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Bleak Breastmilk Supply
Maybe this will be a bit TMI since some people reading this blog know me, but it shouldn’t be and being private isn’t exactly my jam anyway. Let’s talk about how many moms don’t make enough breastmilk to keep up with their infants’ appetite. Well, we’re not going to talk about it too much, because we will soon get on with the topic of yummy, quick, no cook, no bake recipes to boost breastmilk supply. But just for a minute, for another sentence here, I just want moms everywhere to know if they are not making enough breastmilk, that it’s OKAY and that you are NOT alone!
Phew! Now that we addressed a common source of mommy guilt (we have right? stop thinking about it! no more tears!), let’s move on to what we can do to boost breastmilk production. I never made enough for all three kids. With my third one, it was sad… two weeks in, I was only pumping 25-30mL total. Maybe gestational diabetes, maybe older age contributed to the low amount of breastmilk. Either way, I was determined to keep pumping for as long and as much as I could. But I also have two other high maintenance kids to monitor. I didn’t have time to make lactation cookies, so I’m sharing my no cook, no bake recipe.
Breastmilk Boosting Ingredients
Some basic ingredients that traditionally increase breastmilk supply are brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, fenugreek, and oatmeal. Oh wait. The ultimate way to increase breastmilk production is to let the baby breastfeed as often as possible. Chances are, though, if you are reading this, then you already tried that for far too long, and we already tossed out mommy guilt in paragraph ONE, so let’s move on to other strategies. First up is fenugreek which comes in a convenient tea bag. This is probably the most minimalist option – just add hot water. However, it does make one smell like maple syrup, and I didn’t like that very much.
The next few options not only boast of breastmilk boosting ability, but they also pack in some healthy nutrients for mommy such as protein, fiber, various vitamin Bs, and omega 3 fatty acids. Brewer’s yeast comes in a powder. Flaxseed should be consumed in the ground form for optimal digestion. Oatmeal can be eaten many different ways – soaked overnight, cooked, or baked. Brewer’s yeast can be a little bit bitter, ground flaxseed can be a bit gritty in texture, and oatmeal is just a versatile queen. Combining then together with nuts, chocolate, and/or bananas plays to each ingredient’s strengths and hides their weaknesses for a delicious dessert that makes breastmilk production a little bit less burdensome and a whole lot more delicious. Below are my no cook, no bake recipes for the busy mom whose infant doesn’t like to sleep.
Easy Reesie Recipes
- Base ingredients: brewer’s yeast, ground flaxseed
- Optional ingredients: cooked oatmeal, unsweetened almond milk, sliced bananas, chocolate chips, chocolate milk mix, peanut butter, almond butter
- Time: 1 minute
- Serving size: 1
Chocolate milk: Mix chocolate milk with hot water, half a tablespoon of brewer’s yeast and half a tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Mix well. Then add almond milk to taste.
Banana & chip cream: Slice up bananas. Sprinkle brewer’s yeast and ground flaxseed, about half a tablespoon each. Then add chocolate chips and a spoonful of peanut butter. Finally, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup almond milk and mix well.
Oatmeal: Mix oatmeal and hot water. Let sit for a few minutes. Add brewer’s yeast and ground flaxseed, about half a tablespoon each. Mix well. Then add a spoonful of almond butter and banana slices. Mix it up!
Avocado Toast: Mash up avocado slices. Sprinkle in brewer’s yeast and ground flaxseed. Mix it up and spread on a slice of bread. It might be a bit dry, so enjoy with a steamy cup of tea or coffee.
Premade lacatation cookies: There is no mommy guilt, not even when not baking your own cookies (I speak from experience as my kids’ birthday cupcakes are straight from the local grocery store bakery). Aside from the fact that these lactation cookie bites are kind of expensive ($21+ for 80 mini cookies), I highly recommend them as a splurge that is full of crunchy crumbly goodness! I bought them while I was waiting for the brewer’s yeast and ground flaxseed to arrive. Maybe I will buy them again when I return to work as a treat to look forward to while I shut myself into my office during pumping breaks. After all, if my supply lasts that long, I totally deserve a pat on the back and a saccharine snack in the stomach!
Yay For Mama!
It took about 1 week for my supply to start increasing. May these recipes/products increase breastmilk supply! And if they don’t, then just remember that a fed infant is best. Formula is just fine. Whatever you choose is fine. Got too much breastmilk? Yay! Not enough breastmilk and supplementing with formula? Yay! Not enough breastmilk and just giving formula? Yay! Not trying with breastfeeding or pumping at all? Yay! Whatever your choice, I just want you to know that you are supported in your decision. Cheers to you, awesome mama!
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