Lactation Cookies
After my first son was born in 2016 I had trouble keeping my milk supply up when I returned to work. I was only pumping about two thirds of what I needed to keep my son on 100% breast milk. I had already tried boosting my hydration and calories with not much effect, and my thyroid and iron levels looked good so I started looking at more specific lactation support. Whenever possible, I prefer to get support from foods vs. supplements so a lactation cookie was exactly what the doctor ordered
I wanted something that was nutrient dense to support breast milk supply. I found lots of recipes online for lactation cookies, but all of them had refined sugar, refined flour, and were basically glorified oatmeal cookies. It was time to get creative. I have used alternative flours and sweeteners in baking for the last eleven years and knew there was a better way to fulfill the cookie definition while also nourishing my body. These lactation cookies use dates as the sweetener, are gluten free, and are full of fiber and ingredients that may help boost milk supply (they sure helped me!). Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients in this recipe- it actually comes together very quickly and they are so so delicious!
Another ingredient that makes these lactation cookies unique is the addition of Shatavari root (Asperagas racemosus). This is an Ayurvedic herb that has traditionally been used for fertility, hormone and stress support. If stress is one cause of low milk supply, then this herb may help boost production. It has a mildly bitter flavor that is easily hidden in these cookies.
A traditional lactation cookie includes Brewer’s yeast as a galactagogue and is a source of amino acids, B vitamins and selenium. I personally have a strong sensitivity to yeast and do not include this in my own cookie recipe.
If you are struggling with lactation or breast milk supply, you should discuss this with your OBGYN, primary care doctor or lactation consultant to make sure there isn’t another underlying cause.
Lactation Cookie Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grass fed butter, softened
- 12 pitted dates (about 1 1/4 cup, variety hasn’t seemed to matter)
- 2 eggs, brought to room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond meal
- 1/2 cup ground flax seed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1.5 tablespoons Shatavari Root powder
- 3 TBS brewers yeast (optional, but this is what makes them true “lactation cookies”- would add at same time as flax)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
-
2/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut3 cup rolled oats
- 16 oz extra dark chocolate chips (optional, use Lily’s brand to keep sugar free)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1 cup chopped dried cherries or raisins (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Soak dates in hot water for 5 min, strain, and purée in high powered blender or food processor. Add eggs and vanilla, blend until dates and eggs are completely smooth. Add date/egg mix to softened butter in a large bowl. Mix well. Add almond meal and ground flax, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add Shatavari and Brewer’s yeast. Add oats and coconut, mix well. Stir in chocolate chips, walnuts, cherries, raisin and whatever other extra goodies you want!
Using 1″ cookie scoop or table spoon, drop dough into parchment lined baking sheets, 2″ apart. Bake 8-10 min at 350 degrees F. Makes appx 4 dozen cookies.
Enjoy!
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Dr. Katie Rose, ND
Naturopathic Doctor Tucson
(520) 887-4287
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