6 best lactation cookies for hungry breastfeeding mamas

There’s hunger and then there’s nursing hunger. And as anyone who has ever breastfed a baby can tell you, it’s nothing short of “eat-everything-in-the-house-and-then-search-for-what-you-dropped-in-the-couch-cushions” ravenous. Today we’re talking about our favorite Lactation cookies, let’s get into it.

Feeding a baby is hard work and can require what feels like near-constant eating—especially if you’re concerned about your milk production. Of course, there are plenty of milk-boosting foods (also called galactagogues) that you can easily fold into your daily diet, but when your hands are full or you’re trapped under a sleeping baby, sometimes you just want to grab something that’s easy and delicious. One of the quickest and easiest ways to satiate you both while including ingredients that can help turbo-charge your milk supply? Lactation cookies.

What are lactation cookies?

Simply enough, lactation cookies are cookies that are made with ingredients that can help boost milk production. Most recipes include four standouts that are heralded for their milk-boosting properties: Oats, fenugreek, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast. And while calling them cookies does suggest they’re a bit of a treat, they’re more densely packed with vitamins and nutrients than your standard TollHouse.

Do lactation cookies work?

Well, that depends. According to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Dr. Sharifa Glass, there is minimal medical research on the efficacy, recommended dose and safety of herbs, spices and foods for milk production. “Whether these substances truly work or the positive results are due to a placebo effect is unclear. Mothers should be cautious when ingesting any herbs or spices as they may cause adverse side effects in the mother and the infant, and they may alter the efficacy of maternal medications.”

Still, one of the most important things when you’re nursing is fueling your body. In fact, it’s recommended that you consume more extra calories while breastfeeding than throughout pregnancy. So while a lactation cookie may not magically help you pump extra ounces, healthy snacks and lots of water certainly can. Check with your doctor to see if there are any ingredients you should avoid, but otherwise, many lactation cookies are an easy to grab snack to stock your pantry with.

Yes, you could definitely bake up some of your own—after all, the recipes generally feature easy-to-find ingredients like rolled oats, brewers yeast and flaxseeds. But if baking is (understandably) at the bottom of your priorities list, there are lots of super tasty and effective pre-packaged lactation cookies on the market today.

We’ve rounded up reviewer’s highest-rated, most talked-about and best lactation cookies that can be delivered!

If baking your own lactation cookies isn’t your thing, fear not! There are plenty of delicious and effective pre-packaged options available. Many lactation snacks on the market today are crafted with nursing moms in mind, offering a convenient and tasty way to support milk production while satisfying hunger cravings. From chocolatey treats to wholesome oatmeal cookies, there’s a variety of options to suit every taste bud and dietary preference. Simply grab a pack, indulge in a satisfying snack, and nourish both yourself and your little one. With the convenience of pre-packaged lactation cookies, you can fuel your body with confidence, knowing you’re providing it with the nourishment it needs during this special time.

Best lactation cookies

MilkBliss

Dark Chocolate Chip Soft Baked Lactation Cookies

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$24.99

If you prefer a soft-baked cookie, stock up on the pint-sized dark chocolate chip cookies from MilkBliss. Not only are they wholesome and delicious, but they were formulated specifically for breastfeeding moms based on the science of galactagogues—also known as milk boosters. The all-natural, fenugreek-free recipe contains milk boosting ingredients like organic whole rolled oats, GMO-free brewers yeast and organic flaxseed and come wrapped in individual serving sizes to keep them fresh.

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Munchkin Milkmakers

Lactation Cookie Bites

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$22.99

Since 1990, Munchkin has evolved into a brand that’s ubiquitous with parenthood, so it’s no surprise their Milkmakers Lactation Cookie Bites are Amazon’s top-selling lactation snack. With 21k+ ratings, the bite-sized crunchy cookie packs are perfect for on-the-go snacking and made with all-natural milk boosters like oats, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast. It’s worth noting they’re higher in calories and sugar than any other cookie on our list, so if you’re keeping track of either of those things, you may want to try an alternative.

