I promise that this blog won't turn into all motherhood related topics, but I tend to share things that relate to what's at hand in my own life. Becoming a mom being at the top of that list lately!

I never thought I would call myself a food source. I mean, I love food and I think an awful lot about nutrition, but having my body make food? Breastfeeding had never crossed my mind in that way until recently. I am back to work part time this week, and will return full time to my work next week. Bittersweet for sure...but that is for another post. Returning to work means that I will spend the greater part of two hours a day with the dreaded breast pump latched to me in my office bathroom. Fun stuff...

Being Morrison's sole nutrient provider created just another stressor that I hadn't thought about until, well, now. I am a huge advocate and believer that breastfeeding, so long as it is possible, is the best thing for your baby's well being. The nutritional, developmental, and emotional benefits for both you and your baby far outweigh the inconvenience in my opinion. It's been great so far, but pumping can lead to a decreases supply, so I thought proactivity best when it comes to feeding my babe. As you know, I always turn to food first in order to fuel my body to perform the way it's supposed to. So without further ado here is a list of foods that will have you lactating like a champ, or if that isn't your intention these days, all are both nutritious and tasty for the lay person as well.

1) Oats- perfect for cold winter days. Warming, versatile, and delicious. Out of oat ideas? Recipe below.

2) Sweet potatoes- baked, french fried, or mashed. Another great food during this time of year.

3) Carrots- add ginger and make a soup!

4) Brewers Yeast- the old advice to drink a beer while nursing is not a wives tale. Well, if you hate beer like me, go straight to the source. In fact add it to your oats like I do.

5) Nuts- specifically cashews and almonds. As if I needed another excuse to add them to everything.

6) Sesame seeds- that means tahini, which obviously translates to hummus, and hummus is a great additional to almost anything.

7) Water- maybe the most important item on the list. Drink up!

8) Lactation cookies- a reason to eat a cookie? I'll take it (recipe below.) These are so delicious, I would recommend making them even if you are not lactating.

Of course there are severals herbs as well, which you can supplement with. Fenugreek being one of them. There are also a couple of teas available, Mother's Milk being my favorite.

Mother's Oats

1/2 c oats
2 c water
handful of cashews and almonds
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology powder (optional)
2 tbsp brewer's yeast
sweetener of your choice (optional)

Put all in a pot and prepare as you would regular oatmeal. Top with whatever you like. In my case pomegranate seeds, pear and raspberry compote, a drizzle of peanut butter, and cashew almond milk. Too much? I think not...

Lactation Cookies (made almost vegan and totally gluten free)

1 c coconut oil
1 c coconut sugar
1 c brown sugar (firmly packed)
4 tbsp water
2 tbsp flaxseed meal
2 eggs (I recently added back into my diet...another post at some point, I promise)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 c gluten free flour (I use this blend)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sea salt
3 c oats
4 tbsp brewer's yeast
1 c chocolate chips (I use vegan, but any will do)
Optional add ins include sliced almonds and raisinsI obviously added both

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix the flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
Beat coconut oil, sugar, and brown sugar well.
Add eggs and mix well.
Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.
Sift together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to coconut oil mix.
Stir in oats, chips, and optional add ins.
Scoop onto baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes.
Let set for a couple minutes then remove from tray.

Eat, enjoy, and produce copious amounts of milk (or not.)

Food Source