Pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding place significant physical demands on a mother’s body, requiring a deep focus on nourishment and recovery. As a naturopath, I emphasise the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods to support optimal postpartum health. Lactation cookies, when made with carefully selected ingredients, offer a delicious and functional way to replenish essential nutrients and potentially support milk production.
Why Consider Lactation Cookies? Lactation cookies often contain “galactagogues”—herbs and foods traditionally used to encourage milk production. While scientific evidence on their effectiveness is varied, they provide a rich source of key nutrients that aid postpartum healing, hormone balance, and sustained energy levels, making them a valuable addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet.
Key Nutrients in Lactation Cookies
- Healthy Fats – Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for energy and supports the fat content of breast milk.
- Iron-Rich Ingredients – Oatmeal, prunes, and almonds help replenish iron stores, reducing the risk of postpartum fatigue and supporting overall vitality.
- Digestive & Hormonal Support – Flax seeds and anise seeds offer fiber and phytoestrogenic compounds that may support digestion and balanced hormone function.
- Natural Carbohydrates – Dates and honey provide essential vitamins and minerals, along with a slow-releasing energy source to help sustain new moms through sleepless nights and long days.
- Herbal Galactagogues – Fenugreek and anise seeds have been traditionally used to support milk supply while also aiding digestion and reducing bloating.
- Brewer’s Yeast – Rich in B vitamins, iron, protein, and chromium, brewer’s yeast may help boost energy levels, stabilise blood sugar, and support postpartum recovery while being a commonly used galactagogue to aid milk production.
