Lactation cookies, also known as milk-boosting or lactation-boosting cookies, are cookies made with ingredients thought to help increase breast milk supply. Some of the most common ingredients in lactation cookies include brewer’s yeast, flaxseed meal, and oats. These cookies have become quite popular among new mothers hoping to increase their milk supply naturally. But what happens if you eat too many lactation cookies?
Can you eat too many lactation cookies?
Yes, it is possible to eat too many lactation cookies. While the ingredients in lactation cookies can be helpful for increasing milk supply when consumed in moderation, eating too many may lead to some unintended effects.
Most experts recommend limiting lactation cookie intake to 1-2 per day. Consuming more than 3 per day, especially on a regular basis, may result in some of the following:
- Weight gain – Many lactation cookies are calorie-dense, containing ingredients like oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, and chocolate chips. Eating more than a couple per day can add excess calories, potentially leading to unwanted weight gain.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort – Some of the ingredients in lactation cookies, like flaxseed and brewer’s yeast, may cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea when consumed in large amounts.
- Changes in breast milk composition – Eating a very high quantity of certain ingredients like flaxseed could alter the nutrient profile of breast milk.
- Changes in baby’s behavior – Some babies may become fussy or gassy if mom consumes very large amounts of gassy foods like lactation cookies.
- Nutrient imbalances – Consuming high amounts of any single food can lead to extreme nutrient intakes, preventing a balanced diet.
Additionally, there is limited evidence that eating massive amounts of lactation cookies drastically increases milk supply. Any benefits max out at around 1-3 cookies per day for most women.
What ingredients in lactation cookies could cause problems in large amounts?
Here are some of the main ingredients in lactation cookies that may cause issues if consumed in excessive quantities:
- Brewer’s yeast – This ingredient may cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Flaxseed – High intake may cause gastrointestinal upset. Flaxseed is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can increase omega-3 content of breast milk. Too much ALA could decrease levels of other fatty acids.
- Oats – Large amounts of oats could lead to excessive fiber intake, gas, bloating, and nutrient imbalances.
- Fenugreek – Used in some cookie recipes to increase milk supply. May cause gastrointestinal issues and maple-flavored urine or sweat.
Overall, moderation is key. Consuming the ingredients in lactation cookies within recommended amounts is likely safe and helpful. But too many cookies in one day could deliver excessive quantities of the ingredients listed above.
How many lactation cookies are recommended per day?
Most lactation consultants and doctors recommend limiting intake of lactation cookies to 1-2 per day maximum. The optimal amount varies based on the size and ingredient composition of the cookies.
Here are some general lactation cookie intake guidelines:
- Limit to 1 cookie per day if using a recipe with multiple milk-boosting ingredients like flaxseed, oats, brewer’s yeast, and fenugreek.
- Can have 1-2 cookies per day if using a basic recipe with minimal ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and chocolate chips.
- Read product labels carefully and stick to suggested serving sizes if using pre-made lactation cookie mixes.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
It’s best to pay attention to your body and your baby’s reaction if choosing to regularly eat lactation cookies. Reduce intake if you experience side effects like digestive upset. And discontinue use if you notice fussiness, gas, or changes in stool patterns in your baby.
What happens if you eat too many lactation cookies?
Here is an overview of some of the adverse effects that may occur with overconsumption of lactation cookies:
Gastrointestinal disturbances
Eating too many lactation cookies could result in issues like:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Nausea
This is primarily caused by excessive amounts of ingredients like flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and fiber from oats. The high fiber and complex carbohydrate content of most cookies is difficult to digest in large quantities.
Nutritional imbalances
Consuming too many lactation cookies and their ingredients may prevent you from getting a balanced diet. This could potentially lead to issues like:
- Weight gain from excess calories
- Excessive omega-3 intake relative to other fatty acids
- Not enough well-rounded nutrition for nursing mothers
Eating a variety of healthy foods is important, even when trying to increase milk supply. Lactation cookies shouldn’t replace balanced meals.
Decreased milk supply
Surprisingly, eating excessive amounts of lactation cookies could potentially decrease your milk supply. Some possible reasons include:
- Fatigue or illness from gastrointestinal effects may inhibit milk production.
- Some babies may nurse less if mom’s diet causes gassiness in baby.
- Ingredients like flaxseed and brewer’s yeast may inhibit supply if consumed in extremely large quantities.
Sticking to the recommended 1-2 cookies per day maximum will help preventdecreased milk supply from occurring.
Changes in breast milk composition
Eating very high amounts of certain cookie ingredients could impact the makeup of breast milk, but this effect is unlikely if consumed in moderation. Potential composition changes may include:
- High omega-3 fatty acids from excessive flaxseed intake.
- Maple flavor from high fenugreek intake.
- Laxative effect in baby from high flaxseed or fenugreek intake.
Any changes in breast milk are likely reversible by discontinuing excessive consumption of lactation cookies.
Infant gas, fussiness, diarrhea
Babies are sensitive to mom’s diet. Consuming excessive amounts of ingredients like flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, fiber, and fenugreek could potentially lead to gassiness, crying spells, diarrhea or constipation in some babies. Pay attention to your baby’s comfort level and adjust your cookie intake accordingly.
Tips for consuming lactation cookies safely
Here are some tips to get the most out of lactation cookies without overdoing it:
- Start with just 1 cookie per day and slowly increase to a maximum of 2 per day if needed.
- Look for recipes with no more than 2-3 milk-boosting ingredients.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support digestion.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
- Watch for signs of excessive gas, bloating, or stool changes in yourself and baby.
- Talk to a doctor or lactation consultant if you have concerns.
What to do if you overindulge in lactation cookies
If you overdid it with the lactation cookies and are experiencing unpleasant side effects, here’s what you can do:
- Stop eating the cookies for a few days to allow symptoms to resolve.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support digestion.
- Take a probiotic to help restore gut bacteria if you experienced diarrhea.
- Eat yogurt to soothe digestion and add good bacteria.
- Limit other gas-producing foods like beans, cruciferous veggies, carbonated beverages.
- Exercise lightly to help relieve bloating and promote regularity.
- If gas, bloating, or diarrhea persists more than 2-3 days, see your doctor.
Symptoms in babies may take 2-4 days to resolve after mom discontinues excessive lactation cookie intake. If symptoms last longer than 4 days, contact your pediatrician.
The bottom line
When consumed in moderation, lactation cookies can be a helpful natural way for breastfeeding mothers to potentially increase milk supply. However, excessive intake of more than 2-3 cookies per day on a regular basis may lead to gastrointestinal issues, nutritional imbalances, and unintended effects on breast milk composition and quantity.
Pay attention to ingredients, portion sizes, and your body’s signals. And be sure to maintain a healthy balanced diet and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns while using lactation cookies.
