Low Milk Supply

Can Lactation Cookies and Lactation Tea Save My Milk Supply?

Every breastfeeding mom worries about milk supply. It’s the number one reason moms stop breastfeeding. So, when a well-meaning friend or social media post suggests lactation cookies or tea as a quick fix, it’s tempting to believe. But do they really work? Let’s talk about it.

The Truth About Lactation Cookies and Tea

Lactation cookies and tea taste great, but they won’t magically boost your milk supply. Sure, they may contain galactagogues—ingredients that might support lactation, like oats, brewer’s yeast, and fenugreek—but no cookie or tea can replace the real foundation of milk production: frequent, effective milk removal.

Why Milk Supply Issues Happen

Low milk supply isn’t always just about eating the “right” foods. It usually falls into two categories:

  • Primary Low Supply – When there’s an underlying medical or anatomical reason why the body isn’t making enough milk.
  • Secondary Low Supply – When supply drops due to issues like poor latch, ineffective milk removal, or infrequent feeding/pumping.

Common Causes of Low Milk Supply

If you’re doing all the right things—nursing often, pumping efficiently, staying hydrated—and still struggling, there may be an underlying issue at play. Some common causes include:

  • Thyroid abnormalities (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
  • Anemia (low iron levels)
  • Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT) (fewer milk-producing glands)
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Retained placenta (hormonal disruptions after birth)
  • Insulin resistance or diabetes
  • Birth complications or excessive blood loss

These conditions can make it difficult to establish or maintain milk supply, even with the best efforts.

Why Working with an IBCLC Matters

Instead of relying on cookies and tea, the best way to support milk production is to work with an experienced IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) who can assess your individual situation. An IBCLC can:

  • Identify any underlying causes of low milk supply
  • Help optimize latch and feeding techniques
  • Develop a customized plan to maximize milk removal
  • Provide guidance on supplementation if necessary

Ready for Real Solutions?

If you’re struggling with milk supply, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ve helped countless moms navigate these challenges and find solutions that work and completed advanced training in Low Milk Supply.  Let’s get you the support you need.

📅 Schedule a consult today and take the guesswork out of breastfeeding!