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Breastfeeding mothers are often subject to hunger pangs through the duration of nursing their child and have a lot of appetites.
Breastfeeding snacks enable you to eat quickly and provide you with an immediate source of nutrition and energy. Breastfeeding snacks are convenient for nursing mothers and most if not all keep snacks at reach in the pantry.
Breastfeeding mothers need a lot of nutrients. They need to eat food rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, and every nutrient humans need on the regular, however, breastfeeding mothers may need to consume more fats and proteins. It is advised that you eat as often as you are hungry if you are a nursing mother. A breastfeeding mother may eat up to five times a day. However, the feeding pattern of a nursing mother is not easily predictable and would often fluctuate as the child grows. You can almost say the amount of food the mother consumes is dependent on the growth of the baby.
Lactation snacks come in handy for mothers who have to balance between the needs of their baby and their own bodies’ need for nutrition. As a breastfeeding mother, you are bound to have sleepless nights, coupled with fluctuating hormones and varying levels of blood sugar. You may have little time to look after yourself, so ensure you eat healthily and have the right amount of sugar in your body, so you don’t have a sugar crash. But more than providing you with nutrition, eating healthy will ensure your baby gets all the vital nutrients they need. Also, what you eat affects the quality and quantity of milk produced, so if you have issues with milk production, you may want to check your diet.
Indian snacks for breastfeeding moms such as tapioca, Dals, which is very rich in protein are also great options. There are also vegan snacks for breastfeeding mothers too.
We have compiled the best breastfeeding snacks for breastfeeding moms.
The Best Breastfeeding Snacks Review
These are the best breastfeeding snacks for you.
1
Quaker Baked Squares, Soft Baked Bars, Peanut Butter
These are 40 wrapped peanut butter flavoured baked bars, made for breastfeeding mother. It can be taken on the go, at home or work. The bars contain 23g of pure whole grains. There are no artificial colours or flavours. It contains little fructose corn syrup and is a good source of fibre. Each bar provides you with 250 calories.
Key Features:
- 100% whole grains
Specification:
- Brand: Quaker
- Model: Quaker Baked Squares, Soft Baked Bars, Peanut Butter
- Quantity: 40 bars (Pack of eight)
Pros
- It contains no artificial flavour
- It provides you with fibre
Cons
2
Hershey’s All Chocolate Pieces, 150 Pcs, 90 Ounce Bag
Hershey’s All Chocolate Pieces is an assortment of candy bars that are easy to unwrap and eat. These come in handy for nursing moms who require a quick snack. It can be taken anywhere and comes in a 90-ounce bag which can fit comfortably in your breastfeeding snack bag.
Key Features:
- Assortment of candy
Specification:
- Brand: Hershey’s
- Model: Hershey’s All Chocolate Pieces, 150 Pcs, 90 Ounce Bag
- Quantity: 150 pieces
Pros
- It contains various types of candies
Cons
3
Chick O Stick 36 Pack of .7 oz Bars
Chick O Stick bars are individually wrapped sticks which are crunchy peanut butter and toasted coconut candy. These sticks are delicious and are vegan. Each stick is made with granulated sugar, corn syrup and toasted coconut. It is a crunchy and yummy snack that can be taken by breastfeeding mothers.
Key Features:
- Individual candy sticks
Specification:
- Brand: Chick O Sticks
- Model: Chick O Stick Bars
- Quantity: 36
Pros
- It is vegan
Cons
4
TRUWOMEN Plant Fueled Protein Bars, Daydreaming About Donuts (12 Count)
The protein bars are ideal snacks for vegans. It is Kosher, has no GMO, soy and gluten. It is also made from natural ingredients and has low sodium and has a doughnut flavour. The bars are healthy snacks that give breastfeeding mothers an energy boost, especially at the times when you feel tired and overwhelmed.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Kosher
- Protein bars
- All-natural
Specification:
- Brand: Truwomen
- Model: TRUWOMEN Plant Fueled Protein Bars
- Quantity: 12 count pack of one
Pros
- It is certified kosher
- It is vegan
- It is made entirely of natural ingredients
- Contains no gluten or GMO
- Has no sugar alcohol
Cons
5
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake, Iced Cafe Mocha
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake is a meal replacement nutritional shake made for those who have hectic lifestyles like breastfeeding mothers. It is gluten-free, suitable for vegetarians, and has no GMO. The nutritional shake is enriched with various vitamins and minerals, has no soy it has no artificial flavour, colouring or additives.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Ready to drink shake
Specification:
- Brand: Orgain
- Model: Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake
- Volume: 12 oz. 11 count
Pros
- It is kosher
- It is suitable for vegetarians
- It is GMO and gluten-free.
Cons
6
Carnation Breakfast Essentials
Carnation breakfast essentials provide you with 21 vitamins and minerals. It has no artificial sweeteners, colours and flavour. It comes in three different flavours which are vanilla, rich milk chocolate and strawberry. With each serving, you get 13 grams of protein, a lot of calcium and vitamin D.
The carnation breakfast essentials are easy and quick to make, and this makes it an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers.
Key Features:
Specification:
- Brand: Carnation
- Model: Carnation Breakfast Essentials
- Quantity: 1.26 oz. 40 count
Pros
- Can be prepared quickly
- Has a lot of vitamins and minerals
Cons
7
Majka Lactation Cookie Bites
These Majka cookies are delicious and healthy snacks for nursing mothers. They also help in breast milk supply. The cookies are satisfying and help curb sugar cravings. The cookies are made from ingredients like oats, sesame, turmeric which are lactogenic. The cookies contain no preservatives and are made from fresh and natural ingredients. Majka lactation cookie bites have zero GMO, soy and gluten and are certified vegan.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Whole food based
Specification:
- Brand: Majka
- Model: Majka lactation cookies
- Quantity: nil
Pros
- It is suitable for vegans
- Has no artificial sweeteners
- Free of gluten and GMO
Cons
8
Boobie Bar Superfood Breastfeeding Bar
These bars are supercharged with the nutrients your body craves. Boobie Bars are delicious and are made from all-natural and high-quality ingredients and have no preservatives. The bars also help in the supply of breastmilk.
