems.
– Review medications – birth control, antidepressants and others can affect milk production.
– Reduce stress/get rest – high cortisol inhibits let-down; aim for self-care.
If cookies fail, explore other underlying causes with a doctor or lactation consultant. Anatomical, hormonal and lifestyle factors can sometimes disrupt supply.
Can I Freeze Extra Lactation Cookie Dough or Baked Cookies?
Yes, freezing is a great way to save leftover lactation cookie dough or baked cookies, so you always have a supply on hand. Here are some tips:
For dough:
– Scoop dough into balls on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
– Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container.
– Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
For baked cookies:
– Let cookies cool completely after baking.
– Place in a freezer bag with wax paper between layers.
– Freeze for up to 3 months.
– Thaw at room temperature or briefly warm in microwave or oven.
Clearly label bags with cookie type and date. Avoid frequent thawing and re-freezing as this can cause texture changes. Frozen lactation cookies retain their milk-boosting power for months, so stock up!
Conclusion
When breastfeeding, lactation cookies can be a useful tool to help boost and maintain your milk supply. Most women see benefits from consuming 2-4 cookies per day, ideally timed around nursing sessions. While cookies work quickly, allow 1-2 weeks to fully increase production. Combine cookies with other galactagogues and a healthy lactation diet for best results. Feel free to explore recipes and tweak frequency and portions to suit your body’s unique needs. With some trial and error, lactation cookies can support your breastfeeding journey.
