When should I start eating lactation cookies—before or after birth?

You can start at three common stages: late pregnancy (around 35–37 weeks) to support nutritional foundations, early postpartum (days 1–5) as your body transitions to mature milk and you need easy fuel, or anytime during established breastfeeding if you notice a supply dip or need extra support. There’s no single ‘right’ start date—choose the stage that matches your goal.

How many lactation cookies should I eat per day for best results?

A practical approach is to start with 1–2 cookies per day (especially in late pregnancy or week 1 postpartum) and increase to 2–3 per day if you’re using them for ongoing support or a supply dip. Avoid more than 4 per day—more isn’t better and can increase bloating or digestive discomfort for you (and sometimes baby).

How long does it take for lactation cookies to work?

Many mums who respond notice a change within 24–72 hours of consistent daily intake, while others need 5–7 days. Consistency matters more than the exact time of day—give them a full week of daily use before deciding they’re not helping.

Can I eat lactation cookies while pregnant?

Many mums choose to start in late pregnancy (around 35–37 weeks) for nutritional support and routine-building. Keep it moderate (typically 1–2 cookies/day), choose simple ingredient lists, and be mindful of sugar content—especially if you’re managing gestational diabetes or blood sugar concerns. If you have individual medical considerations, check with your healthcare provider.

What time of day should I eat lactation cookies?

There’s no single best time. Some mums like one 30–60 minutes before pumping/feeding, while others find it easiest to attach cookies to consistent daily moments (morning tea, afternoon snack, or a night-feed snack). The most effective strategy is the one you can repeat daily.

Should I start with a full dose straight away?

No—starting too fast is a common reason for digestive upset. Begin with 1–2 per day for a few days so you can assess tolerance, then increase to 2–3 per day if needed. If you or baby becomes gassy or unsettled, reduce the amount and consider whether a different formulation may suit you better.

Do lactation cookies work on their own, or do I still need to feed/pump frequently?

You still need the fundamentals. Milk supply is primarily driven by frequent, effective milk removal. Lactation cookies can support your nutrition and help create better conditions for supply, but they won’t override low demand, ineffective latch, or poor milk transfer.

When should I seek help for low supply instead of relying on cookies?

Seek professional support promptly if baby has poor weight gain, fewer wet nappies than expected, very dark urine, lethargy, or persistent feeding concerns. If you’ve tried consistent daily lactation support and the fundamentals for a week with no improvement—and you’re worried about intake—an IBCLC or the Australian Breastfeeding Association can help identify the root cause and build a personalised plan.

When Should I Start Eating Lactation Cookies? Timing, Dosage & What Australian Mothers Need to Know

By Kelly Northey, Certified Postpartum Nutrition Professional

Founder of Nella Vosk • 14+ years supporting families across motherhood, feeding, and early childhood wellbeing

When Should I Start Eating Lactation Cookies? Timing, Dosage & What Australian Mothers Need to Know

One of the most common questions Australian mothers ask about lactation cookies is simple: when should I actually start eating them? This article is part of our Breastfeeding Nutrition & Milk Supply Guide and focuses specifically on timing—when to introduce lactation cookies, how many to eat, and how to use them strategically at different stages of your breastfeeding journey.

The Short Answer: When to Start Eating Lactation Cookies

You can start eating lactation cookies at three key stages:

1. Late pregnancy (35-37 weeks): To build nutritional foundations before birth

2. Immediately after birth (days 1-5): The most common starting point, supporting your transition to mature milk

3. Anytime during established breastfeeding: When you notice supply dips or need extra support

There's no single "right" time—it depends on your goals and circumstances.

Starting Lactation Cookies in Late Pregnancy (35-37 Weeks)

Some mothers choose to begin eating lactation cookies in the final weeks of pregnancy. This isn't about forcing your milk to come in early—that's not how lactation works—but about building a nutritional foundation.

Why Some Mothers Start Before Birth

Nutritional preparation: Quality lactation cookies contain ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and eggs that provide iron, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support your body as it prepares for breastfeeding.

Colostrum expression: If you're planning to hand express colostrum before birth, having nutrient-dense snacks on hand makes sense.

Establishing a routine: Getting into the habit before the chaos of newborn life can make the postpartum transition smoother.

