Try These Yummy Lactation Bakes to Boost Breast Milk Supply
Sign us up for these guilt-free sweet treats anytime!
By Ng Mei Yan -
There is one universal concern that plagues many breastfeeding mothers – breastmilk supply. Waiting for a steady flow to kick in — usually from the third day post-partum onwards — and maintaining it can be a constant source of anxiety in new mums.
Thankfully, there are loads of aids to help mummies along. Warming confinement soups, nursing teas, supplements and massages are just some ways through which women can help boost breastmilk production.
But of all of these, the most palate-pleasing would be lactation cookies and bakes. Sweet, delectable bites that are good for you and baby? Talk about guilt-free indulgence!
What sets lactation bakes apart from regular ones is that they contain galactagogues, substances that are believed to increase milk production. Examples of galactagogues include fenugreek, fennel, ginger, oats, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast.
Here in Singapore, we are spoilt for choice while shopping for such treats. Here are some brands that have been gaining a following for their delectable creations. (Bonus: lactation bakes can be enjoyed by the entire family!)
SLB is the powerhouse in this niche, with their products found in Thomson Medical Centre, Raffles Hospital and other retail spots. In addition to cookies, which come in flavours like white chocolate macadamia nut and chocolate chips, SLB also offers muffins, a pancake mix, wellness tea and granola. Their food items are made with Halal-certified ingredients.
The brand has also thoughtfully introduced an Omakase Subscription Plan—you get a top-up of various items each week—so you don’t have to make frequent re-orders.
PSA: avoid browsing Marian’s Lactation Boost website when you’re feeling peckish or you might end up ordering everything! On top of cookies and muffins, the brand has an exciting array of lactation food items ranging from Mango Coconut + Mixed Berries Overnight Oats and Lychee Rose Lactation Tea to cold pressed juices and even, wait for it, Mao Shan Wang lactation ice-cream.
Chocolate fans will love Milking Cow’s menu. Cookies come in flavours like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Nutella and Matcha White Chocolate and Pistachio; they also have Oreo Brownies and Milo Dinosaur brownies. For those watching the waistline, Milking Cow sells a “Boom My Milk” oatmeal pack, an oatmeal mix with wholesome seeds, nuts and dried fruit, that you can cook on the stove with milk or water.
Health-conscious mummies will love Clookies for its low-sugar recipes—each cookie contains no more than 38 calories—and certified organic ingredients. On top of cookies, muffins and brownies, you will find granola that you can pair with milk or yoghurt and even a vegan-friendly menu. Newbies will love the $28 trial pack that allows you to try a little bit of each product—mums in their third trimester can start enjoying these treats!
Unlike some other brands that offer up a huge variety of food items, Goober maintains a tightly curated menu consisting just cookies and teas—they know their strengths! Choose from refreshing cookie flavours like Earl Grey and Lemon Blueberries; and pair them with a cup of Ginger Fennel or Fenugreek Bergamot tea.
Most people know the brand for their smooth lactation nut butter, but they have since gone on to create other complementary products like the Mummy’s Granola (a high-energy snack filled with almond, rolled oats, pumpkin seeds and rice puffs), the antioxidant-rich Caramelised Walnut, Roasted Almom Milk (ha, ha) and even a milk-boosting oat-based gelato. The founders may be two very brave men, but their products are road-tested by mummies before they are put up for sale.