New moms are often bombarded with products claiming to boost their milk supply – the most popular being lactation cookies.
These special treats often include ingredients like Brewer’s yeast, oats, and flaxseed, all rumored to help with milk production.
But do they really work?
A recent study says NO.
First, let’s discuss the research and then later on in this article, we’ll give you tips on what to do instead.
HOW Was The Study Done?
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2023 aimed to answer this question through a rigorous scientific lens. [1]
Researchers wanted to find out if lactation cookies made a real difference.
They recruited 176 mothers who were all exclusively breastfeeding and randomly gave them either special lactation cookies or regular cookies to eat daily. The moms didn’t know which type of cookie they were getting.
The researchers then carefully tracked the mothers’ milk production, how much milk they thought they had, and how confident they felt about breastfeeding.
After analyzing the results, the researchers found no significant differences between the moms who ate lactation cookies and those who ate regular cookies.
The Findings (in more detail)
Both groups of participants —those consuming lactation cookies and those receiving the control, showed a minimal increase in milk production, averaging around 5.8 ml/hour for the control group and 5.5 ml/hour for the lactation cookie group.
The difference is statistically insignificant. The cookies had no real effect on milk production.
Moreover, the study explored changes in the mothers’ perceptions of their milk supply and their confidence in breastfeeding.
Again, the results indicated no significant differences between the two groups.
This suggests that lactation cookies do not impact how mothers perceive how adequate (or “enough”) their milk supply or their confidence in their breastfeeding abilities.
What Does This Mean?
This study suggests that lactation cookies don’t actually increase milk supply.
Sure, they might be a tasty snack.
But breastfeeding moms MUST know they likely won’t see any magical results.
Why Does This Matter?
False Hope
Products like lactation cookies can prey on vulnerable new mothers who are desperately trying to ensure their babies have enough milk.
It’s frustrating and disheartening when a product promises something it can’t deliver, especially for something as important as breastfeeding.
Pricey Products
Having a new baby can be really expensive. It’s one of those times when people are vulnerable and stretched out financially.
It would be nice if you could just buy products that are GUARANTEED to increase breast milk supply.
But, alas, that’s NOT how it works.
Can The Study Be WRONG?
This is just one study. Albeit, a well-designed one.
Here are some limitations of the study as mentioned in the article:
- Compliance: The study acknowledges that some participants may not have consumed the cookies daily or might have shared them with others, impacting the accuracy of the results.
- Data collection: Since the milk expression protocol was conducted at home, there may have been deviations or errors in data entry, potentially affecting the reliability of the measurements.
The study also used only 1 brand of lactation cookies. So we can’t really say for sure it’s the same with other brands of store-bought lactation cookies.
There are also homemade baked lactation cookies.
That said, it’s a good idea not to rely on these cookies or any other food or drink that claims to “boost milk supply”.
What Should You Do Instead?
The best way to promote a healthy milk supply is to:
- Nurse frequently: Feed your baby on demand, as often as they want. The more you nurse, the more milk your body will make.
- Get support: Reach out to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group if you’re struggling. They can offer personalized advice and help build your confidence.
- Relax: Stress can interfere with milk production. Try to find ways to relax and take care of yourself.
Are Lactation Cookies a Tasty Treat or Empty Promise?
It’s both!
Don’t waste your money on lactation cookies.
Focus on the proven ways to support your breastfeeding journey. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job providing for your baby!
References:
- Palacios, A. M., Cardel, M. I., Parker, E., Dickinson, S., Houin, V. R., Young, B., & Allison, D. B. (2023). Effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production rates: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 117(5), 1035–1042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.03.010