Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (2024)

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These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins areperfectly moist, and delicious and slammed with nutrition— hipumpkin, chia seeds, flaxseeds and brewer’s yeast. Perfect for nursing moms (eeerr… hungry dads) + a list of foods that supports nursing.

Breastfeeding. Boy do I have a lot to say about the subject right now… but in effort not to go off on a rant, I will stick to nutrition today and save the socialdiscussion for a later date. Nursing your babyis not all roses people and I’ll leave it at that.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (1)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins

As a new mom, I’ve been trying to do what I can to eat foods that support a healthy milk production so that baby Parker can be fed the good stuff. When Sonali from The Foodie Physician reached out about her latest book, Natural Pregnancy Cookbook, my first hopewas that she hada good lactation cookie or muffin recipe and ohhh.m.geeethis muffin is a winner.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (2)

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins areperfectly moist, and delicious and slammed with nutrition.Hi!

pumpkin,

chia seeds,

flaxseeds

and brewer’s yeast.

I’ve seriously made these muffins over and over and over gain. Welcome to the landof milk and… j/k not all the batches were for myself. I love how this recipe uses honey, applesauce, and coconut oil rather than sugar and butter… so you can feel good about munching on these goodies.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (3)

Milk supply is very individualized some moms naturally produce more milk and/or baby’s have more affinity to nursing. Personally, I nursed my first 23 months and currently going strong with nursing my second at 16 months. Maybe I’ve eaten one too many lactation muffins, but most likely it’s just what works for us.

There are definitely some things mamas can do to help with supporting their diet for nursing, in fact I wrote a whole post on that here if you’re interested:breastfeeding foods guide on what to eat and what to avoid while nursing.

Breastfeeding moms need to get more nutrients into their dietespecially fluidand calories. Because nursingcan burn up to 500 calories per day, restrictive diets can put a damper on mom’s supply. Drinking enough water is essential to milk production too.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (4)

While eating when hungry and drinking when thirsty are the two most important factors to producing enough breastmilk, incorporating oats, flaxseed and brewers yeast in the diet may also help boost supply. All the more reason to eat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins right?

Brewer’s Yeast for Breastfeeding?

Many moms swear by brewers yeast for boosting milk supply. Brewer’s yeast is considered a galactagogue, which is basically just an herb, food, or medication that might increase milk production in some women.

The increase production of milk is seen as a result of an increase in prolactin levels, which initiates the letdown reflex of the breast and aids in milk ejection. You can buy brewer’s yeast in tablets, or add 1-2 tablespoons of a powdered form to smoothies or baked goods to see if it works for you!Brewer’s yeast contains significant amounts of B-vitamins, essential amino acids, and chromium.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (5)

While naturedoes a good job at preserving quality of breastmilkif mom is slacking, there are some key nutrients that baby may be missing if mom isn’t getting enough– specifically Vitamin D and Omega 3s. For those of you that know nutrition, these are two shortfall nutrients that we ALL need to be getting more of because they both have very important roles in health and longevity. Along with daily sun exposure for adequate Vitamin D levels moms should work to balance their diet with these foods.

Foods that help with lactation:

  • oily fish (salmon,low mercury tuna, sardines,anchovies,mackeral)
  • seaweed
  • nuts/seeds (chia seeds,flaxseeds, walnuts)
  • oats
  • omega 3 enriched eggs
  • variety of fruits and veggies
  • lean meats

Hope you enjoy this recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip LactationMuffins as much as I have and doshare it with a nursing mommy friend.And for the men out there, trust me…if you take a bite of these muffins you will not start squirting milk. 🙂

If you love these muffins, check out more of our best muffin recipes:

Spinach Blender Muffins

Carrot Berry Quinoa Muffins

Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

And for those nursing mamas that are getting back in the swing of a workout routine, check out our list of20 Pre Workout Snacks to Fuel Busy Moms on the Go.

More motherhood resources:

How to Heal Postpartum Belly

How To Feed Peanut Butter to Baby: 8 ways on early introduction to peanuts

Natural Birth Story: I had a baby on the elevator

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (6)

“Pump Up Your Milk” Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

★★★★★4.6 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Natural Pregnancy Cookbook
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 18 muffins 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins is delicious! Perfect for nursing moms + list of foods that support breastfeeding.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 cup pureed pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut or grapeseed oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2/3 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips plus extra to top muffins (or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the wet ingredients (eggs through vanilla).
  2. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour through brewer’s yeast).
  3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well.
  4. Line muffin tins with paper. Fill each to the top with batter and top with chocolate chips (optional).
  5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes for regular muffins, 22 minutes for mini muffins, and 55 minutes for a loaf.
  6. They are ready with toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  7. Cool for a few minutes in the pan on a rack. Then, remove from the pan and cool completely on a rack.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 196
  • Sodium: 231mg
  • Fat: 12.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 2.9g
  • Protein: 4.6g

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (8)

Kristina LaRue, RDN

Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.

Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!

If you’re a modern mama– I’d love for you to join my Facebook group A Modern Motherhood Collective!

www.loveandzest.com

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins | The Best Lactation Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Is pumpkin good for lactating mothers? ›

The bright orange color of pumpkin also tells you it's loaded with beta carotene, an important antioxidant, and vitamin C, to help build a strong immune system. All can help enhance the overall health of both mom and baby. Plus, adding fresh ginger root helps increase breast milk production and the let-down reflex.

Does pumpkin help increase milk supply? ›

However, there is some (limited) scientific evidence that the following foods may increase milk supply: Pumpkin. Eating pumpkin has been associated with increased milk supply, though research is limited. Protein-rich foods.

Which drink increase breast milk? ›

02/6​​Fenugreek water (Methi)

The most popular herb for producing more breast milk is fenugreek, which is also the main component of many lactation beverages. Additionally, fenugreek is offered as a supplement or pill form.

What foods help produce breast milk fast? ›

Foods That Promote Milk Production
  • Whole grains, especially oats and barley.
  • Protein-rich foods like fish, chicken, meat, or tofu.
  • Legumes or beans like chickpeas and lentils.
  • Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and arugula.
  • Fennel or fennel seeds.
  • Nuts.
  • Alfalfa sprouts.
  • Garlic.
Sep 14, 2022

What are 3 common fruits you should avoid while breastfeeding? ›

Food Items to Avoid During Breastfeeding:
  • Chocolate.
  • Spices like cinnamon, garlic, curry, chili pepper.
  • Citrus fruits and their juices, like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
  • Strawberries.
  • Kiwifruit.
  • Pineapple.
  • The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.

Why avoid Ashwagandha while breastfeeding? ›

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

What is scientifically proven to increase milk supply? ›

Frequent stimulation is the only proven way to increase milk production, says Rhonda Daley, R.N,. an international board-certified lactation consultant in New Jersey. Daley recommends stimulating the breasts often to increase your supply. “Ideally, [the] baby should be feeding at least eight times in 24 hours.

Is it too late to increase milk supply at 3 months? ›

It is never “too late” to increase milk production if you are willing to seek help and put in some effort.

Is 7 weeks postpartum too late to increase milk supply? ›

After 6 weeks, it may become more difficult to increase your supply. While that doesn't mean it's too late to increase your milk supply, it might take a bit more time and patience to start seeing results.

How can I double my milk supply? ›

Increasing Your Milk Supply
  1. Breastfeed every time your baby is hungry. ...
  2. Make sure your baby is latching well.
  3. Offer both breasts at each feeding. ...
  4. Empty your breasts at each feeding. ...
  5. Avoid bottles and pacifiers in the early weeks. ...
  6. Get plenty of sleep, and eat a healthy diet.
  7. Pump or express your milk. ...
  8. Relax and massage.

How can I increase my breast milk urgently? ›

What Are Some Tips to Increase Your Breast Milk Supply?
  1. Breastfeed your baby more often, at least eight or more times in 24 hours.
  2. Offer both breasts at each feeding.
  3. Massage breasts while baby is nursing.
  4. Ensure the baby is completely emptying your breasts at each feeding.

Will pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply? ›

Pump more often, from both breasts

Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you're trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

What foods decreases milk supply? ›

Foods (and Other Things) That Can Decrease Your Milk Supply
  • Alcohol.
  • Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
  • Chasteberry.
  • Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.
Oct 26, 2023

Does drinking water increase breast milk? ›

Although drinking more fluids won't help you produce more milk, it will keep you from becoming dehydrated – which is just as important. Symptoms of dehydration can include headache, fatigue, and constipation. Most nursing moms should aim to drink a total of 2.5 to 3 quarts of water a day.

Can I drink my own breast milk? ›

However, in most cases, it is safe for a sick mother to drink her own breast milk.

Is pumpkin gassy for babies? ›

Pumpkin, Pear, or Prune purees can be extremely effective in combating baby's tummy issues due to their high natural water content. These simple foods are filled with natural laxatives to help encourage the passage of air in your little one's belly.

Is pumpkin good post pregnancy? ›

Pumpkins help the digestive system and warms up the stomach. It also promotes collagen production in the skin, which help reduce stretch marks. It is very low in calorie and fat, which makes the menu perfect for those trying to lose weight. It is high in fiber and promotes good digestion.

What foods to avoid while lactating? ›

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?
  • Alcohol. There's no level of alcohol in breast milk that's considered safe for a baby. ...
  • Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day. ...
  • Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

What foods to avoid when breastfeeding? ›

Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:
  • Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep. ...
  • Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Peppermint, sage, and parsley.
Aug 29, 2020

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