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Booby Boons

Lactation Cookies

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$9.98

Formulated with the help of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Booby Boons are a gluten-free mama’s answer to convenient milk-boosting snack attacks. The wheat, soy, fenugreek and corn-free cookies are made from non-GMO and 100% gluten-free ingredients to help keep you and your baby satisfied at home or on the go.

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Nunona

Mama Balls

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$34.99

After spending her entire career traveling the world focused on infant nutrition and developing infant nutritional products, Nunona’s founder Krista Maas de Villiers became a mom. Only then did she realize she was no longer interested in the synthetic products she helped develop in the corporate world. Instead, she wanted to nourish her body and her baby with plant-based nutrients—an option that she found hard to come by. So she set to work creating the all-natural, evidence-based products the market was missing—and the result is delicious. Formulated to help improve the quality of breastmilk, Nunona’s mama balls are dairy and gluten-free and made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients like nut butters, dates, brewers yeast, flaxseeds and oats. They’re more dense than their cookie counterparts which makes them satisfy like real food. And true confessions? We’ve been known to eat them even when we’re not breastfeeding. They’re the perfect post workout snack!

Take 20% off your order with code MOTHERLY20

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Boobie Bar

Superfood Lactation Bars

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$17.99

Technically not a cookie, but there’s chocolate chips involved, so we’re including! These convenient bars are packed with six superfoods that keep milk flowing (moringa leaf, cinnamon, shatavari root, turmeric, flaxseed, and whole grain oats), and like the rest of the brand’s products, they’re formulated by founder IBCLC and RN Nurse Wendy Colson. Since its launch as the first-to-market lactation bar in 2015, it’s become a go-to snack for nursing mamas.

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Café Baby

Mommy's Milk Lactation Cookies

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$23.99

We love a small mama owned business. Made for mamas by mamas, Café Baby’s big and delicious cookies are baked fresh daily without preservatives and shipped out right away. (They’re basically what you’d make for yourself if you didn’t have a baby attached to your boob 23 hours a day.) Each one is packed with whole grains, fiber, iron and amino acids to give your body a legit nutrient boost between meals. Pro tip: They’re soft and chewy and made even more delicious by a quick pop in the microwave!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lactation Cookies

Q: Can lactation cookies really help increase milk supply?

A: While lactation cookies are often made with ingredients believed to support milk production, such as oats, flaxseed, fenugreek, and brewer’s yeast, their effectiveness varies from person to person. Some nursing mothers find that incorporating lactation cookies into their diet can help boost milk supply, while others may not notice a significant difference. It’s essential to remember that maintaining proper hydration, nutrition, and breastfeeding practices are also crucial factors in milk production.

Q: Are there any potential side effects of eating lactation cookies?

A: Lactation cookies typically contain ingredients that are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when consumed in moderation. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, due to ingredients like fenugreek or brewer’s yeast. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions or allergies should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating lactation cookies into their diet to ensure safety.

Q: How many lactation cookies should I eat per day?

A: There isn’t a standard recommended serving size for lactation cookies, as individual dietary needs and preferences vary. It’s generally advisable to enjoy lactation cookies as part of a balanced diet and not to rely solely on them for increasing milk supply. Nursing mothers may choose to start with a small serving, such as one or two cookies per day, and adjust as needed based on their response and overall dietary intake.

Q: Can lactation cookies replace other methods of supporting milk production, such as breastfeeding techniques or supplements?

A: Lactation cookies can be a convenient and enjoyable addition to a breastfeeding mother’s routine, but they should not replace other essential practices for supporting milk production. Effective breastfeeding techniques, adequate hydration, sufficient rest, and proper nutrition are vital aspects of maintaining milk supply. Nursing mothers experiencing difficulties with milk production should consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support.

Q: Are there alternatives to lactation cookies for supporting milk production?

A: Yes, there are various other methods and foods that nursing mothers can incorporate into their diet to support milk production. These may include foods rich in protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, as well as herbal supplements like fenugreek or blessed thistle. Additionally, maintaining regular breastfeeding or pumping sessions, staying hydrated, and managing stress levels can positively impact milk supply. It’s essential to find a combination of strategies that work best for individual needs and preferences.

A version of this article was originally published July 19, 2021. It has been updated.