Lactation Cookies: Do They Work? (Plus an Easy Recipe)

Lactation cookies are oat-based biscuits made with ingredients said to boost breast milk, such as brewer’s yeast, flaxseed and sometimes fenugreek. The honest answer is that there is no good evidence they increase milk supply. The best trial so far found no difference between lactation cookies and ordinary cookies. They can still be a handy, filling snack during long feeds, and if you enjoy them, there is no harm in eating them in moderation.

What does increase supply is removing milk often and effectively. Below we look at the evidence, the ingredients, what to check before buying in Singapore, and share an easy lactation cookies recipe you can bake at home.

Do lactation cookies work? What the evidence says

The most rigorous study is a randomised controlled trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2023. It followed 176 exclusively breastfeeding parents of two-month-old babies. Half ate lactation cookies containing oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed and fenugreek; the other half ate ordinary cookies with similar calories. After a month, milk production rose by a similar small amount in both groups, and there was no difference in how confident the parents felt about breastfeeding or whether they felt their milk was insufficient.

The researchers concluded that recommending lactation cookies may offer false hope and unnecessary cost at a vulnerable time. One caveat: participants generally already had enough milk, so the study does not tell us much about mums with very low supply. But there is also no good evidence that cookies help in that situation.

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine does not recommend any specific galactagogue (a food, herb or medicine said to increase milk), and stresses that none should replace proper breastfeeding support.

Common lactation cookie ingredients

Our guide to increasing breast milk supply covers fenugreek and other galactagogues in more detail, including prescription options.

Buying lactation cookies in Singapore: what to check

Lactation cookies are widely sold on Shopee and Lazada, by home bakers and in some baby shops, often at a premium price. If you buy them:

• Check the ingredient list for fenugreek. Speak to your doctor first if you have diabetes, asthma, a peanut or chickpea allergy, or take regular medicines.
• Check for allergens such as nuts, gluten, eggs and dairy, especially if your baby has eczema or a suspected food allergy and your doctor has suggested watching your own diet.
• Look at the sugar. Many commercial versions are essentially sweet biscuits. A couple a day is fine; a whole jar is a lot of sugar, especially if you are watching your blood sugar after gestational diabetes.
• Be wary of big claims. “Doubles your supply” or “clinically proven” without a link to a real study is marketing.
• Compare price per cookie. Homemade costs a fraction of the price.

Easy lactation cookies recipe

This recipe makes about 20 cookies. It works as a simple oat cookie without the brewer’s yeast too, which may be just as useful given the evidence.

Ingredients

• 115g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g brown sugar (reduce to 70g for a less sweet cookie)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 120g plain flour
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, left for 5 minutes
• 1 to 2 tbsp brewer’s yeast (optional; debittered if you can find it)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 150g rolled oats
• 80g dark chocolate chips, raisins or chopped dates

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and line two baking trays.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light, then beat in the egg, vanilla and flaxseed mixture.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, brewer’s yeast, baking soda and salt. Stir into the wet mix.
4. Fold in the oats and chocolate chips or fruit.
5. Roll into walnut-sized balls, place on the trays and flatten slightly.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden at the edges. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes.

Storage and tips

• In Singapore’s humidity, keep cookies in an airtight container and eat within about 4 to 5 days, or freeze the dough balls and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two.
• Bake a batch in your third trimester so they are ready for the first weeks.
• Swap half the butter for nut butter for more protein, if nobody in your household has a nut allergy.
• Keep a few by your feeding chair along with a bottle of water.

What actually helps your milk supply

If you are worried about supply, focus on the things with real evidence:

• Feed or pump often, at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours in the early months, including at night.
• Get the latch checked by a lactation consultant if feeds hurt or seem very long.
• Use breast compressions and offer both sides.
• Pump after some feeds or try power pumping if you are expressing.
• Eat regular, balanced meals and drink to thirst. Our breastfeeding diet guide covers what to eat, including local dishes.

Before you try to fix supply, check whether it is really low. Soft breasts, cluster feeding and small pumping volumes are common and often normal. Wet nappies and steady weight gain are better guides. Our breastfeeding guide for new mums explains the signs your baby is getting enough.

The bottom line

Lactation cookies are a pleasant snack, not a proven milk booster. The best trial found they worked no better than ordinary cookies. If you enjoy them, bake your own, go easy on the sugar and check for fenugreek and allergens. For real supply concerns, feed or pump more often and get help from a lactation consultant or the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group early. More support is in our breastfeeding section.