Life
Here's Our Gift To You: 11 Desserts To Eat To Boost Milk Supply
I am a firm believer that, no matter what age you are, you're never too old to enjoy dessert. I'm also a strong advocate that you don't need to save eating sweet treats until after dinner. To me, that was one of the perks of being pregnant — and then a new mother. Of course, you shouldn't be judged for your dietary habits no matter what. But, if you're looking to boost your lactation production, then you'll be happy to know there are plenty of desserts that boost milk supply while breastfeeding. And an added bonus, many of these desserts are a slightly healthy twist on some of your favorites.
So how can you determine what kinds of dishes are supposed to help you boost your supply while nursing? Apparently, it all has to do with things called galactogogues. Sure, it's a bit of a tongue twister and would net you a pretty good score in Scrabble, but it's more than that. According to a study published in the medical journal Infant, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition (ICAN), researchers found that oatmeal, red raspberry, anise, and marshmallow are common kinds of galactogogues. Additionally, ginger, whole grains, papaya, seeds, and nuts, are also common galactogoues, as The Kitchn noted. So if you're interested in whipping up some delicious sweets that feature some serious milk-producing ingredients, give these desserts that boost milk supply a whirl.
1Raspberry Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Whether you live somewhere that it gets cold or not, you can bring a little piece of winter into your kitchen with this milk supply-boosting raspberry hot chocolate cupcake recipe that surely tastes as good as it sounds.
2Anise Almond Biscotti
Since anise and almonds are both considered to be galactogogues, then you'll love this sophisticated pairing in an anise almond biscotti. Partner it with a mug of something warm, like a decaf cup of joe or herbal tea.
3Fudgy Marshmallow Popcorn
The perfect marriage of sweet and salty, this fudgy marshmallow popcorn recipe hits all the right flavor notes. Everyone is going to want a bite of this though, so you might want to consider making a double batch if there will be vultures (aka your family) lurking around.
4Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Since oats and grains are chock full of galactogogues, these coconut oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are perfect. With a little bit of texture and a whole lot of deliciousness, you really can't go wrong here.
5Homemade Tropical Trail Mix
If you like to keep you desserts light, then you'll love this homemade tropical trail mix, which is also an appropriate snack to indulge in at all hours of the day. It's a tasty blend of sweet fruit with rich nuttiness.
6Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
You may have eaten your fair share of ginger candies to combat morning sickness, but this magical root can increase your milk supply, too. That's why these soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies are ideal to satisfy your cravings, while getting those milk ducts working overtime.
7Raspberry Pumpkin Ricotta Pie with Gingersnap Crust
This dessert is truly a home run. The raspberry pumpkin ricotta pie with gingersnap crust includes multiple galactogogues and results in multiple servings, too. I never say, "no," to leftover pie — and now it's in your best interest not to, too.
8Sweet Orange Florentines
If your sweet tooth prefers all that is light and crispy textures, then these sweet orange florentines will do the trick wonderfully. With just a touch of sugary goodness from honey and white chocolate, the galactogogues of anise and assorted nuts complement the flavors beautifully.
9Paleo Almond Butter Ginger Cookies
Just in case you follow the Paleo diet while breastfeeding, there's a dessert for you, too. The Paleo almond butter ginger cookies are a slam dunk with its rich nuttiness and gingery freshness. They're great for festive occasions or year-round.
10Tropical Smoothie Bowls
Who says you can't have a healthy dessert in the daytime? You can prove the haters wrong by indulging in these tropical smoothie bowls that's stacked with refreshing fruit. Bonus? The almond milk used in this recipe adds even more milk-boosting power to the papaya, oats, and grains that take center stage.
11Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Muffins
You probably already know that there are health benefits of eating dark chocolate. So it's no surprise that these dark chocolate raspberry oatmeal muffins are a triple threat. The raspberry and oatmeal pack a double punch of galactagogue goodness and the dark chocolate gives you a nice energy and mood boost.
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