Lactation Cookies

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Have you ever heard of lactation cookies?

I admit, the first time I heard of these cookies many years ago, I thought they had breast milk as one of the ingredients.

Nope. Not the case.

In actuality, they're cookies eaten to increase milk supply and are full of all sorts of healthy goodness.

A cookie that's good for baby and good for me??? Yes, please! (Really though, you had me at cookie.)

I nursed my babies a total of 89 months. That's nearly 7 1/2 years of breastfeeding.

God designed women's bodies in a miraculous way. Most times, if a mom is exclusively breastfeeding, she will be able to produce sufficient milk for her baby. Sometimes though, she might need a boost in her supply. And who could turn down cookies if they're going to help you feed your baby, right?

These cookies contain galactagogues that are believed to increase milk supply: oats, flaxseed, and brewer's yeast. They have iron, fiber, omega-3, vitamin B, and many other nutritional benefits and healthy calories that are not only good for nursing moms, but the whole family, as well. I still make these cookies for my family, especially during road trips. It gives everyone a bit of a treat during the drive without completely loading up on sugar and helps them stay fuller longer because of the whole grain oats. And if you're looking for an even healthier snack, you can cut back on the sugar, too. In fact, these are so versatile that you can change it up based on what you have on hand. Toss in some extra nuts and seeds, swap the almond butter for peanut butter, increase any of the galactagogues, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, add in some wheat germ, or even substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat. My crew isn't crazy about big chunks of nuts in their baked goods, so I pulverize them (the nuts, not the family, ha) in my food processor. That way we still get the flavor and nutritional benefits.

The cookies are soft, but dense, and full of flavor. They freeze beautifully (both raw and baked) and are a perfect gift to take to a new mom to help her boost her milk and give her a healthier snack to grab during those crazy first few weeks with a newborn. The recipe makes about 4 dozen, so there's plenty to share with the new mama and some leftover for yourself.

Or just do what I do and make a double recipe. Because if your family is anything like mine, these cookies won't last long.




Lactation Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour                   
1 teaspoon baking soda                                       
1 teaspoon cinnamon                                     
1 teaspoon salt                                                 
3/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)                               
1/2 cup butter, softened                         
1/4 cup sugar                                         
1/2 cup brown sugar                               
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
1 cup milled (ground) flaxseed
1/3 cup water
2 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup chocolate chips
1 3/4 cup rolled oats

Directions:
1. Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
2. In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, and water until creamy.
3. Mix in eggs.
4. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
5. Mix in nuts and chocolate chips. Slowly mix in oats.
6. Place tablespoon-sized balls of dough (I use a cookie scoop) onto ungreased cookie sheets and lightly press down each ball.
7. Bake 12-13 minutes at 350°F.


Recipe adapted from Kathleen Major, PNP, RN.

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