Recipe: Lactation cookies

This recipe is perfect for breastfeeding moms who want to boost their breast milk supply. We’ve also heard dads and siblings love these cookies.

Don’t worry, eating lactation cookies won’t prompt lactation if you aren’t naturally producing breast milk.

Sarah Newport, BSN, RNC, IBCLC, board-certified lactation consultant who has worked as a nurse at MultiCare Tacoma General, explains.

“The main things about these cookies that support lactation are the oats, flax and brewer’s yeast which have all been found to help improve milk production,” Newport says. “Eating nourishing foods is often difficult when you are a busy mom and recovering from labor. Having a hearty, fairly healthy snack like these around can definitely be helpful.”

Have a friend or family member expecting a baby soon? These cookies make excellent mommy gifts. Freeze the dough for convenient baking later.

Lactation cookies
(makes 4 dozen)

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups oats
1 cup chocolate chips
2–4 tablespoons brewer’s yeast

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the flaxseed meal and water, then let sit for 3–5 minutes.

Beat butter, sugar and brown sugar well. Add eggs and mix well. Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.

Sift together flour, brewer’s yeast, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to butter mix.

Stir in oats and chips. Scoop onto baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Let set for a few minutes on baking sheet before moving to a cooling rack.