Lactation Cookies 101: Do They Work and What's Inside?

You're sitting there at 2am, baby finally asleep after another marathon feeding session, scrolling through yet another forum thread about milk supply. Someone mentions lactation cookies. Again. You've seen them everywhere—at the chemist, in Instagram ads, recommended by that mum at playgroup. But here's what you're really wondering: Do they actually work, or is this just another product promising miracles to exhausted parents?

Let's cut through the noise with evidence, not hype.

This article is part of our comprehensive Breastfeeding Nutrition & Milk Supply: Evidence-Based Guide for Australian Mothers. While that pillar guide covers the full spectrum of nutritional strategies for supporting lactation, this article focuses specifically on one question: what lactation cookies actually are, whether scientific evidence supports their use, and how to evaluate them realistically.

For broader milk supply strategies, refer to the main guide. Here, we're examining one specific tool in the toolbox.

Here's the honest answer: scientific evidence for lactation cookies specifically is limited and largely inconclusive.

A 2023 study published in the Breastfeeding Medicine journal compared mothers who consumed lactation cookies with those eating regular cookies. The research found no significant difference in milk production between the two groups.

Does this mean lactation cookies are useless? Not necessarily. But it does mean we need to be realistic about what they can and cannot do.

What We Know From Research

The challenge with studying lactation cookies is that they contain multiple ingredients, each with varying levels of evidence behind them. Some of the individual components show promise in small studies, but comprehensive research on the combined effect in cookie form remains sparse.

More importantly, milk supply is influenced by numerous factors—frequency of feeding or pumping, hydration, overall caloric intake, stress levels, and hormonal balance. No single food can override these fundamental drivers of lactation.

If you're concerned about low milk supply, understanding the evidence-based ways to increase milk supply is more important than relying on any one product.

Even without robust clinical proof, many parents report feeling their supply improved after eating lactation cookies. Lactation consultants and nutritionists suggest several indirect reasons this might happen:

1. Increased Caloric Intake

Breastfeeding requires an extra 300–500 calories per day. For busy, exhausted parents struggling to find time to eat proper meals, lactation cookies provide a convenient, calorie-dense snack that helps meet these increased energy demands.

Your body prioritizes milk production, but it needs fuel to do so. Sometimes the "boost" parents notice isn't from magical ingredients—it's simply from finally eating enough.

2. Hydration

Many people naturally drink a glass of water, tea, or milk when eating cookies. Staying well-hydrated is genuinely critical for milk production. The act of sitting down with a snack and a drink may be doing more for supply than the cookie itself.

3. Stress Reduction

The psychological comfort of a treat combined with the feeling of taking proactive action can lower stress levels. Lower stress improves the let-down reflex and milk flow. This isn't placebo—it's the very real connection between mental state and lactation hormones.

4. Nutritional Support

Ingredients like oats (rich in iron) and brewer's yeast (high in B vitamins) may help combat maternal fatigue and support overall wellness. When you feel better physically, your body functions better—including lactation.

These indirect benefits are valuable. Supporting your body through nutrition creates conditions for healthy milk production, even if individual ingredients aren't proven galactagogues.

If you decide to try lactation cookies, here's how to choose wisely:

Prioritize Real Food Ingredients

Look for cookies made with whole oats, real butter or quality oils, and minimal processed ingredients. Some commercial options are loaded with refined sugar and unhealthy fats, which may work against postpartum health goals.

Check Sugar Content

Many lactation cookies contain excessive sugar. While some sugar provides quick energy, too much can contribute to blood sugar crashes, inflammation, and unwanted weight retention. Aim for cookies with moderate sugar levels and natural sweeteners where possible.

Consider Allergen-Friendly Options

If you or your baby have food sensitivities, seek out allergy-friendly lactation support options free from common allergens like dairy, gluten, or nuts.

Read the Full Ingredient List

Avoid cookies with artificial additives, preservatives, or ingredients you can't identify. The closer to homemade quality, the better.

Realistic Serving Sizes

Some brands recommend eating numerous cookies per day to see results. This can add up to significant calories and sugar. Consider whether this fits your nutritional goals.

Mistake #1: Using Them as a Standalone Solution

Lactation cookies aren't magic. The most effective way to maintain or increase supply is frequent, effective milk removal through nursing or pumping. No food can replace this fundamental principle.

If you're experiencing supply concerns, cookies are a potential complement to evidence-based strategies—not a replacement for them.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Overall Diet Quality

Eating lactation cookies while neglecting other nutritional needs won't help. Your body needs adequate protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and micronutrients to produce milk efficiently. Think of lactation cookies as a convenient snack within a broader, nourishing diet—not a nutritional band-aid.

Mistake #3: Not Staying Hydrated

Even the "best" lactation cookie won't help if you're chronically dehydrated. Breast milk is 87% water. If you're not drinking enough fluids, no amount of cookies will compensate. Consider pairing your cookies with breastfeeding-friendly hydration drinks that provide electrolytes and support your body's increased fluid needs.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Stress and Sleep

Stress and exhaustion suppress lactation hormones. If you're running on empty, cookies won't fix that. Rest, support, and stress management are crucial components of maintaining supply.

Mistake #5: Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed

If you're genuinely concerned about low supply, eating cookies while avoiding professional support delays getting the help you need. Contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or reach out to the Australian Breastfeeding Association. They can identify the root cause and provide targeted solutions.

Lactation cookies can be a convenient, comforting part of your breastfeeding journey—just keep expectations realistic. They're a tool, not a miracle cure.

For comprehensive guidance on supporting your milk supply naturally, explore our complete Breastfeeding Nutrition & Milk Supply Guide, which covers evidence-based nutrition strategies, hydration needs, and practical meal planning for busy parents.

If you'd like to try quality lactation support products, explore our Australian-made lactation cookies formulated with real food ingredients and designed to complement—not replace—the fundamentals of breastfeeding support.

Remember: you're already doing an incredible job nourishing your baby. The fact that you're here, researching and learning, shows your dedication. Trust yourself, fuel your body well, and seek support when you need it.

👉 Explore our full Lactation Cookies Collection to stock up, or dive deeper into tips and support in our Breastfeeding Blog.

Whether you’re a choc-chip lover or prefer the herbal boost of fennel and fenugreek, both options are here to keep your milk flowing and your body nourished. 💚