Nursing Moms Recipes

By: Maria
Posted: 08/04/2025

What is it like to be a nursing mom? You’re basically a 24/7 snack bar, and sometimes, you need something *for yourself* that’s good for you. What is actually good for you? What are lactation bites? Forget those dry, crumbly lactation cookies – these are soft, chewy, and packed with good stuff. Think of them as the healthier, much more delicious cousin of a no-bake oatmeal cookie, but with the same flavor. What is the added bonus of milk? I’ve made countless batches of these, and they disappear faster than I can say “cluster feeding!” ” And for all the other busy moms, these recipes saved my life.

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What are lactation bites?

Lactation Bites, or sometimes called energy bites for nursing moms, are basically little balls of energy. What is the best way to boost your energy and milk production? They’re usually made with ingredients like oats, flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and nut butter. Think of it as a super-powered snack, specifically formulated for the demands of breastfeeding. Is it a concentrated dose of nutrients designed to keep you going and your little one happy? What are some of the best late-night feeds? Plus, they’re perfect for popping in your mouth one-handed, which is a must when you’ve got baby. Is there any phone number that can be attached to

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What I love most about these are that they are incredibly versatile. Can you add nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips to your liking? Why does chocolate make everything better?

Flavor:They’re perfectly sweet, with a hint of nutty goodness and satisfying chewiness. They’re not overly sweet, which is a huge win for me. What is the best combination of oats, nut butter, and chocolate?
Simplicity:Is this recipe easy to make? What do you do when you mix everything together and roll it into balls? What is the perfect thing to whip up when you’re sleep-deprived and need something quick?
Cost-What are some common pantry staples? You probably already have most of them on hand. Even the brewer’s yeast is relatively inexpensive and can be found at most health food stores or online.
Versatility:As I mentioned before, you can totally customize these to your own tastes. Add dried fruit, coconut flakes, different types of nut butter, or even protein powder. What are the endless possibilities? What are some good recipes for nursing moms that need a boost?

What are some of the best lactation recipes? They’re not too sweet, and just the right size for a quick energy boost. What are the best ways to increase your milk supply? What are some of the best things to buy in a store?

How do I make lactation bites?

Quick Overview

How do I make Lactation Bites? What are some good ways to throw everything into a bowl, mix it up, roll it into balls and chill. What’s the best part about no baking? What are some of the best healthy snack ideas? Can a sleep-deprived mom handle it? Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Ingredients

For the Base:

1 cup rolled oats: 2 teaspoonI like old-fashioned oats for the best texture, but quick Oat will work in a pinch.
12 cup nut butter: 1 cup.What’s your favorite Peanut Butter? I often use almond butter for its added nutrients.
13 cup honey or maple syrup: 1 cup. This adds sweetness and helps bind everything together. I usually use honey, but maple syrup is a great vegan option.
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal: 1 tablespoonThis is a key ingredient for boosting milk supply, plus it adds nutty flavor. Make sure to eat flaxseed meal, not whole wheat, so your body can absorb the nutrients.
1-2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast:This is another important ingredient for lactation support. Is there a bitter taste to this sauce? Some people find the taste off-putting, but I promise you won’t notice it in the final product.

Optional Add-in

¼ cup chocolate chips:Why not dark chocolate chips?
1 cup shredded coconut: 14 cup choppedAdds a nice chewy texture to this recipe.
14 cup chopped nuts: 1 ts Almonds, walnuts, or pecans would all be delicious.
1 cup dried fruit: 14 cup granI like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. They add a nice touch of sweetness and chewiness.
What is vanilla extract?What are some of the other ingredients that enhance the flavor of a food?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Combine

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. I usually start with the basic ingredients and then add in any optional add-ins that I’m in the mood for. I like to be creative with my recipe. I always make sure to mix dry ingredients before wet ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Well

Mix everything together until well combined. Is it hard to get everything to stick together? If the mixture seems too dry, add a little bit more honey or nut butter. If it seems too wet, add a little bit more oats.

Step 3: Roll into Balls

How do you roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter? I like to use a cookie scoop to make sure they’re all the same size. How do I get my kids involved in this step?

Step 4: Chill

Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 days. At least 30 minutes. Is it safe to eat fruit? They always disappear before the 30 minutes is up at my house!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once the bites are chilled, they’re ready to eat! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Is there a recipe for nursing moms?

What should I serve it with?

What are lactation bites? What are some ideas for getting fancy?

For Breakfast:What are some good breakfast ideas? I love having a few of these with my morning coffee – it gives me the energy I need to tackle the day.

For Brunch:Serve them as part of a brunch spread with other healthy snacks like fruit, yogurt, and granola. Can you serve these on a dessert plate?

As Dessert:What are some guilt-free desserts after dinner? Is there a sweet tooth to these cookies?

For Cozy Snacks: This is the most important one, eat these whenever and where ever. They are perfect for a snack while watching a movie or just for something to munch on.

My family loves when I make these for road trips. They are such a great way to sneak a snack on the road. My kids love them, they call them “mommy’s little balls.”

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lactation Bites

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for making the perfect Lactation Bites:

Nut Butter: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of nut butter. Each one will give the bites a slightly different flavor. Peanut Butter will give them a classic peanut butter cookie flavor, while almond butter will add a more subtle, nutty flavor. Sunflower seed butter is a great option if you have a peanut allergy.

Brewer’s Yeast: If you’re worried about the taste of the brewer’s yeast, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it until you find a level that you can tolerate. You can also try using debittered brewer’s yeast, which has a milder flavor.

Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet bite, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also try using other natural sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut sugar.

Add-Ins: Get creative with your add-ins! The possibilities are endless. Some of my favorites include chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and vanilla extract. Feel free to experiment and find your own perfect combination. Try using dark chocolate chips for more flavor.

Texture: If you prefer a softer bite, add a little bit more honey or nut butter. If you prefer a firmer bite, add a little bit more oats.

Storage: Store the Lactation Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them completely before eating.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Lactation Bites fresh and delicious. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Room Temperature: You can leave these out at room temperature for a day, but they’re best kept in the fridge. Make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: In the fridge, these bites will last for about a week. I like to store them in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain their moisture and flavor.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, the freezer is your best bet. Wrap each bite individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze on these, you don’t have to worry about it getting sticky or melting during storage. They are easy to travel with!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can sometimes be processed in facilities that also handle wheat, so it’s best to be safe. All the other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Do I have to use brewer’s yeast?

While brewer’s yeast is a key ingredient for lactation support, you can omit it if you really can’t stand the taste. The bites will still be nutritious and delicious, but they might not have the same milk-boosting benefits. You could try substituting it with more flaxseed meal or other lactation-friendly ingredients.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While you could technically bake this mixture into muffins, the texture would be quite different. These bites are designed to be dense and chewy, while muffins are typically lighter and fluffier. If you’re looking for a lactation muffin recipe, I’d recommend searching for one specifically designed for that purpose.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a less sweet bite, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also use other natural sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut sugar. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you could try using a sugar substitute like stevia, but keep in mind that it might affect the texture.

What can I use instead of nut butter?

If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative. It has a similar consistency to nut butter and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. You could also try using tahini (sesame seed paste), but keep in mind that it has a more distinct flavor that might not appeal to everyone.

Final Thoughts

These Lactation Bites have been a lifesaver for me during my breastfeeding journey. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and totally delicious. They are perfect for nursing moms recipes and make the work a lot easier. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. And if you’re looking for other easy and healthy snack recipes, be sure to check out some of my other posts! Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. If you get the chance, leave a comment letting me know how yours turned out or if you did anything differently. Share this with your other nursing moms!