THESE EASY, DAIRY-FREE LACTATION BALLS WILL NOURISH YOUR POSTPARTUM BODY AND MAY EVEN HELP GIVE YOUR MILK SUPPLY A BOOST!
As a breastfeeding mom, the hunger is real. Your energy demands are high, but so are the demands of your baby. You’re often tied up feeding and need something quick to grab. Well, look no further. These are it! They’re bite-sized, handheld, and perfect for the eating-wherever-you’re-feeding type snack.
I get it though, you’re busy. You don’t have time to be making snacks all the time! That’s why this batch makes you a LOT of lactation balls. Plus they’re freezable, so you can just pick them out as you want them. Your kitchen won’t be left in a disaster either, it just takes one bowl and no baking!
These lactation balls are packed with foods for replenishing nutrients from the demands of pregnancy, labour and childbirth. Lentils and peanut butter provide protein, iron, energy (complex carbs and healthy fats) and fibre making these filling, satisfying and nourishing.
I managed to mix in three “galactogogues”, substances that increase milk production or milk ejection – oats, ground flaxseed and brewer’s yeast. Many cultures swear by foods to help milk production, but the evidence has yet to find anything definitive. Luckily with these foods, there’s benefits beyond the possible boost in your milk supply. Oats are rich with soluble fibre (the kind that keeps your gut happy and regular, among other benefits). Ground flax also is a source of fibre and plant-based omega-3 fats. Brewer’s yeast has most B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and folate) and, depending what was used to grow the yeast, can also be a great source of trace minerals like chromium and selenium.
Honestly, with the nutrients loaded into these lactation balls, they’re great for the whole family! You can even recruit your older kids to help roll the balls. But I won’t blame you if you want to call these “mom’s milk-making snack” and claim them all for yourself!
Peanut Butter Oat Lactation Balls RECIPE
Servings: Makes about 96 balls
Total time: 25 min
- 1 can Lentils (19oz)
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups Natural Peanut Butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
- 1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed
- 1/4 cup Brewers Yeast
- 2 cups Oats
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
Drain and rinse lentils under cool water until the water runs clear.
Add rinsed lentils, vanilla, and maple syrup to a bowl. Blend using an immersion blender (will be thick). Alternatively, this step can be done in a food processor or blender.
With a spatula or wooden spoon, mix in natural peanut butter, ground flaxseed and brewer’s yeast until a smooth paste.
Add in oats and chocolate chips and mix until combined.
Using a small spoon, spoon out small amounts and roll into 1-1.5 inch balls. Place on a large baking sheet.
Freeze for 10 minutes before eating.
Enjoy! Place leftovers in a container to store in the freezer.
