Spice Up Your Milk Supply: 8 Pumpkin-Spice Recipes to Increase Lactation
8 Pumpkin Spice Recipes for Fall! This season is all about cozy sweaters, warm blankets, and, of course, pumpkin spice! If you're a fan of this fall favorite and want to naturally boost your milk supply, you've come to the right place! We know so many breastfeeding moms are always looking for healthy recipes to boost their milk supply so we thought we’d create a pumpkin spice edition! In this post, we’ll walk through eight delicious pumpkin spice recipes that can help boost your milk supply, all while indulging in the comforting flavors of fall.
These recipes use lactation-boosting ingredients, such as oats, flaxseed, and cinnamon, combined with the classic taste of pumpkin spice to enhance milk production. Let's dive into these mouthwatering recipes and help you along your breastfeeding journey.
1. Pumpkin Spice Lactation Oatmeal
Oats are one of the best-known galactagogues, meaning they help boost milk supply. Combined with pumpkin puree, rich in vitamins A and C, this breakfast is perfect for new moms.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1 cup almond milk
Instructions: Cook the oats in almond milk till cooked to your liking, then stir in the pumpkin puree, flaxseeds, and pumpkin spice. For an extra crunch, top it with nuts or drizzle some honey. This warm and nourishing meal is the perfect start to your day.
2. Pumpkin Spice Lactation Smoothie
If you only have one hand cause you're a breastfeeding mom, we got you! In the mood for something cool and refreshing, this smoothie blends lactation-boosting ingredients like oats and flaxseeds with the comforting taste of pumpkin spice.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 frozen banana
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 cup almond milk
Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. This creamy smoothie can be enjoyed any time of day, providing a quick, nutrient-packed snack that helps boost your milk supply.
3. Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
These no-bake energy bites are packed with oats, flaxseeds, and chia seeds—all essential ingredients for boosting lactation.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup oats
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp flaxseeds
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- ¼ cup nut butter
Instructions: Mix all the ingredients together, roll them into bite-sized balls, and refrigerate. These energy bites are ideal for a quick, convenient snack when you need an energy and this recipe help boost your milk supply.
4. Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for postpartum recovery and boost milk supply. This chia pudding is a nutrient-rich, make-ahead breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a jar and refrigerate overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid, creating a pudding-like texture. This simple and healthy snack supports both you and your milk supply.
5. Pumpkin Spice Lactation Cookies
Who doesn’t love cookies? These are packed with lactation-friendly ingredients like oats, flaxseeds, and brewer’s yeast to help boost your milk supply while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup oats
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 3 Tbsp. Brewer’s Yeast
- 2 Tbsp. flax meal
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In one bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the butter, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree. Gradually fold the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients until well combined. Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a cookie sheet, leaving about 1 ½ to 2 inches of space between each scoop. Bake for 15 minutes, but keep in mind that baking times may vary. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool.
6. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
If you’re short on time, overnight oats are a quick and easy breakfast option. With the addition of flaxseeds and oats, this recipe becomes a superfood for lactation, for sure it will help boost your milk supply!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup almond milk
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a jar and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a nutritious breakfast ready to go, perfect for busy mornings with a newborn.
7. Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These muffins are a delicious, portable snack or breakfast option. With the added benefits of oats and flaxseeds, they make a great addition to your lactation-friendly diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- ½ cup maple syrup
Instructions: Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Scoop the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. These muffins are great for a snack that also supports milk production.
8. Pumpkin Chickpea Curry
This savory pumpkin chickpea curry is not only full of flavor but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a great dish for breastfeeding moms.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups chickpeas
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions: Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the cumin seeds for a few seconds. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the spices, followed by the pumpkin puree, chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, then season with salt and garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or naan.
Additional Tips to Boost Milk Supply
- Whole Grains: Incorporating whole grains like oats into your diet can help boost your milk supply.
- Hydration: Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as dehydration can negatively affect milk production.
- Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats, such as those from flaxseeds, chia seeds, and nuts, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting lactation.
- Frequent Nursing or Pumping: Just like how the pumpkin spice recipes are packed with ingredients to naturally boost your milk supply, regularly emptying your breasts by nursing or pumping will signal your body to produce more milk. Combining these recipes with consistent nursing can help ensure a steady supply.
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: While you nourish yourself with these delicious recipes, try practicing skin-to-skin contact with your baby. The warmth and closeness can stimulate milk production in the same way as eating nutrient-rich foods.
With these eight pumpkin spice recipes, you can indulge in fall flavors while helps boosting your milk supply. These dishes are delicious and packed with galactagogues that will help nourish you and your baby. By incorporating these recipes into your postpartum meal plan, you'll feel confident knowing you're giving your body the nutrients it needs to produce healthy breast milk.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherilee Peters, owner and creator of Baby Nest Birth Boutique. For over 18 years she has been passionate about bringing comfort and healing to moms with natural remedies (a wanna be witch doctor). She is a mother of two, creator of Birth Dates (a self-paced birth class for couples)Birth & Postpartum Doula, educator and certified placenta specialist in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas.
