Family Health
Lactation Cookies If you are a breastfeeding mother you’ve probably heard a lot about Lactation Cookies (or Boobie Biccies), considered by many to provide a natural boost to your milk supply, but what makes a healthy lactation cookie? While some will argue there’s no evidence to prove a particular food can boost milk supply, there are plenty others to insist that lactation cookies are more than just an Old Wives’ Tale. To be honest, if given the opportunity to kick back in a bonding moment with your baby whilst nibbling a delicious cookie – well, we’re not knocking it back! So, if you’re up for a spot of baking, here are the ingredients to look for to make a good lactation biscuit.
Galactagogue – did you know that foods and drinks thought to increase milk supply are called galactagogues? The word comes from the Greek “galacta” meaning milk and “gogue” meaning to lead.
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Your Local Families Magazine April / May 2019
GOOD INGREDIENTS It’s important to ensure a lactation cookie’s main ingredients are “milk making” ones like these, which have other added health benefits too.
OATS
Oats are full of dietary fibre, which is a wonderful constipation-relieving ingredient for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers. Oats also contain essential vitamins such as thiamine, folic acid, biotin and vitamin E, plus they are a great source of slow-release energy.
LINSEEDS Linseeds (also known as flaxseeds) contain omega 3 essential fatty acids, which can help prevent excess biochemicals that the body produces under stress, making them great for busy (and sleep-deprived!) parents.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil has a wide range of health benefits and contains lauric acid, which occurs naturally in mothers’ milk. Coconut oil is also known for its antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral properties, with the added bonus of being great for skin and hair. Many recipes offer