Lactation Cookies Recipe
The Science of Supporting Milk Supply Naturally
For many new mothers, breastfeeding is both a joy and a challenge. Whether you're exclusively breastfeeding, mixed feeding, or pumping, it's completely natural to wonder if you're producing enough milk, and to try and seek gentle, supportive ways to encourage your body’s natural rhythm. Feeding is something that is such a sensitive and difficult topic, and something that I was not personally prepared for the first time around.
One of the questions I remember googling in the early postpartum period was: “Are there foods that can help support breast milk production?” The short answer: yes, and they’re called galactagogues.
What Are Galactagogues?
Galactagogues are substances believed to support lactation and milk production for breastfeeding. While the research is ongoing, many traditional systems of medicine and generations of anecdotal use support their benefits.
Galactagogues may work by influencing prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, or by nourishing the body in ways that support recovery and hydration, both essential for milk production
Food-Based Galactagogues
While some galactagogues are herbal (like fenugreek or blessed thistle), others are simply whole foods that you might already have at home. Here are a few you’ll often see in recipes for lactation support, including in our own lactation cookie recipe (below):
1. Oats
Oats are one of the most widely used galactagogues. Rich in iron, fibre, and complex carbohydrates, they may support milk supply by stabilising blood sugar and promoting feelings of calm, both helpful for oxytocin release, which is needed for let-down.
2. Brewer’s Yeast
Often found in lactation cookies and smoothie recipes, brewer’s yeast contains B vitamins, protein, iron, and selenium. Some studies link these nutrients with improved energy and postpartum recovery, though the lactation-specific evidence is still emerging.
3. Barley & Malt Extract
Barley is another traditional galactagogue, thought to support prolactin levels. Malt is the sweet, syrupy extract derived from sprouted barley, and is particularly popular in Europe and Asia for supporting milk supply. It also gives baked goods a naturally rich, milky flavour.
4. Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed offers lignans (plant-based compounds) and omega-3 fatty acids that may support hormonal balance. It’s often added to lactation recipes for both its nutritional profile and texture.
5. Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, sesame, and sunflower seeds are nutrient-dense and rich in healthy fats, zinc, and calcium, all of which may nourish the body during breastfeeding. They also make delicious additions to baked goods and snacks.
Do Galactagogues Really Work?
Scientific evidence for food-based galactagogues is promising but still limited. Most studies rely on self-reported milk output and observational data. That said, many mothers report noticeable improvements in supply and let-down reflex after consistently incorporating galactagogue-rich foods, especially when combined with regular feeding or pumping and adequate hydration.
Remember: lactation is a hormonal process influenced by many factors, stress, sleep, nutrition, frequency of feeding, and emotional connection all play a role. Galactagogues are not a cure-all, but they can be part of a supportive postpartum routine.
Always speak with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if you’re concerned about milk supply or considering herbal supplements.
Our Nourishing Lactation Cookies (With Oats + Malt!)
We’ve created a wholesome, naturally sweet lactation cookie recipe packed with traditional galactagogues, like oats, and malt extract. Perfect for your afternoon tea, freezer stash, or that 3am feed.
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
250g butter room temperature
1 cup oats
½ cup malt
1 large egg room temperature
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Optional: ½ cup dark chocolate chips, ½ cup milk chocolate chips
Optional: on a tray of baking paper, dollop 10 teaspoons of Nutella or peanut butter, freeze for 1 hour, roll into balls and shape cookie dough around the balls before baking for a gooey/soft centre
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (fan forced)
2. Sift the flour into a large bowl
3. Add both sugars, oats and malt into bowl
4. Microwave butter ina seperate bowl until it reaches consistency of thickened cream
5. Add butter, vanilla and egg to the flour mixture, mixing until just combined
6. Add in options listed above or leave plain
7. Refrigerate for an hour
8. Roll into balls and place on baking paper
9. Bake for 10 minutes, or until just set (blonde) for a soft cookie or 15/20 minutes until brown for a crisper cookie
These make for a great snacking option, give a great energy boost and keep you satisfied between feeds in the early days.
In Summary: Gentle Support
Lactation support isn’t about pushing your body to do more, it’s about supporting your recovery, helping your nervous system, and honouring the rhythms of postpartum.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, combo feeding, or simply want a nutrient-dense cookie postpartum, our lactation recipe is designed to nourish without pressure.
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If you’ve tried galactagogue-rich foods, let us know what’s worked for you. Tag us @deuxmainsperfumery. We’d love to see you bring this recipe to life.
