Breastfeeding is like a full-time workout for your body, so you are probably feeling hungry all the time! Not only do you need to ensure you are nourishing yourself to keep your energy levels up, but calories and protein are critical to supporting your milk supply as well. So, we have curated a list of breastfeeding snack-spiration for you!
You are going to want things that are quick and easy to grab and to eat. Because to be honest, a lot of your snacking will be done either while nursing or in the 2 minutes of free time you have standing at your kitchen counter. Some of these snacks can be stored at your nursing station for easy access during a feeding, while others can be prepped in a few minutes or made in batches to store and grab from your fridge.
Here are some of our quick & easy favorites:
Sweet
- Fruit: I find it easiest to wash & prep a bunch of fruit up to have on hand and ready when I want it. I’ve especially loved berries, oranges, apples, and bananas while nursing. For a more filling combination, try apple slices dipped in peanut butter!
- Chocolate Covered Almonds: Perfect for indulging your sweet tooth and getting a dose of protein. It’s easy to keep a bag of these at your nursing station. (PB M&M’s are a similar option!)
- Date & Nut Bars: These are a go-to for me! Especially when I need a middle-of-the-night energy boost. You can buy or make on your own with a few ingredients and a food processor (recipe example here).
Savory
- Trail Mix: Salty, sweet, crunchy, and oh-so addictive… a fantastic snack to have on hand at your nursing station.
- Seaweed Snacks: Super easy to snack on, full of flavor, and packed with minerals to support you postpartum!
- Cheese & Crackers: A go-to snack for me breastfeeding or not :) For those newborn days, you can buy pre-sliced cheese to make things extra efficient.
Protein Packed
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: I found these to be a great option to make in batches for easy grab-and-go snacking. Full of protein and nutrients for you and baby.
- Turkey Roll-Ups: Wrap slices of turkey around crunchy veggies like cucumber or bell pepper strips. Perfect for eating at your kitchen counter!
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt layered with fresh berries and granola and topped with a drizzle of honey. Such a delicious and filling snack!
Milk Boosters
- Energy Bites: I would consistently prep batches of these so that I always had some on hand. The oats, chia, flaxseed, hemp, and brewer’s yeast are packed with nutrition to help you postpartum and support milk production. Recipe example here.
- Overnight Oats: The perfect milk boosting snack to prep at night and have ready the next day! You can try out different combinations of fruit and topping to find your personal favorite. Recipe example here.
- Lactation Smoothie: Blend up your favorite creamy smoothie recipe with added ingredients like chia, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast.
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one. Keep yourself hydrated and happy snacking!