Breastfeeding offers important health benefits for both infants and mothers — but for some families in Tennessee, it’s not always easy to maintain. With state breastfeeding rates below the national average, more parents are turning to creative solutions like lactation cookies to help support milk production
According to the Tennessee Department
• 79.1% of Tennessee infants born in 2018 had been breastfed, falling short of the national average of 83.9% of infants.
• By six months of age, only 49.2% of Tennessee babies were still breastfeeding, with only 22.4% of Tennessee babies exclusively breastfeeding.
• At 12 months, the rate dropped to only 32% of Tennessee babies being breastfed.
These figures highlight a significant decline in breastfeeding rates over time, indicating challenges in sustaining breastfeeding practices among Tennessee mothers. To support breastfeeding mothers, lactation cookies have become a popular snack, incorporating ingredients believed to promote milk production.
Why breast feed?
Maury Regional Health, of Columbia, Tennessee, recognized as a “BEST for Babies” birthing hospital, emphasized on their website about the nutritional value of breast milk and its role in mother-infant bonding.
“Breastmilk has significant nutritional value and helps to create immediate bonding between mothers and babies,” their website said.
The site goes on to note the benefits breast milk has for babies, including reduced rates of asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, ear and respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, and gastrointestinal infections. For mothers, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and breast or ovarian cancer.
Understanding Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies are treats made with specific ingredients known as galactagogues, which are substances that may help increase breast milk supply. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes in their Breastfeeding Frequently Asked Questions that milk supply is primarily driven by frequent breastfeeding or pumping, but some mothers turn to galactagogues when their milk production doesn’t meet their baby’s needs.
Some Galactagogues Include
Oats: Rich in iron, which is essential for lactation.
Flaxseed: Contains phytoestrogens that may support milk production.
Brewer’s Yeast: A source of B vitamins and protein, often used to boost energy and milk supply.
Quick Step-by-Step: How to Make Lactation Cookies
Try this easy no-bake lactation cookie recipe that was a lifesaver for me on my breastfeeding journey. Being exact is hard with a baby on your hip, but with a pinch of this and a pinch of that combined with the core recommended ingredients previously mentioned and you are good to go!
Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups oats- any brand will do
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts- this is optional depending on allergies
- 1/2 cup flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
- 1/2 cup milk- I use almond milkj
- 1/2 cup butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped walnuts, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized pot, heat milk, butter, sugar, and cocoa over medium heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue boiling for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in almond butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.
What Foods to Avoid When Trying to Increase Milk Supply
Le Bonheur Registered Lactation Consultant, Ruth Munday, shared this very helpful list of foods that can negatively affect milk supply in the Practical Parenting blog, “5 best and worst foods for breast milk supply.” She guides breastfeeding parents to stay away from:
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
- Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)
- Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor)
- Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)
Is It OK to Not Breast Feed?
Addressing these barriers requires comprehensive strategies, including policy changes, community support programs, and culturally sensitive healthcare practices to support all mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. According to America’s Health Rankings, several factors contribute to lower breastfeeding rates among mothers in Tennessee:
- Lack of Paid Maternity Leave: Many low-income women do not receive paid maternity leave, making it challenging to initiate and sustain breastfeeding.
- Insufficient Workplace Support: Inadequate breaks and facilities at work for pumping breast milk or breastfeeding can hinder a mother’s ability to continue breastfeeding upon returning to work.
- Public Shaming: Negative societal attitudes and shaming of women for breastfeeding in public discourage many from breastfeeding outside the home.
- Previous Breastfeeding Difficulties: Mothers who have experienced challenges with breastfeeding in the past may be less likely to attempt breastfeeding with subsequent children.
- Technical Challenges: Issues such as poor infant positioning and latching can make breastfeeding difficult, leading some mothers to stop.
- Lack of Social Support: A family or social circle that does not approve of or support breastfeeding can significantly impact a mother’s decision and ability to breastfeed.
Addressing these barriers through supportive policies, workplace accommodations, public education, and community support can help improve breastfeeding rates among Tennessee mothers.
It’s crucial to support mothers in their feeding choices, whatever they may be.
