Let's be real - you barely have time to shower, let alone prep a nourishing meal. If you're deep I the newborn bubble, constantly feeding your baby and forgetting to feed yourself, you're not alone.
Breastfeeding hunger is real. You're burning an estimated 500+ calories a day making milk. And while everyone's telling you to "take care of yourself" no one's showing up with snacks that are actually easy, fill and supportive of your milk supply.
We've got you!
The problem: one-handed eating, skipped meals and bottomless hunger
You sit down to feed and five minutes later it hits - the wave of sudden huger like you haven't eaten in days. You grab a half-eaten bag of nuts from your baby bag, or worse...nothing at all. This kind of under-fuelling is more common than you'd link and it can leave you feeling tired, emotional and running on empty. Your body is doing big things. It deserves better fuel - food that supports your recover, satisfies your hunger and maybe even gives your breastmilk a little boost.
What to look for in a breastfeeding snack
Not all snacks are created equal, the best breastfeeding snacks are:
- Nutrient dense: thing slow release carbohydrates, health fats and protein
- Easy to eat: no prep, one-handed, and no mess in your lap
- Supportive of milk supply: certain ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and brewer's yeast have long been used to naturally support lactation
Let's break those down...
- Oats: a staple for many breastfeeding mums, oats are high in iron, fibre and complex carbohydrates. They help keep you full and may support prolactin levels - the hormone responsible for milk production.
- Flaxseed: rich in omega-3s and fibre, flaxseed is great for digestion [yes, we said it] and general postpartum recover. It's also believed to support hormonal balance which can impact your supply.
- Brewer's Yeast: a classic lactation ingredient you've probably heard of. It's packed with B vitamins, and other nutrients like protein, iron, selenium, and chromium which are thought to be beneficial for lactation.
Sound like a lot to remember? That exactly why we made our lactation bars!
Lila Jasmine Lactation Bars: created by a midwife, made for you
We make lactation bars right here in New Zealand - using real ingredients and no unnecessary fillers. Every bar contains oats, flaxseeds and brewer's yeast. No fridge required, no prep needed. Whether you're up for the third feed of the night or racing out the door with your baby half-dressed and your coffee going cold they're the kid of snacks that meet you where you're at.
Choose from:
- Apple Crumble - warm and cinnamon-y comfort
- Apricot & Dark Chocolate - fruity and rich
- Mixed Berry and White Chocolate - sweet and smotthg
- Try one or them all in our Mix of Six Box [our most popular option].
More one-handed snack ideas to try
Pair your lactation bars with other quick bites to stay fuelled throughout the day;
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Cheese cubes and crackers
- Banana with a handful of walnuts
- Greek protein yoghurt with berries and a drizzle of honey
- Boiled eggs and toast soldiers
- Smoothies packed with fruit and oats
You're worth nourishing
This isn't about "bouncing back" or perfect nutrition. It's about fuelling your body with the care and kindness it deserves especially when it's working hard to care for someone else. So here's your permission slip to stock up. Plan ahead. Keep snacks in your bedside drawer, your baby bag, your glovebox. [We're serious].
Are you looking for a snack that actually helps?