When I had my babies, the gifts I appreciated most were the ones that I could actually use. And when they were homemade, it was even better. So I came up with my own useful, homemade gift idea to give to other moms . . . Lactation Cookie Mix in a Jar.
Many nursing mothers struggle with milk supply issues. Certain foods are lactogenic, meaning they boost milk production and increase supply. Lactation cookies are an easy (and delicious way) to get many of these foods all in one snack. Even those mothers that don’t have supply issues will appreciate the important nutrients in these cookies.
These cookies include a number of lactation-friendly ingredients. Oats are not only super nutritious but frequently used to boost milk production. Nuts, including almonds, support a healthy milk supply. Healthy fats, such as butter and coconut oil, will ensure healthy fats in the mother’s milk. Brewer’s or nutritional yeast contain things like protein and vitamin B12 that help increase milk supply. Flaxseed meal contain essential fatty acids. For more information about lactogenic foods, visit Mobi Motherhood International’s list of foods and herbs that can boost milk supply.
Here is a recipe for making your own Lactation Cookie Mix in a Jar. I recommend using organic ingredients as much as possible.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 c. flour
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 c. chocolate chips (semisweet or dark chocolate if you can find it) (optional)
- 1/2 c. cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 chopped raw almonds or walnuts (optional)
- 1-1/2 c. rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp. flaxseed meal
- 1 Tbsp. Brewer’s yeast
or nutritional yeast
To be added by the recipient:
- 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, baking soda and baking powder. In a separate small bowl, combine the rolled oats, flaxseed meal and yeast. Using a quart-size glass Mason jar, layer the ingredients in the following order: brown sugar, white sugar, flour mixture, chocolate chips, cranberries, almonds, and finally the oats mixture.
Include a card with your cookie mix with the following cooking directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled), 1 egg and 1 tsp. vanilla. Add the contents of the cookie jar to the bowl and mix well. Place balls of dough on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Remember that nutritious foods are just one component of a healthy milk supply. Nursing mothers should also drink plenty of water and try to get adequate sleep. Pumping and medications can also be used to increase supply. If you have trouble with milk supply, I highly recommend that you talk to your doctor as well as a qualified lactation consultant. Also, please consult with a doctor before using anything to increase your milk supply.
I struggled with my milk supply with my first child. After months of pumping, medication, a supplemental nursing system, and no sleep, I finally produced just enough milk. I didn’t have a good lactation consultant to tell me about things like lactogenic foods, and I wonder how much it might have changed things. With my second child, I made sure to drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods from the day she was born. I pumped several times in the first few days. And my milk supply was more than adequate. I also had a natural birth (I had an epidural with my first child), and I wonder how much that affected my milk supply.
- For more about Healthy and Natural Eating for Moms and Kids.
- For more about Breastfeeding and how to do it.
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