It’s time to separate fact from fiction—and serve up a smarter solution for breastfeeding mothers.

Ever catch yourself wondering if lactation cookies do what they claim? Can a cookie really make you produce more breast milk or is it too good to be true? 

The truth is that lactation cookies don't deliver on their promise. Like regular cookies, they’re loaded with refined sugars, processed carbohydrates, and ingredients that offer little benefit for breastfeeding. Fortunately, Nunona’s Mama Bites are a nutrient-dense alternative and scientifically-designed to support high-quality breast milk to give your baby a strong start for lifelong health.  

What are lactation cookies? 

Lactation cookies are supposedly designed to help nursing mothers increase their milk supply. They typically contain galactagogue ingredients, substances claimed to stimulate breast milk production¹, plus standard cookie ingredients like sugar, processed white flour, butter, nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit. 

Do lactation cookies work?

When we dive into the science, research on lactation cookies and their impact on breastfeeding is limited. One randomized controlled trial² found that lactation cookies had no effect on breast milk production, concluding that they provide false hope and unnecessary costs during an already vulnerable time.

Unfortunately, the marketing behind lactation cookies strongly appeals to breastfeeding mothers who are eager to nourish their babies and often worry about milk supply. The desire of new mothers to believe they work has fueled the American market for these products, driving annual revenues to nearly $200 million. 

Lactation specialist, Morgan Dixon tells us, “The problem of marketing lactation cookies is that it inherently comes from a place of lack, implying that you don't have enough milk and therefore, you need an external source to increase your milk supply. Clinically speaking, diagnosed low milk supply is quite rare, while perceived low milk supply is common, the latter which is quite often perpetuated by predatory marketing by these companies.”

Nutritional needs of postpartum mothers

Lactation cookies are not much different from regular cookies and don’t meet the nutritional needs of breastfeeding mothers. It’s concerning that new mothers rely on processed cookies as a source of postpartum nutrition—they deserve so much better. Postpartum nutrition needs to provide energy, fuel recovery, stabilize blood sugars and enhance the nutritional profile of breastmilk. Fortunately, there is now an option available that delivers all of this: Nunona’s pre+postnatal Mama Bites. Here’s a simple breakdown of what nursing moms truly need:

Calories 

Breastfeeding demands an additional 450 to 500 calories per day, and without enough, your breastmilk supply may be affected. These additional calories should come from a balanced diet featuring whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Nunona mama bites offer the nutrients your body needs to support lactation by providing 270 calories (over half of the required extra) using real, organic foods like sunflower seeds, spinach, oats, dates, and nut butter.

Healthy fats and protein for a balanced blood sugar level 

Fats and protein are essential in a nursing mother’s diet, particularly because they help stabilize blood sugar levels. Since they’re digested at a slower rate, they slow down the digestion of carbohydrates (or sugars), preventing blood sugar from spiking or dropping too drastically. Packaged as four easy bites you can eat throughout the day, Nunona provides 14 to 18 grams of healthy fats from sources like nut butters, flaxseed, sunflower lecithin, and microalgae oil, along with 6 to 9 grams of protein from nut butters and oats. 

Dixon adds, “Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels postpartum could possibly lead to balanced hormones. And balanced hormones put your body and mind in a better environment for you to produce breast milk amidst lower overall stress levels.”

Omega 3

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays a key role in the membranes of every cell in the body, and is especially important for brain development. Nunona provides 200 milligrams of DHA from non-GMO microalgae to ensure your breast milk supports your baby's growth, while also supporting postpartum mental health^3. 

Choline

Nunona contains choline, a nutrient that regulates memory, mood, muscle control, and brain development. It's also essential for building the membranes that protect your cells. Nunona includes sunflower lecithin, a great source of choline, and bonus: it can also help prevent clogged milk ducts.

Galactagogues

While galactagogues are anecdotally thought to boost breast milk supply, research on their effectiveness is limited. The best way to improve milk supply is with frequent pumping and breastfeeding. Dixon says, “While there is anecdotal evidence of galactagogues increasing milk supply, the only clinically validated way to increase supply is by more frequent expression, either from breastfeeding and/or pumping/hand expressing.”

If you decide to add galactagogues to your diet, choose nutrient-rich options like oats, which supply whole grains, fiber, protein, and B vitamins. Every flavor of Nunona’s pre+postnatal supplement includes organic oats.

Are lactation cookies too good to be true? Our takeaway

Yes! In fact they can leave you feeling worse, spiking and then dropping your blood sugars when your hormones are already unbalanced. Lactation cookies are not a silver bullet to increase breastmilk supply or prevent supply issues; in fact, the research says otherwise with the marketing of lactation cookies selling hope, but not evidence. 

While many mothers have shared that Nunona helps increase their milk supply, we don’t make claims that aren’t supported by evidence. What we do know is that preventing supply issues starts with maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and following a consistent or on-demand feeding schedule. By including Nunona in your postpartum routine, you’re proactively supporting your postpartum recovery and ensuring your breast milk is nutrient-rich to set your baby up for a lifetime of health.

References:

1. Foong SC, Tan ML, Foong WC, Marasco LA, Ho JJ, Ong JH. Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non-hospitalised term infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;5(5):CD011505. Published 2020 May 18. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011505.pub2
2. Palacios AM, Cardel MI, Parker E, et al. Effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production rates: a randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2023;117(5):1035-1042. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.03.010
3. Hsu MC, Tung CY, Chen HE. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in prevention and treatment of maternal depression: Putative mechanism and recommendation. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2018;238:47-61. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.018