Key Features:
- All-natural
Specification:
- Brand: Boobie Bar
- Model: Boobie Bar Superfood Breastfeeding Bar
- Quantity: 1.7 oz. 6 count
Pros
- It’s all-natural
- Aids supply of breast milk
Cons
9
Mrs. Patel’s Lactation Treats, Indian Spiced bars, Chocolate-topped, Maximum Strength, Handcrafted and Made Fresh, Featuring Premium Ayurvedic Ingredients including Fenugreek
These are chocolate bars with strong Indian spices to give it a characteristic flavour. The chocolate bars are healthy snacks for lactating others. It also helps in postpartum healing. Mrs Patel’s chocolate bars will provide you with energy and nutrients as you take care of your baby.
Key Features:
- Indian spiced
Specification:
- Brand: Mrs Patel’s
- Model: Mrs Patel’s Indian Spiced Bars Lactation Treats
- Quantity: 12 bars per box
Pros
Cons
10
Bakery On Main Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Granola, Cranberry Almond Maple, 11 Ounce
Here, you have another snack you can take while still breastfeeding. It is certified Kosher, has no GMO, and no gluten. It is free of cholesterol, low in sodium and saturated fat. Bakery On Main Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Granola is healthy and comes in other flavours
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
Specification:
- Brand: Bakery on Main
- Model: Bakery On Main Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Granola, Cranberry Almond Maple
- Quantity: 11 oz. 6 bags
Pros
- It is free of cholesterol
- Low in saturated fat, and sodium
Cons
Buying Guide Questions
What are some dairy-free snacks for nursing moms?
Some babies have allergies to dairy, so as a mother, you would want to avoid food like that. Lactose intolerance in babies is not to the mother’s milk but to what she has consumed. You can opt for soy-based snacks as they are free of dairy. Dark chocolate is also a great choice, just check to see if it has dairy. Paleo breastfeeding snacks are also a great choice if they contain no dairy.
Are rice cakes suitable for breastfeeding?
Rice cakes can be eaten while you are breastfeeding since it’s a source of carbs your body needs. Brown rice cakes are also great for breastfeeding mothers because it stimulates the production of milk through serotonin which stimulates a lactation hormone called prolactin.
Should I eat at night while breastfeeding?
You may find yourself breastfeeding a lot of night, and also find yourself hungry. Nighttime snacking may become a habit that will lead to weight gain so take a cup of water instead. However, it is also advised that breastfeeding mothers should eat as much as they get hungry because their bodies demand a lot of nutrition, especially if they are taking supplements to aid with milk production. The best person to ask would be your nutritionist or doctor about eating at night and the effects it may have on your body.
What foods help produce breast milk?
Almost every breastfeeding mother may, at one time, experience a shortage of breast milk. There are various supplements to take to help you produce more milk, but you can eat a certain food that will help you generate more breastmilk naturally.
Fenugreek is perhaps the most popular herb that can help you increase the supply of breast milk. Fennel seeds, garlic, lean meat and poultry can also help you in producing more breast milk. There are other healthy foods can eat when you are breastfeeding, such as oatmeal. It is a whole grain-rich in iron.
Can you eat potato chips while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding and pregnant mothers are advised to stay away from junk food like candies, desserts and sweets. They usually have empty calories and are not healthy for you or your baby. You may take potato chips occasionally, but you need to eat healthy and nourishing food. When breastfeeding, you should take a lot of starchy food such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread. Eat whole-grain foods too, proteins through meat, eggs and fish as well as fresh extra virgin olive oil. Fruits and vegetables should be a highlight in your meals as they are the most significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Is pineapple good for a breastfeeding mother?
You may be wondering if pineapples are safe for you to eat while breastfeeding your baby. You will be glad to know that pineapples are safe to be eaten, so you have no cause for alarm. It doesn’t alter your breast milk.
If you are going to be incorporating pineapples into your diet, ensure you get fresh ones, and not canned pineapples. You can inform your nutritionist or gynecologist about the food you wants to incorporate into your diet
Conclusion
The breastfeeding snacks mentioned above are healthy to eat. Breastfeeding snacks doesn’t have any effect on the baby or your breast milk. However, you should know that the food you eat and the drinks you consume eventually gets into your breastmilk.
Eating food that is rich in carbs, proteins, and fats are essential for breastfeeding mothers. Every mother should have a breastfeeding snack basket stationed at strategic places in the house for quick access. The essentials of a breastfeeding basket include the following, although you may add more at your discretion: a water bottle to quickly assuage your thirst. Water is the number one thing when it comes to breastfeeding, and you have to stay hydrated for proper milk production. Another essential thing to include in your basket is snacks. Your breastfeeding basket should contain non-perishable snacks like dried fruits, popcorn, and nuts. Do not replace regular food with any of the listed meals. They are not made to replace foot entirely from your diet, and instead, they are to help balance deficiencies and deliver you from hunger pangs.
Insider Tip: need a break from breast feeding? Take your little one for a light walk around the park!
When purchasing breastfeeding snacks, ask and confirm the allergens in it. Eat healthily and responsibly so you can nourish your body and your baby’s too. Be sure to let you doctor know what you are eating during breastfeeding.
Related: if you want to maximize volume of breast milk being expressed in addition to breast feeding, then you can’t go wrong with a hospital breast pump