As breastfeeding moms, concerns about milk supply are always on the forefront of our minds. This post will share some amazing lactation recipes to increase milk supply.
Whether you’re a pregnant mom, preparing to breastfeed, or currently breastfeeding and trying to actively increase your milk supply, lactation recipes can help give a boost to your supply and up your milk production. Plus, they’re super yummy!
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase after clicking on a link on this page. Read more here.
Increase Your Milk Supply with Lactation Recipes
Before you start tying on your apron, it’s important to note that while these recipes can give your supply a boost, no recipe is magic. They won’t suddenly turn on a tap that will have milk gushing out of you.
If you’re struggling to produce enough milk, the very best thing you can do is put your baby to your breast and let him/her feed. This creates demand, which in turn, will signal to your body to produce more milk.
Of course, pumping can also signal your body to create more milk as well, but even the best pump can’t do as good of a job as your baby (click here to read about my top 25 pumping hacks)!
If you’re worried that your milk supply is low, please be sure to read this post on milk supply myths that outlines confusing signs that may have you questioning your milk supply.
While these recipes may help you, if you have real concerns about low milk supply, you should absolutely consult with a lactation consultant.
Personally, I did not have concerns about low milk supply. HOWEVER, I did try pump each day as well as nursing my daughter full time. I couldn’t pump more than a couple of ounces a day (which is totally normal and does NOT indicate a problem with milk supply).
I don’t think I even knew about lactation recipes at that time, but I sure wish I had have tried some during those long and frustrating pumping sessions!
If you’re like me and are trying to increase your supply to pump more milk faster, read my post on pumping more milk FAST.
Galactagogues
Galactagogues are foods or herbs that increase your milk supply. Although your baby is the best way to encourage your body to produce more milk, there are foods and supplements that have been proven to boost milk supply as well.
Here are some proven galactagogues:
Herbs:
- Fenugreek
- Blessed Thistle
- Chasteberry
- Fennel
Instead of ordering a bunch of supplements, you can also drink a breastfeeding tea, which usually contains a mix of different herbs.
A note on using herbs to boost milk supply:
I would recommend working with a lactation consultant or doctor if taking herbal supplements to increase your milk supply.
Keep in mind that there is always a chance that herbal supplements will be TOO effective and cause plugged ducts or mastitis in mothers whose milk supply is already fine.
Foods:
- Oatmeal
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Barley
- Dark, leafy greens
- Carrots, yams and beets (or other vegetables high in beta carotene)
- Green Papaya
- Fennel
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Nuts (eg. cashews, walnuts,, macadamia nuts)
- Sesame Seeds
Don’t forget to also drink lots of fluids!
When Galactagogues Can Help
Most moms do not need galactagogues to help maintain their milk supply. Barring any of the problems below, your baby should be able to extract the milk it needs and will signal to your body when it needs more milk (a.k.a. cluster feeding).
However, there are certain situations where galactagogues are warranted, such as:
- Insufficient breast glandular tissues (this is not the same as having small breasts)
- Previous breast surgery
- Feeding an infant with a cleft palate/cleft lip
- Exclusively pumping
- Inducing lactation (e.g. if you’ve stopped breastfeeding and want to start again)
You also may want to try galactagogues if you are exclusively breastfeeding AND trying to pump to build a freezer stash (learn more tips and tricks for building a freezer stash here).
Lactation Recipes That Increase Milk Supply
Luckily, in addition to being great for boosting milk supply, there are tons of lactation recipes that are totally yummy! See below for some of my favorite!
Gluten Free Lactation Cookies from A Clean Bake
Oatmeal Raisin Lactation Cookies from Extreme Couponing Mom
Moringa Lactation Bites from Everyday Maven
Almond Butter and Berry Oatmea Breakfast Muffins (Dairy Free) from Dash of Jazz
Two Step Healthy Breakfast Cookie from A Dash of Jazz
Lactation Energy Bites from We’re Parents
No Bake Lactation Protein Bars from We’re Parents
Blueberry Lemon Pancakes from Hunger Thirst Play
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal from Biscuits and Grading
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies from Simplistically Living
No Bake Lactation Bites from Hungry Hobby
No Bake Lactation Protein Balls from Clark Condensed
Cranberry Oatmeal Chocolate Bars from Stef’s Eats and Sweets
Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies from Courtney’s Sweets
Overnigth Lactation Oatmeal from Fab Working Mom
So there you have fifteen scrumtious lactation recipes to boost your milk supply. I hope you find some recipes that you absolutely LOVE! Happy baking!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
