REVIEW: MilkMakers Lactation Cookies

From milkmakers.com

     Breastfeeding mama confession: I have never had supply issues, but about 3 months ago, J-Bean decided she wanted to nurse exclusively on my right breast. When I initially noticed this becoming an issue, I began to pump and hand express my left to keep up supply (and more importantly, symmetry.) Of course, I kept trying to get her to nurse on both sides, but it soon became clear that she was just not interested and I all but gave up on poor Lefty.

     Fast-forward to last month and I am chatting with the lovely ladies at my local cloth diaper store. I mentioned that I blog, and before I left, I was given a MilkMakers lactation cookie to review. I go into all of my reviews a skeptic, and this was no exception. But, let me tell you... I definitely noticed an increase in my supply, especially on the left side. Was it my imagination? Maybe. But more than likely, it was actually the natural galactagogues. (I learned that word from the manager at Mami's and Papi's! She is the local LLL leader.)

     From the MilkMakers website:

What's a galactagogue?

Lactation cookies are a traditional lactation remedy. Our recipe uses oats, brewers yeast and flax seed. These are natural galactagogues, which means that they help promote an abundant supply of breastmilk.

If you're in need of a breastmilk boost, try eating one to two delicious lactation cookies every day. While every woman's body is different, most moms notice an increase in their milk supply after a few days.

Store milkmakers in the freezer to maintain freshness. They'll soften up after just a few minutes when you take them out.

     If you are in need of a boost (and you don't enjoy the maple syrup smell side effect of taking Fenugreek) MilkMakers cookies are a pretty darn tasty option! You can order one of two flavors: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip (which I tasted and can TOTALLY vouch for, especially when dunked in coconut milk. *drool*) and Oatmeal Raisin, which is dairy-free.

Ordering options:
- Starter pack (10 cookies, $19.99)
- Mom on-the-go (20 individually wrapped cookies, $39.99)
- One month supply (30 cookies, $49.99)
- Monthly subscription ($49.99 monthly, FREE shipping)

     With any order aside from the Starter Pack, you can choose one flavor or a combination of both. With your One Month Supply or Monthly Subscription, you can also choose bags, individually wrapped cookies (great for throwing in the diaper bag), or a combination of both.

The fine print:
* Each cookie is 220-230 calories. Factor that into your daily intake if you are still trying to shake those last few lbs of baby weight. Luckily, they are organic and fairly healthy calories.
* If you have allergies, these may not work for you. Both recipes contain wheat, soy, and eggs. However, the Oatmeal Raisin recipe is dairy-free, both are nut-free, and gluten-free options may be available in the future.
* Yes, you can make them yourself. There are recipes floating around the internet for lactation cookies that include the "milk-making" ingredients (oats, flax seed, and brewer's yeast) but some of us cannot bake cookies worth crap (or just don't have the time) and brewer's yeast can be expensive and hard to find.

Conclusion:
     If you're struggling to maintain a supply or plan to go back to work, order a Starter Pack in your preferred flavor and see what happens. At the very least, you'll be treating yourself to a couple yummy cookies a day. ;)

Cloth diapers: a grassroots industry in a capitalist society

Cloth diapers are becoming trendy. Usually when certain movements, styles, or products become trendy, big business jumps on the chance to turn a quick profit. When profit takes top priority, quantity goes up and (generally speaking) quality goes down. In the case of cloth diapers, however, I have noticed a mutual understanding between manufacturers and consumers.

There are obviously exceptions, but most producers of cloth diapers and diapering accessories are small businesses or started out that way. With the help of Etsy, HyenaCart, and similar outlets, individuals and small companies are able to sell their products with very few overhead costs. This aids in their ability to focus on the quality of their products instead of paying rent, utilities, staff, insurance, inventory, etc. Many of these businesses even specialize in (and pride themselves on) custom orders.

