Being a breastfeeding mother is a full time and more. In the time between feedings, diaper changes and struggling to get a few minutes of sleep, it is easy to forget about yourself nutrition.
Yet what you eat can directly affect your breastmilk supply. Thankfully, there are plenty of tasty snacks to increase breastmilk supply fast that are easy to grab and even easier to love.
In this guide, we’ll share ten mom-approved, nutrient-packed snacks that help you stay energized while supporting your breastfeeding journey. By the end, you’ll have simple ideas that can be incorporated into your day without stress.
Why Snacking is Important for Breastfeeding Moms
Your body is on steroids to nourish your baby. Breastfeeding is known to consume up to 500 additional calories every day and thus it is important to maintain your energy levels at an average. Healthy snacks can:
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Deliver the much-needed nutrients to both you and the baby.
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Reinstate natural milk production.
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Keep you active in between meals.
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Assist you in eating well without being intimidated.
It is important to make healthy, lactation-promoting snacks, not just to take any sugary or processed one.
1. Oatmeal Energy Bites
One example of a galactagogue is oats, which increase the amount of milk. They are also good sources of iron, fiber and complex carbs, which are very helpful in maintaining your energy level.
How to make them:
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Combine rolled oats, nut butter (almond or peanut), honey or dates and chia or flax.
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Form into small balls and put into refrigerator.
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Take a bite when you are in need of a quick bite.
Pro Tip: Dried fruits or chocolate chips should be added in order to make it sweet.
2. Nut Butter on Whole-Grain Toast
Nuts contain a lot of protein and healthy fats, which are ideal in maintaining the energy level and inducing lactation.
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Apply whole-grain toast with almond, cashew or peanut butter.
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Add chia seeds or flax seeds as an omega-3.
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Banana slices are a natural sweetener.
Quick Hack: Packages of small nut butters, which you can use as a snack on the major, are kept in your diaper bag.
3. Greek Yogurt with Fruit
Greek yogurt is also a protein and calcium powerhouse and it is also good on your digestive system.
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Serve with topped fresh berries or chopped fruits.
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Sprinkle with oats or granola.
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Add drizzled honey as an added taste.
Why it works: The protein and probiotics in yogurt aid the overall well-being which in turn helps in the production of your milk indirectly.
4. Hummus with Veggies
Hummus is prepared with chickpeas which is a plant galactagogue that contains iron, fiber and proteins.
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Serve with carrot sticks, slices of cucumber, or bell peppers.
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Freeze prepared vegetables in the refrigerator.
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Experience the various tastes of hummus to not get bored.
Bonus: The fiber will make you fuller and will provide you with constant energy.
5. Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies are specially made to increase milk production with oats, flax seed, brewer yeast, etc.
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Prepare a batch of them on the weekend to use in the week.
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You can have a snack made of one or two cookies or have them with tea.
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Individualize with chocolate chips, nuts or dried fruits.
Hack: Go find recipes that do not include refined sugar and that are healthier.
6. Smoothies with Galactagogue Ingredients
Smoothies save lives of busy moms. They are quick, personalized and may be loaded with milk-enhancing ingredients.
Try this combination:
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Oats
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Spinach or kale
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Banana or berries
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Flaxseed or chia seeds
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Almond milk or yogurt
Quick Tip: Prepare in large amounts and freeze some so you can have it when you want it.
7. Trail Mix with Nuts and Seeds
Trail mix is ideal when one wants to have a quick bite and aids in the production of milk with protein, healthy fats and fiber.
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Combine almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit.
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Divide in small bags so as to be convenient.
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Avoid candy and added sugar mixes.
Pro Tip: You can put a couple of dark chocolate chips, and it will be a treat without getting too full of sugar.
8. Boiled Eggs
Eggs contain a lot of protein and choline, which is a nutrient in the development of the brain of your baby.
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Boil a stock at the beginning of the week.
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Add some salt or paprika to the taste.
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Combine with whole-grain crackers or avocado.
Why it works: Protein makes you full and choline helps your baby to stay healthy during the breastfeeding process.
9. Avocado Toast
Avocado contains a lot of healthy fats and fibers as well as vitamins, which make you energetic and deal with milk production.
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Put avocado mash on whole-grain bread.
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Sprinkle either with sesame seeds or with a pinch of salt.
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Add tomato slices or hard-boiled egg for extra nutrients.
Quick Hack: To prevent avocados from turning brown, put the sliced avocados in an airtight container with lemon juice.
10. Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers
Your whole-grain crackers, cheese supplies you with sustained energy, and calcium and protein.
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Team your favourite cheese with seed crackers or whole grains.
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Add slices of apple so as to have a sweet contrast.
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Have little servings to have as snacks.
Tip: Select low sodium cheese in case you consume it regularly.
Extra Tips to Boost Milk Supply Naturally
Snacks are not the only way of supporting lactation. Blend them with healthy habits for the best results:
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Stay hydrated: Water and herbal teas ensure that milk production is maintained.
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Eat regularly: Small meals and snacks every 2–3 hours keep energy levels high.
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Rest when possible: Short naps help your body produce more milk.
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Consider galactagogue herbs: Fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel may help boost milk supply.
Conclusion
Breast feeding is a beautiful and taxing process. What you eat also counts and by snacking on foods that naturally aid in milk production, you stand to gain a lot. Energy bites made of oatmeal, avocado toast, and ten other delicious and convenient snacks make the list of snacks that moms with a lot of work could use.
It is important to note that all moms are different. Certain snacks can suit you better than others could. All you need to do is to listen to your body, be in good condition and have fun during the process. You have a fantastic job to do and some careful snacks will help you feel better about breast feeding, and a lot more fun.
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