If you choose to start before birth, 1-2 cookies per day is typically sufficient. For guidance on ingredients, see our article on what makes lactation cookies healthy.

Starting Immediately After Birth (Days 1-5)

This is the most common time to begin eating lactation cookies, and for good reason. In the first days after birth, you're recovering physically while your body transitions from producing colostrum to mature milk. You need convenient, nutrient-dense fuel—and you likely don't have time or energy to prepare elaborate meals.

How many to eat: Start with 1-2 cookies per day during the first week. This allows you to assess how your body responds and check for any digestive reactions. You can increase to 2-3 per day in weeks 2-4 if desired. For evidence on effectiveness, see do lactation cookies really work.

Starting During Established Breastfeeding (6+ Weeks)

Many mothers don't think about lactation cookies until they notice a dip in supply or face a new challenge. This is completely valid—you can introduce them anytime.

Common reasons to start later:

Supply dips around 6-8 weeks, during growth spurts, or when your cycle returns
Returning to work and pumping challenges
Illness or significant stress
Weaning from night feeds

When using cookies for supply support, 2-3 per day is typical. Consistency matters more than quantity.

Explore our full healthy Lactation Cookies collection today and discover just how healthy lactation cookies can be for both you and your baby.

Nella Vosk Nourish Mama Lactation Cookies Choc Chip | Breastfeeding Support Snack

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Nella Vosk Nourish Mama Lactation Cookies - Fennel & Fenugreek | Breastfeeding Support Snack

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Nella Vosk Nourish Mama Lactation & Pregnancy Cookies White Choc & Ginger | Breastfeeding Support Snack & Morning Sickness Relief

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How Many Lactation Cookies Should You Eat Per Day?

General guidelines:

Late pregnancy: 1-2 per day (nutritional foundation)
Early postpartum week 1: 1-2 per day (recovery support)
Establishing supply weeks 2-6: 2-3 per day (ongoing support)
Addressing supply dip: 2-3 per day (targeted support)
Maintenance: 1-2 per day (sustained support)

Avoid eating more than 4 per day. More isn't better, and excessive consumption can cause gas and bloating for you and potentially digestive discomfort for baby through breast milk.

For information on choosing quality products, see our guide to the best lactation cookies in Australia.

Strategic Timing: When During the Day to Eat Lactation Cookies

Before feeding or pumping: Some mothers eat a cookie 30-60 minutes before nursing or pumping, allowing time for galactagogue processing.

Consistent daily timing: Others prefer the same time each day—morning tea, afternoon snack, or before bed.

When you're hungry: Breastfeeding burns 300-500 extra calories daily. Having nutritious snacks available means you're fueling well.

The bottom line: There's no single "best" time. Consistent daily consumption matters most.

Common Mistakes When Starting Lactation Cookies

Mistake 1: Starting too many too fast. Jumping from zero to four cookies daily can cause digestive upset. Start with 1-2.

Mistake 2: Expecting immediate results. While some notice changes in 24-48 hours, others need 3-5 days. Don't give up after one day.

Mistake 3: Relying on cookies alone. Lactation cookies support supply—they don't create it. The fundamentals still matter: frequent milk removal, hydration, overall nutrition, rest.

Mistake 4: Ignoring digestive reactions. If you or baby experience increased gas or fussiness, consider a brewer's yeast-free option.

Mistake 5: Choosing based on flavour alone. Not all products are formulated equally. Look at the full ingredient list.

Safety Considerations

During pregnancy: Most ingredients are pregnancy-safe. Stick to 1-2 per day, choose simple ingredients, and check sugar content if you have gestational diabetes.

While breastfeeding: Watch for your reactions (digestive discomfort) and baby's reactions (increased fussiness, gas).

When to seek help: Contact a lactation consultant or the Australian Breastfeeding Association if you have persistent supply concerns, baby isn't gaining weight appropriately, or dietary changes aren't helping.

For comprehensive resources, visit our Lactation Cookies Australia hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

: You can start either before or after birth. Many mothers begin in late pregnancy (35-37 weeks) to build nutritional foundations, while others start immediately postpartum.

