One of the things that moms mention that they wish they had more of postpartum (on top of a lot of things – like SLEEP!) were quick and easy snacks that were nutritious. They wanted something they could eat with one hand for those times when they were starving and didn’t have time to make something.⁠⁠

Even if you aren’t breastfeeding, you can make these lactation balls as a nutritious, filling snack for when you don’t have time to make anything else!

Well, these lactation energy balls do just that! They are called lactation energy balls because they contain the galactagogues oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, and almond butter. A galactagogue is a food, herb, or medication that increases milk supply. Although the evidence is still unclear whether or not these foods are effective in increasing milk supply, many mothers have reported increased milk supply after consuming them. Since these foods are nutritious, we feel it is definitely worth a try adding them into your early postpartum days. ⁠⁠Whether you are breastfeeding or not, they make a great grab-and-go snack – especially great for those 3:00 am night feeds when you are feeling ravenous! Anyone else need night time snacks to help them make it to the morning in the early days? I used to put a couple of these on my nightstand before I went to sleep so I didn’t even have to get out of bed to enjoy this yummy treat!

Your whole family will also love them!

Our Favourite Lactation Balls

Yield: ~24 balls

INGREDIENTS

1 2/3 cup oat flour (buy or make your own by grinding up oats in a food processor or coffee grinder until finely ground)

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

3 tablespoons brewer’s yeast (note: you can omit this if you don’t have it and substitute with another 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup almond butter or other nut butter

4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

4 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or olive oil

3 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded, flaked coconut (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Grind oats in food processor or coffee grinder (you can use quick oats or rolled oats – it doesn’t matter). In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients together (except chocolate chips). Combine all wet ingredients together in another bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. If mixture is too sticky, add more oat flour by the 1/4 cup. Mixture should be sticky enough that you can roll into balls but not too sticky that it sticks to your hands. Add in chocolate chips and coconut if using.

Roll in approximately 24 balls. Freeze and/or refrigerate to enjoy when you want a quick snack!