The brick and mortar stores have a place in this industry as well. At least, the small locally-owned ones. They deliver personal services that Target and Babies R Us can't even dream of matching. (I dare you to ask the cashier at Wal-Mart if she knows your name. She probably won't recall any conversations you've had about co-sleeping or poopy diapers either.) Most also offer classes on wash routines, babywearing, breastfeeding, and parenting. My local store, Mami's and Papi's, is literally a Mom-and-Pop shop so I know that the money I spend is going to the food on their dinner table, homeschooling supplies, and bill payments, not speedboats, mansions, and private planes. The best part, if you have any questions you'll almost never hear, "I don't know if we can do that. Let me ask my manager." And if you do, you know you won't have to wait 20-30 minutes to speak to said manager.

Cloth diaper consumers, again there are exceptions, are also willing to go out of their way in terms of time, money, or both, for quality and to support WAHMs and small businesses. There is a reason that your chances of finding cloth diapers at national retailers is slim to none. They can't compete! Let's keep it that way, mamas! Continue to support your favorite businesses and keep QUALITY the priority of this industry.

January makes eight.

J-bean,


     We are officially 2/3 of the way to your first birthday. Wow! Where do I begin? This past month has brought all sorts of milestones. First, you started crawling. Then Mommy and Daddy had to splurge on a baby fence to keep you corralled in the living room. Soon after, you started pulling up on the couch and the recliner, and (your favorite) the TV stand, which is now blocked off by three pillows and a ruck sack.
    
     You celebrated your first Christmas! First, Grandma and Grandpa U came to visit and they spoiled us all! While they were here, you cut your first tooth! Then Grandma and Grandpa W treated us to a vacation to a B & B in Salado and you got to meet Auntie Erin for the first time. (You LOVED playing with her!)

You <3 these blocks!

    
     You got a few toys, books, and clothes, (and diapers!*squee*) but nobody went overboard, which pleased Mommy.

     I love you more and more everyday, so much sometimes that I feel like my heart is going to explode. To keep that from happening, I just smother you with hugs and kisses. And I will keep doing that until you stop letting me.

<3,
Mama

Best laid plans...

Well, Whole30 will just have to wait. Of course, the night before I had planned to start prepping my meals, I got a nasty stomach bug and meat and eggs still don't sound very appealing. I did make a yummy salad:


-shredded chicken
-grape tomatoes
-baby spinach
-cucumbers
-artichoke hearts
-olive oil
-balsamic vinegar
-a dash of garlic salt

Not a lot of prep at all. The chicken took the longest, because I thawed it and then put it in the slow cooker for 3 hours on high. Other than that, all you have to do is peel and dice or slice the cucumbers and throw everything together. :)

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

     After a chaotic holiday filled with long car trips, visits from the family, and TONS of food, I think now is a great time to reset our habits and routines. Improve upon the healthy ones, and ditch whatever isn't helping you toward your goals. I think most people have the best of intentions when they make a list of New Year's Resolutions (as they do with diets) but very few come up with detailed plans on how to achieve (or maintain) these "goals." Whatever your goals or resolutions are for this year, don't forget to make a plan.

     One goal I have (a "wish" of mine for several years) is to maintain a primarily grain-free/sugar-free/dairy-free diet. I've tried and failed the 21-day Sugar Detox. I'll admit I was pretty unprepared for just how horrible I would feel after only ONE day. I've posted before about how sneaky and unrelenting an addiction to carbohydrates can be, and my brief experience with trying to shake it was proof enough for me that it was time to gain control of what I was putting into my body.

     While I don't know if I can physically handle something as extreme as a detox right now, I am still committed to ridding myself of this dependence. I've looked into trying the Whole30, a similar (short-term) plan intended to help reset your palate and stanch your cravings. The main difference for me (aside from the obviously longer time table) is that the Whole 30 is not quite as restrictive of fruits. While meals should be mainly comprised of lean proteins and vegetables, fruits are not... forbidden. (Sorry. I couldn't help myself.)

     I will be doing my grocery shopping today and meal prepping tomorrow, so Thursday will be Day 1. If anyone is interested in joining me, here are some helpful links:

Whole30 shopping list:
http://whole9life.com/book/ISWF-Shopping-List.pdf

Whole30 meal-planning template:
http://whole9life.com/book/ISWF-Meal-Planning-Template.pdf

Whole30 forum:
http://forum.whole9life.com/forum/5-the-whole30-program/

Whole30 Daily (paid subscription)
https://daily.whole9life.com/signups/new