Don’t follow the trend: Expert warns there is NO evidence cookies can help with lactation – but says they won’t do any harm either
- Lactation cookie have become a huge market in Western cultures
- They contain ingredients believed to be galactagogues which boost milk
- Mothers reveal anecdotal success stories and buy 12 cookies for around $24AUD
- But Evelyn Volders says there is no evidence to support the cookies
New mothers have long been heaped with bizarre advice to boost lactation – from a pint of Guinness to a bowl of porridge.
Lactation cookies are the latest suggestion, with breastfeeding women sharing their success stories on forums and social media.
Now an expert has said there is no evidence to support the wholesome biscuits – but added there is no harm on stocking the cupboards anyway.
An expert has warned there is no evidence cookies can help with lactation. Pictured, a new mother poses with her baby and cookies on Instagram
Lactation cookies are the latest on the trendy market for new mothers. Franjos Kitchen sell lactation cookies and say ‘We know our bikkies help mothers’
There are many anecdotals from mothers who claim their breast milk supply has boosted after just one cookie. Pictured, glowing reviews for Jane’s Happy Baby which sells a two month subscription service, providing 10 dozen cookies for £155.22 ($189.50)
Evelyn Volders, a qualified lactation consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, said: ‘Lactation cookies, or biscuits, aren’t going to do women any harm.’
But, writing in a piece in The Conversation, she added ‘there’s no evidence they can promote milk flow, either’.
‘Breastfeeding mothers almost all question their milk supply at one time or another, and will naturally look for solutions to ensure their milk flow is meeting baby’s needs,’ she added.
Women have made businesses from their own kitchens, shipping homemade cookies across the globe.
Lactation cookies contain oats, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast, all of which are said to be galactogogues – substances that promotes lactation.
Galactogogues, which work by increasing the production of the hormone prolactin, can come from natural sources like plants or be synthetic.
There is little evidence that food sources of galactogogues actually increase milk supply like medication galactogogues do. Pictured, Made to Milk’s ‘milk boosting goodness’ cookies
Studies have shown some medications, such as metoclopramide and particularly domperidone, are effective.
‘But very little evidence exists to support specific foods to increase milk supply,’ said Ms Volders, also a senior lecturer in nutrition and dietetics at Monash University.
THE INGREDIENTS: WHAT GOES INTO LACTATION COOKIES
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Maya Feller provided a breakdown of the ingredients most commonly used in lactation cookies and how it is believed they affect breast milk production.
OATS
A good source of fiber and provides potassium, iron, protein and calcium. Feller said: ‘It’s possible that oats are suggested because they are a great source of iron and iron deficiency can be associated with decreased milk supply.’
FLAX
Provides an abundance of omega 3 and fiber which makes it fall under the antioxidant category.
FENUGREEK
May interact with warfarin (for blood thinning).
‘If people are on blood sugar lowering medication as well as lipid lowering medication they would want to tell their health care provider if they are using large quantities on a regular basis,’ said Feller, citing recent studies that have found there is a lowing effect for both blood sugar and lipids.
BREWER’S YEAST
While it is thought to be a galactaguogue, there isn’t enough science to ‘back it up’ but it is very nutritious and gives iron, b vitamins and protein.
An article which reviewed sources of galactogogues was published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine in 2018 by associate professor Wendy Brodribb and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
They wrote: ‘Many [cultured] also have traditional foods and herbs for postpartum women that are meant to increase the mother’s strength and enhance lactation
‘While the fact that these herbs have been used for centuries without apparent harm is reassuring, there is also little or no scientific evidence for their effectiveness or safety.’
It’s not clear why oats, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast became known for potentially boosting milk supply, along with other foods such as thistle.
Many cultures have their own remedies to increase milk supply, and it is likely old traditions have been commercialised.
Lactation cookies can be bought in online or in stores. Most sell 12 cookies for around £13.29 ($16.22) and offer a rolling subscription.
There are also recipes online where mothers reel off anecdotal success stories, claiming they had a surge in milk supply after eating just one cookie.
One mother wrote a review on recipe site bellybelly.com: ‘YES, they DO WORK!…
‘I munch a couple of bikkies and have a big drink of water. I can feel my boobies expanding with fresh milk!’
Mother-of-three Jennifer Acuna told DailyMail.com in 2017 she has become a fully-fledged entrepreneur having landed such success with her cookies she needs to move her business from her own small kitchen in Pennsylvania to a 2400sq ft bakery.
If a mother has the belief the cookies – or any other home remedy – will treat her low milk supply, it may work due to placebo effect, Ms Volders suggested.
She said: ‘A small study looking at the use of herbal supplements in breastfeeding identified confidence was an important reason for using these products.
‘And we know for mothers, confidence in their ability to breastfeed successfully can play a role in duration and success of breastfeeding.’
So long as the cookies aren’t being eaten in excess, and part of a healthy diet, there is no reason to stop eating them.
Especially because women who are lactating have increased energy needs, Ms Volders said.
Lactaction cookies contain three ingredients – oats, flaxseed and brewers yeast – which are believed to be galactogogues. Pictured, Bosom Cookies
There are many anecdotals from mothers who claim their breast milk supply has boosted after just one cookie. Pictured, Milk and Cookies by Jewels
But the expert said it is best for women concerned about their milk supply to see a professional who will be able to assess if there is a problem and how to treat it.
They will be able to come up with some evidence-based treatments, or tips such as those stated by the NHS.
For example, one way to boost breast milk supply is to express some milk after feeding is finished.
Ms Volders said: ‘The simplest way to produce more milk is to feed more often, as the body responds to increased feeding by increasing prolactin and hence milk production.
‘For women who are concerned about low milk supply, relying only on lactation biscuits is not sensible.’
MailOnline has contacted the companies in this piece to provide a response.
BREAST IS BEST, DECADES OF RESEARCH SHOWS
According to the World Health Organization, the only way a baby can be guaranteed optimal growth, development and health is through exclusive breastfeeding.
That means the baby consumes nothing but breast milk – except for the option of adding vitamin D supplements – for half a year.
The American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months.
After that, both agencies recommend gradually introducing solids, but continuing to breastfeed for up to two years.
There are decades of research showing the benefits of breast over bottle.
Former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin outlined the key points in a landmark report in 2013.
Crucially, breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia.
Breastfed babies have been shown to be less likely to develop asthma since their immune system is boosted by their mothers’ nutrients.
At least six months of exclusive breastfeeding has also been shown to lower a baby’s risk of obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
The primary issue with bottle-feeding is financial: it can be costly for many parents struggling to cope with the economic burden of a new baby.
While 75 percent of mothers start out breastfeeding, only 13 percent are still breastfeeding at six months.
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