Lactation treats (cookies & brownies)

What Are Lactation Cookies?

Lactation cookies are made with brewer's yeast, oats, and flaxseed – all of which are known as galactagogues

Galactagogues are substances that many believe can help increase your breast milk supply and can be found as food ingredients, medications, or even herbs. Galactagogues typically contain vitamins and nutrients to help keep your body nourished when working overtime as a breastfeeding mom.

Do Lactation Cookies Work? 

There is simply not enough research on whether lactation cookies, specifically galactagogues, work, but many breastfeeding mothers swear by them and have noticed a difference. 

If you have a low milk supply and have trouble getting enough nutrients, lactation cookies may be able to help. For example, lactation cookies containing oats, flax seeds, and brewer's yeast may offer iron, protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins that help boost milk production.

What Are the Ingredients in Lactation Cookies That Work?

Many lactation cookie recipes claim to help boost your milk supply naturally. This can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Not all cookies are made the same, and some contain artificial ingredients that won’t provide any health benefits. 

Here are some nutrient-rich ingredients that may benefit your body:

Whole grains, especially oatmeal 
Dark, leafy greens
Fennel 
Garlic 
Chickpeas 
Nuts and seeds, especially almonds 
Ginger 
Papaya 
Spices like cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and turmeric

    It is imperative to note that not enough information or research directly correlates lactation cookies and milk supply. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements. So, it’s important to be aware that there are not enough safety regulations in place.

    What Ingredients Should You Avoid While Lactating?

    Being aware of what food ingredients to avoid can also help while breastfeeding. Avoid foods that contain:

    Fish, high in mercury
    Herbal supplements including, but not limited to, hawthorn, marigold, licorice, and melatonin
    High amount of caffeine
    Highly processed foods 

      Some mothers have found that having high amounts of spices, onion, and garlic in their diet has caused their babies to become fussy or refuse to eat. 

      Always consult your doctor if you notice signs that your baby is unhappy with your breastmilk and if spices should be eliminated from your diet.

      Tips for Promoting Healthy Lactation

      If you’re worried about your milk supply, there are ways to help support and boost production. While lactation treats can be a good source of nutrients for breastfeeding moms, they shouldn’t be your only source of trying to increase breast milk supply. 

      Here are some ideas to help naturally boost your milk supply:

      Breastfeed when your baby is hungry 
      Make sure your baby is latching well
      Offer both breasts at each feeding 
      Pump or express your milk 
      Relax and massage your breasts prior to breastfeeding

        Get as much rest as you can, and eat a healthy diet. We know this can be challenging as a new mom. That’s why we offer our hydrating electrolyte drinksas a way to get the energy you need to help boost lactation. 

        Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do. When you take care of yourself, you’re also helping take care of your baby. Getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating healthy may affect how much breast milk your body produces. 

        Greater Than Drinks: Why They Work

        Greater Than offers an all-natural, no added sugar, and high-electrolyte drink that can support your lactation journey. 

        At Greater Than, we offer drinks for all stages of your life – whether you’re a kid on the go, an athlete that’s just finished a workout, or a breastfeeding mom that wants a healthy alternative to sugary sports drinks. 

        We use organic coconut water, non-GMO fruit juice, and added sea salt – all of which can help defend you against a variety of ailments. Some of the most common issues include:

        Low milk supply
        Muscle cramps
        Overheating 
        Hangovers 
        Dehydration 
        Dry skin
        Flu symptoms 
        Excess sugar intake 

          Whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, the last thing you want is to become dehydrated. Don't skimp on Greater Than's electrolyte drinks to pair with your meals or lactation treats.

          Why Choose Greater Than for Your Lactation Journey

          Dehydration can severely impact your breast milk supply, so it’s essential to remain hydrated with an electrolyte-packed, low sugar drink that can help promote healthy lactation. Combining our drinks with a healthy meal can help benefit your breast milk supply. 

          Here are some of the reasons why Greater Than can make a great partner for you as a lactating mom:

          We are a leading source of hydrating breastfeeding moms by including non-GMO fruit juice, no added sugar, and monk fruit-sweetened drinks.
          We offer 84 mg electrolytes, 250 grams of electrolytes, and only 5.4 grams of sugar in over 11 ounces of juice per carton. 
          There are only 35 calories per serving.
          Greater Than gives you excellent flavor without sacrificing your health.
          Over 150k moms and their families have rave reviews about us.

            Greater Than’s Takeaway When It Comes to Lactation Cookies

            So, do lactation cookies actually work? More research is still needed to be done to determine the benefits of lactation cookies for your milk supply.

            Essentially, lactation cookies work for some moms and not for others. After all, every mother is different, especially her body, so what works for you might not work for others. 

            For those who have found success with lactation cookies, you’ll still need a variety of nutrients to achieve a well-balanced diet, so lactation cookies and treats can be a snack after a protein-packed, heart-healthy meal.

            For first-time moms, it can be challenging to find the time to plan, cook, and eat well-balanced meals. But we also want to remind you that if you are breastfeeding and your baby is gaining weight, you may likely have enough milk supply. 

            Quick and easy snacks with beneficial nutrients can help your body produce more breast milk supply, so find what works for you. It’s important to know that while many mothers claim that lactation cookies have helped increase breast milk production, there simply is not enough scientific research.

            Whether you want to try lactation cookies or any treats to help boost milk supply, Greater Than is here to support you with our electrolyte drinks!

            Sources: 

            Breastfeeding | CDC

            A Review of Herbal and Pharmaceutical Galactagogues for Breast-Feeding | PMC

            Steps and Signs of a Good Latch | WIC Breastfeeding Support