Breastfeeding and Lactation Cookies

We are so excited once the baby has arrived! The hard work is over! Pregnancy ungainliness, ill-fitting clothing, and aches are all over with! I think many of us prep, think and wonder about the pregnancy, try to avoid thinking about labor and forget all about thinking about how we might cope with breastfeeding. If this is your first baby, this is especially true! I loved this post on some healthy snacks to have prepared for breastfeeding hunger pangs... Also, over at Life as a Mom, she speaks of the real life joys and sorrows of breastfeeding, while all the while rejoicing that she did it. I think that those last few months of preparing before your baby is born, it is a good idea to help prep the fridge, freezer and pantry a bit too. The first 6-8 weeks when you have a new baby, you may be cooking one handed. There will be times you may be starving to death, and just need a quick snack. It is actually more important with breastfeeding to be eating enough calories, and maintaining a healthy diet for your milk supply. A not so unwelcome treat that can actually help your milk supply would be these oatmeal cookies. Don't overdo it, but a couple will help that oatmeal and flax seed go down smooth with a glass of milk or a cup of Mother's Milk tea. These cookies freeze well and are tasty for anyone, not just breastfeeding moms. Last weekend, we served them at a Early Childhood fair and I heard nothing, but compliments on them!

Lactation Cookies From the Kitchen of Martha Artyomenko Serves 50

Ingredients: 2 c. oil 4 eggs

2 c. brown sugar 3 ¼ c. flour (I used whole wheat flour)

1 c. white sugar ¼ c. flax seeds

2 t. vanilla 6 ¼ c. oats (quick cooking)

2 t. baking soda 2 t. baking powder

1 t. salt 2 T. brewers yeast

Directions: Mix oil, sugars, vanilla together. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in all other ingredients. Mix well.

Add craisins, chocolate chips, or M&M’s if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes

This makes a very large batch, but you can freeze them well.