Breastfeeding mothers generally need more calories to meet their dietary needs while breastfeeding. The extra calorie intake should be filled with healthy meals and snacks, one snack, especially lactation cookies. Lactation cookies can be found online and in stores and are simple to make at home.
During homecoming week, Auburn Dietetics students made lactation cookies for distribution to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their families at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The cookies were available at the Tiger Babies Breastfeeding Support Tent for the Homecoming Game vs Georgia State. Auburn School of Nursing students were able to provide lactation cookies to families attending the game.
Lily Zandieh, a doctoral student in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, explains that lactation cookies provide ample nutrients that will support the development of babies. “They contain unique ingredients and add a special twist to the traditional, oatmeal cookies. These cookies contain flaxseed, wheat germ, and nutritional yeast. Research suggests that flax seeds have estrogenic properties that can help nursing moms make more milk. The flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient for the mother of the breast-feeding child. These healthy fats are a healthy component of breast milk to promote a child's brain development. Wheat germ contains the mineral zinc, which can help promote a healthy immune system and may help with postpartum depression. Additionally, wheat germ contains vitamin E, a healthy fat-soluble and oxidant that also strengthens immunity. Some studies suggest vitamin E may reduce the likelihood of the baby developing asthma and respiratory issues later in life. Nutritional yeast is a great source of protein, iron, B vitamins, and other minerals that aid in the developing baby.”
Chante brought her youngest Auburn fan — her 6-week-old son — to the Homecoming game and stopped by the tent to breastfeed and grab some cookies.
Lactation cookies are tasty and full of good-ingredients and are safe for anyone in the family to eat, even those not breastfeeding. Bradley stopped by the tent along with his wife and their 10-week-old daughter prior to heading into the game.
“My wife is always on the go, especially now that she is back at work and has to pump for our daughter who stays at home. She has been so much hungrier since breastfeeding our baby, these cookies will be great for her to have.”