The most common approach is starting in the first few days after birth, eating 1-2 cookies daily and increasing to 2-3 as needed. Choose based on your circumstances and goals.
: Most mothers find 2-3 cookies per day effective for milk supply support, though 1-2 may be sufficient for general maintenance. Avoid exceeding 4 per day, as excessive intake of certain ingredients can cause digestive issues.

Consistency matters more than quantity—eating 2 cookies daily is more effective than irregular higher amounts.
: Most mothers notice changes within 1-3 days of consistent daily consumption, though individual responses vary. Some report effects within 24-48 hours, while others need 5-7 days.

If you've eaten cookies consistently for a week without change, consider whether the product suits your needs or whether professional support is needed.
: Yes, most lactation cookies are safe during pregnancy, particularly those with simple, whole-food ingredients. Limit consumption to 1-2 per day and focus on nutritional benefits rather than milk supply.

Check ingredient lists and monitor sugar content if you have gestational diabetes.
: There's no single best time—consistency matters more than specific timing. Some mothers eat a cookie 30-60 minutes before feeding or pumping sessions.

Others prefer consistent daily timing or simply eating when hungry. Choose an approach that fits your routine.

Nella Vosk Lactation Cookie Gift Hamper – Baby Shower Present

Next Steps

Understanding when to start is just one piece of the puzzle. For the complete picture:

Return to our comprehensive guide: Breastfeeding Nutrition & Milk Supply Guide

Learn more:

Ready to try quality lactation cookies? Browse our lactation cookies Australia collection—formulated with coconut oil, no brewer's yeast, and designed for comfortable everyday consumption.

About the Author

Kelly Northey is the Founder of Nella Vosk and a Certified Postpartum Nutrition Professional (CPPNP) with over 14 years of experience supporting Australian families through pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and childhood wellness challenges.

Kelly's practical approach to breastfeeding nutrition comes from both professional training and lived experience. She understands that new mothers need clear, actionable guidance—not complicated advice that adds to the overwhelm. When developing the Nourish Mama lactation cookie range, Kelly focused on creating products mothers could comfortably eat every day: coconut oil for breastfeeding-supportive fats, no brewer's yeast to avoid common digestive issues, and moderate sweetness suitable for daily consumption.

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These cookies are no joke!
I had two randomly not thinking much of it and I was so engorged my armpits were hurting with milk supply 😂 so now I’m just having one when I feel my boobs aren’t making enough. Actual crazy!

I went to visit a friend who became a mum not too long ago. This was part of a gift pack I gave her and I think out of all the things in there, she was looking forward to trying this out the most. She's always been a big fan of organic ingredients so this was perfect.

We each made a cup after lunch. Even though the ingredients are geared towards postpartum support, I didn't hesitate to try some because the powder smelled delicious. For something that is dairy free, it tasted really good and soothing. It was a bit chilly that day so having this warm drink to sip on was perfect.

My friend really likes her food and drinks as organic and simple as possible, so the subtle sweetness of this suited her fine. She had hers with a bit of plant based milk. I added some sugar and milk to mine as well to elevate the taste. Really recommend this as a gift.

Got this for my wife and she loved it. She said it tasted great and is the perfect alternative for coffee for her. Recommended!

Beautiful natural ingredients. It is plant based, caffeine free and breastfeeding mum friendly. I the scent is earthy, fruity and faintly like liquorice. It tastes nice and comforting

Lovely tasting tea both hot and cold. I am not a lactating mother but I wanted this tea to drink for immune benefits and because it’s a refreshing taste. Looking forward to making it into a cold tea for hot summer days and the benefits that come with the quality ingredients.

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When Should I Start Eating Lactation Cookies? Timing, Dosage & What Australian Mothers Need to Know

The Short Answer: When to Start Eating Lactation Cookies

Starting Lactation Cookies in Late Pregnancy (35-37 Weeks)

Why Some Mothers Start Before Birth

Starting Immediately After Birth (Days 1-5)

Starting During Established Breastfeeding (6+ Weeks)

Explore our full healthy Lactation Cookies collection today and discover just how healthy lactation cookies can be for both you and your baby.

How Many Lactation Cookies Should You Eat Per Day?

Strategic Timing: When During the Day to Eat Lactation Cookies

Common Mistakes When Starting Lactation Cookies

Safety Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

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