I'm a Breastfeeding Mom and Can't Live Without These Packaged Snacks From Amazon
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For me, one of the hardest parts about being a new mom wasn't the delivery or the lack of sleep or the baskets and baskets of laundry. It was breastfeeding. Before I had my now-5-month-old son, I never really thought too hard about nursing. I knew I wanted to do it, but I had no idea how mentally or physically taxing the actual act would be. Exhausted, sore, and anxious, it was the most challenging aspect of motherhood so far. And while I'm STILL trying to figure it out, I will say one thing that has really helped me in this breastfeeding journey is the free pass to snack . . . all. day. long.
Think of it this way: each ounce of breast milk is 20 calories. So if your baby is eating 30 ounces a day (like my chunker), then that's an additional 600 calories! Not to mention the sheer amount of energy you expend while breastfeeding. Once I started nursing I was having more cravings than I ever did while pregnant. I wanted sweets, chocolate, and Goldfish next to me at all times. That being said, while snacking is definitely encouraged, I realized there were healthier, more filling options out there. When looking for breastfeeding snacks, I wanted options that were healthy or nutritious, easy to prepare, and convenient to buy in bulk from Amazon — because let's face it, there is no time to go grocery shopping anymore. Aside from staying hydrated (I chug a glass of water before and after nursing in addition to my normal water intake), I started incorporating these snacks into my daily routine. I eat one of these every two to four hours to keep my energy up and prevent me from getting overly hungry.
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Best Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms: Granola
As I mentioned, I had a crazy sweet tooth that came with nursing. But instead of asking for pancakes or a muffin every morning, I would opt for a Greek yogurt and granola parfait. The Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in calories, plus its natural probiotics help to aid in digestion. The Purely Elizabeth granola ($6) that I found on Amazon was so good I started sprinkling it on top of everything — toast with peanut butter, smoothies, even a banana and honey!
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Best Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms: Dark Chocolate
While loading up on cookies may not be the best snack, no one is going to deny a new mama her indulgences. When I'm craving something sweet, I like to have a stash of dark chocolate on hand. I love this vegan, organic option from Get Back to Human ($30 for four bars) for a quick treat — plus, it's high in antioxidants.
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Best Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms: Unsalted Nuts
While sweet treats are my normal go-to, sometimes you want something a little bit more savory. I keep a bag of unsalted nuts like these Now Foods Raw Organic Cashews ($6) with me at all times for a protein-packed snack on-the-go. And if I'm really feeling drained and depleted, I'll cut up a few squares of cheese and an apple for a boost of energy.
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Best Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms: Almond Butter
You guys. I've found it. An almond butter option that actually tastes like REAL peanut butter. Honestly, the Barney Butter Bare Smooth Almond Butter ($10) has been a snack-time game-changer.
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Best Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms: Popcorn
Get your salty fix with some Skinny Pop Popcorn ($15 for 12 bags). Air-popped popcorn is high in fiber so it will keep you feeling full longer. And my lactation consultant recommended sprinkling some brewer's yeast on top if you need a boost to your lactation supply.
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Best Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms: Oatmeal
Another tip I got from my lactation consultant? Oatmeal! Old Fashioned Oats ($20 for pack of 6) are high in iron, which will help promote your milk supply. Try adding a few shakes of pumpkin pie spice on top for an extra yummy kick.
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Best Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms: Lactation Bars
Once I went back to work and began pumping, I noticed my supply dwindling — significantly. In an effort to boost my supply, I started researching lactation cookies. I found these Milkful Lactation Bars ($25 for a variety box) on Amazon, which seemed like a healthier option than most high-sugar options in stores.
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