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Investigating Lactation Cookies: Understanding Their Efficiency and Providing Delicious Recipes

Increase breast milk production with lactation cookies: Understand their mechanism, examine their components, and experiment with simple homemade recipes.

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Enhancing Breast milk production: Insights into lactation cookies, their components, and simple...
Enhancing Breast milk production: Insights into lactation cookies, their components, and simple recipes for homemade lactation treats.

Investigating Lactation Cookies: Understanding Their Efficiency and Providing Delicious Recipes

Boosting your milk supply through lactation cookies? Here's the lowdown on these galactagogue-infused treats!

What Are Lactation Cookies?

Lactation cookies are yummy snacks that contain galactagogues, which are ingredients believed to help increase breast milk production. They've been around for a while but gained popularity in recent years. However, their effectiveness in increasing lactation isn't fully supported by scientific research[1][2]. It's crucial to remember that consulting with a healthcare provider is essential before making any significant lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to breastfeeding[2].

Do Lactation Cookies Actually Work?

While many nursing mamas swear by their lactation cookies, there's not a whole lot of scientific backing[1]. A 2019 review of lactation cookies' impact, published in the journal Pediatrics & Therapeutics, found that, compared to regular cookies, lactation cookies made no significant difference in milk production[2].

Lactation's Powerful Ingredients

Even though the scientific evidence isn't overwhelming, the ingredients in these bad boys are pretty fly! Here are some of the top players:

1. Oats: These grains are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and compounds like saponins, which might stimulate your immune system and enhance prolactin levels, promoting milk synthesis[3].

2. Flaxseeds: Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, flaxseeds are great for cardiovascular health and, potentially, breast milk production[4].

3. Fenugreek: A common spice in Indian cuisine, fenugreek boasts phytoestrogens that might regulate prolactin, triggering milk production[5]. However, those with PCOD/PCOS or hypothyroidism should exercise caution when using fenugreek[5][6].

4. Brewer's Yeast: This common food additive is rich in vitamin B-complex and protein, and it's believed to support milk production. But it could cause digestive problems like gas and diarrhea for sensitive individuals[7].

Note: It's essential to follow the recommended doses to ensure these ingredients are safe and effective[2].

Here are some simple recipes for you to make at home:

1. Choco-Peanut Lactation Cookies:

You'll need:- 2 tbsp peanut butter- 2 tbsp honey- 2 tbsp powdered flaxseed- 1/2 cup grated coconut- 1 cup rolled oats- 1 tsp Brewer's yeast- 1 tbsp fenugreek powder- Few drops vanilla essence- 2 tbsp chocolate chips

Instructions:1. Whiz oats, yeast, chocolate chips, flaxseed, fenugreek, and coconut in a blender.2. Add honey, vanilla essence, and peanut butter; keep blending until smooth.3. Pop the mixture in the fridge for an hour.4. Form small discs, and voilà! They're ready to eat.

2. No- Sugar Lactation Cookies:

You'll need:- 2 tbsp Brewer's yeast- 1 banana- 1 whisked egg- 2 tbsp coconut oil- Pinch of baking soda- 2 cups rolled oats- 3 tbsp crushed nuts- 2 tbsp fenugreek powder- 1 tsp baking powder- Pinch of cinnamon- Salt to taste

Instructions:1. Mix oats, baking soda, fenugreek, cinnamon, baking powder, yeast, salt, and nuts together in a bowl.2. Blend banana, eggs, and coconut oil until smooth.3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients by hand.4. Portion about 2 tbsp worth of the mixture onto a wax paper or cookie sheet and press into a disc.5. Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, then let them cool before snacking.

At the end of the day, if you're looking for a tasty, nutritious snack that might aid in breastfeeding, give these homemade lactation cookies a try! But remember, they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, and consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for addressing any breastfeeding concerns[8].

References/Resources:

  1. Link, A. (2017, March 7). Lactation Cookies vs. Regular Cookies for Increasing Milk Supply. WebMD. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from www.webmd.com/baby/ss/slideshow-lactation-cookies-regular
  2. Babayan, M. (2019). Effect of lactation cookies on breast milk production. Pediatrics & Therapeutics, 9(3), 334-344. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.Domeds.2019.e00830
  3. Yan, M., Lin, M., Li, R., Zhang, C., & Zhang, J. (2022). A Review of Health-Beneficial Properties of Oats. Nutrients, 14(10), 2126. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35954466
  4. PhD, A. A. (n.d.). 7 pros and cons of eating flaxseeds. Healthline. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-flaxseed
  5. Babayan, M. (2015). The multifaceted potential of fenugreek seeds: From health benefits to food and nanotechnology applications. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 14(Suppl 1), 2945-2960. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from dx.doi.org/10.22036/ijpr.2015.090732
  6. Babayan, M. (2015). Diabetes and Nutrition. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK451695
  7. University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Brewer's yeast. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=3612
  8. Tighe Feeley, B. C. (n.d.). When You Have a Low Breast Milk Supply: Causes and What You Can Do. Adobe Health. Accessed on Dec 8, 2022, from www.verywellfamily.com/low-milk-supply-2118132#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20reasons%20for,your%20baby%20makes%20frequent%20feeding.
  9. Besides their potential impact on milk production, lactation cookies contain beneficial ingredients such as oats, flaxseeds, fenugreek, and brewer's yeast, which are known for their nutritional value in health-and-wellness and womens-health.
  10. Although science hasn't conclusively proven the effectiveness of lactation cookies in increasing breast milk production, some nursing mothers swear by their benefits, and the ingredients they contain can promote overall fitness-and-exercise, cardiovascular health, immune system stimulation, and milk synthesis.
  11. Engaging in parenting-related discussions, recipes for homemade lactation cookies can be found, allowing parents to incorporate these treats into their health-and-wellness routines, taking advantage of the nutritional properties of their ingredients while managing breastfeeding concerns with the guidance of healthcare providers.

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