Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (2024)

Breastfeeding a baby takes A LOT of fuel! To celebrate Fall, we’ve collected the best healthy lactation recipes featuring pumpkin or pumpkin spice. These easy healthy pumpkin recipes will help boost milk supply and give you energy to make it through the day!

These are some of the best breastfeeding pumpkin recipes because they are actually good for you! This list is so much more than just a list of lactation cookie recipes. It includes lactation boosting recipes for every meal, plus snacks.

While all the lactation cookie recipes out there are tempting, there are definitely healthier foods to increase milk supply.

So, this list focuses on other meal ideas to boost milk supply besides cookies. Though you will find a few healthy versions below.

Breastfeeding and Pumpkin

Pumpkin is actually a galactagogue! Not only is it super tasty, but it’s also a food that helps you produce more breast milk.

Is Pumpkin Good for Breastfeeding?

Yes, pumpkin is an excellent food for breastfeeding mothers because of it’s high nutrient content and it’s ability to help make more breast milk.

Watch this video!

Here are the benefits of eating pumpkin while breastfeeding:

Below you will find a variety of recipes that can boost milk supply including pumpkin smoothies, no bake pumpkin treats, pumpkin muffins and lots of pumpkin oatmeal recipes.

There are ideas for breakfast, lunch, lactation snacks and even dinner that all include pumpkin.

All of these recipes also include nutrient dense, breastfeeding friendly foods.

The list includes paleo, clean eating and gluten free lactation recipes. Most of the recipes are low sugar or sugar free. And all of these recipes are dairy free!

Dairy is one of the food groups that can be problematic while breastfeeding. Read more about the foods to avoid while breastfeeding.

This means NO GUILT when it comes to eating!

If you are still struggling to lose the baby weight postpartum, these breastfeeding diet tips can help.

Feed your body well so that you can feel your best and produce an abundant supply of quality breast milk for your baby.

Make sure to pin this post for later!

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (1)

{Disclosure: This post contains affiliate or referral links. For more informationclick here.}

Best lactation foods

All of these recipes include foods that support a healthy milk supply. What are the best foods to increase lactation?

  • Oatmeal
  • Flax seed
  • Coconut
  • Fennel
  • Chickpeas
  • Fenugreek
  • Lentils
  • Brewer’s Yeast
  • Nuts – almonds, cashews, walnuts and macadamia

This is just the short list! There are many more foods called galactogogues that can help boost milk supply and nutrition while nursing.

Need a meal plan with foods you can eat? Sign up for our email list below and we’ll send you a blank meal plan printable PLUS a done-for-you breastfeeding meal plan pdf with breastfeeding friendly meal ideas.

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (2)

Healthy Lactation Recipes with Pumpkin

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (3)

What’s the best part of fall?? Pumpkin and pumpkin spice! These are some easy recipes to feed your cravings and boost milk supply.

Most of these recipes are not specifically called “lactation recipes”, but rather include foods that are known to be beneficial while breastfeeding.

Check out our week of clean eating plan for Fall for more recipes ideas with Fall foods.

Oatmeal Lactation Recipes for Fall

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (4)

Oatmeal is one of the best foods for breastfeeding moms to eat. There is nothing like a warm bowl of oatmeal on a brisk Fall morning.

But that’s not the only way to eat oatmeal while breastfeeding!

Here are a few unique recipe ideas featuring oatmeal and pumpkin to help increase milk supply.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oat Pancakes from Cookie + Kate –Pancakes made with oatmeal are an easy gluten free alternative to wheat flour. The pumpkin in these pancakes makes them so fluffy.

Pumpkin Lactation Muffins Recipe (Healthy – Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free) from Birth Eat Love – These pumpkin lactation muffins for breastfeeding are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast. And way healthier than most pumpkin muffin recipes you come across. Add chocolate chips to make them even yummier.

Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oat Bar (Vegan and Gluten Free) from Ambitious Kitchen –If you are looking for a lactation treat that is still good for you, give these gooey bars a try.

Pumpkin Lactation Cookies from Birth Eat Love – a healthier lactation cookie recipe with oatmeal. These cookie use less sugar and are gluten free and dairy free. Easy one bowl recipe to cure your pumpkin spice cravings.

Healthy Pumpkin Lactation Bread from Birth Eat Love – a healthy version of the pumpkin bread we all love made with oatmeal!

Pumpkin Lactation Smoothie Recipes

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (5)

These pumpkin lactation smoothie recipes are perfect for keeping your milk supply up while breastfeeding. Try these for breakfast or a snack.

Pumpkin oatmeal smoothie (to boost milk supply) from Birth Eat Love – This super creamy smoothie has oatmeal and tastes like pumpkin in a glass. It also includes lactation protein powder for an added boost to your milk supply.

Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie from Minimalist Baker –For a twist on the normal pumpkin smoothie, try this one to increase lactation. It has coconut milk and green powder for milk supply.

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake from Joyful Messes– is the perfect healthy substitute for Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks for breastfeeding moms. It uses a plant based protein powder to give you an extra boost.

Love smoothies and shakes? You have to try this new plant based protein powder made just for breastfeeding Moms. It’s called Milk Dust and it’s an easy way to get the added nutrients you need while breastfeeding AND boost your milk supply. It’s great in smoothies or as a shake. Check it out here!

No Bake Pumpkin Lactation Recipes

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (6)

All of the recipes in this section can be made on 1 bowl or in the food processor. They are super easy and can be made in just a few minutes. Make a big batch of these easy no bake lactation recipes and store in the freezer for when you need a quick, but filling breastfeeding snack.

No Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls from Birth Eat Love – Quick, easy and like a little ball of pumpkin pie. These energy bites feature oatmeal, chia seeds and coconut oil to boost milk supply.

Almond Chocolate Chip Energy Balls from Layers of Happiness– For a more subtle pumpkin recipes try these awesome little treats featuring pumpkin seeds rather than pumpkin puree like many of the other recipes. The almonds, hemp seeds and the coconut flakes make this an super healthy lactation booster.

Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites from Tasteaholics –these keto fat bombs are so easy to make. Fat bombs are a great way for breastfeeding moms to boost healthy fats and milk supply while trying to loose the baby weight.

Vegan Pumpkin Lactation Recipes

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (7)

Eating vegan while breastfeeding? Try out a few of these vegan recipes to boost milk supply!

Paleo and Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip from Ancestral Nutrition– A perfect snack for breastfeeding! This dip goes well with sliced apples. It is made with coconut cream so it is a good dairy free breast milk boosting snack.

Naturally Sweetened Spiced Chai Pumpkin Tea from Recipes to Nourish – Doyou love pumpkin lattes, but are avoiding coffee and dairy while breastfeeding? This Chai Tea version is for you! This lactation tea is made with the milk boosting herb fennel, and includes coconut milk, making it a awesome dairy free alternative to the classic Starbucks version.

Vegan Pumpkin Quinoa Breakfast from Cotter Crunch – this recipe is an amazing way to start your day. Eating quinoa for breakfast can give you an energy boost and keep you full longer. It also includes coconut cream and coconut oil, both of which are great for producing high quality breast milk.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats from My Darling Vegan – The oats and coconut milk make this a filing breakfast (or snack) for boosting breast milk supply. Make a few of these a a time to save time and have an easy snack whenever hunger strikes. These jars are perfect for making overnight oats.

Easy Fall Recipes for Lactation Meals

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (8)

There are even easy dinner recipes featuring pumpkin that can increase your milk supply! Save the leftovers for an easy lunch the next day.

Roasted Pumpkin & Fennel Soup from Happy Hearted Kitchen- A healthy and hardy soup recipe for cool Fall evenings. The fennel in this recipe is perfect for increasing milk supply.

Vegan Slow Cooker Pumpkin Curry fromThe Foodie Dietitian –This easy lactation meal is loaded with foods to increase milk supply. It has garlic, curry powder (which has the milk booster fenugreek), chickpeas and coconut milk. And WIN, it’s made in the crock pot!

Curried Red Lentil and Pumpkin Soup from Budget Bytes –Another great lactation meal for dinner that includes the milk booster lentils and garlic.

Love soup? Here are 9 more soup recipes that boost breast milk supply!

With so many delicious choices it is easy to eat foods everyday that build milk supply.

Additional Resources for Boosting Milk Supply

These are some additional articles that can help you learn more about milk supply and eating healthier while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Meal Plan for Healthy Mom + Baby

No Bake Chocolate Lactation Bars Recipe

Lactation Recipes for Making More Breast Milk

The Ultimate List of Food for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Struggling with losing the baby weight? Check out the Postpartum Cure, one of my favorite online courses to help you master your milk supply and lose the baby weight. This program walks you step-by-step through postpartum recovery the SMART way – using nutrient dense foods and the right kind of exercise. Find out how you can join here!

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (9)

Healing Freezer Meals for Postpartum and Breastfeeding is an ebook that guides you through making freezer meals that are breastfeeding friendly. This is a quick and easy way to stock up on foods that build milk supply and support your healing postpartum. These real food freezer meals are perfect for busy moms. Get your copy to get started today!

Pin this post for later!!

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (11)

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (12)

Best Breastfeeding Pumpkin Recipes (that are healthy too!) (2024)

FAQs

Is pumpkin good for lactating mothers? ›

The bright orange color of pumpkin also tells you it's loaded with beta carotene, an important antioxidant, and vitamin C, to help build a strong immune system. All can help enhance the overall health of both mom and baby. Plus, adding fresh ginger root helps increase breast milk production and the let-down reflex.

What should breastfeeding mothers eat to increase milk supply? ›

Include protein foods 2-3 times per day such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts and seeds. Eat three servings of vegetables, including dark green and yellow vegetables per day. Eat two servings of fruit per day. Include whole grains such as whole wheat breads, pasta, cereal and oatmeal in your daily diet.

What is the best food to replace breast milk with? ›

Start weaning by replacing one breast milk feeding a day with a bottle of infant formula (for your child younger than 12 months old) or with a cup of plain whole cow's milk or fortified unsweetened soy beverage (for your child 12 months or older). Continue to replace more breast milk feedings over time.

Are there any foods that mothers should avoid or limit while breastfeeding? ›

When breastfeeding or chestfeeding, avoid mercury-rich fish and certain herbal supplements. With proper timing, moderate alcohol consumption is okay, but limit caffeine and processed foods. Breast milk is incredibly nutritious.

Can pumpkin cause gas in breastfed babies? ›

Least gassy vegetables

Here are foods new mums need to eat after delivery. Overall, tomatoes, onions, pumpkins, lettuce and bottle gourd are considered the least gassy vegetables. In fact, any vegetable with high water content can help in preventing gassiness, both for you and your baby.

Why avoid ashwagandha while breastfeeding? ›

Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

What is a lactation cookie? ›

Lactation cookies are made with special ingredients called galactagogues which are intended to help increase a mother's milk supply. These galactagogues may include herbal ingredients such as garlic, fenugreek, brewer's yeast, flaxseed, or oats.

How can I drastically increase my milk supply? ›

Increasing Your Milk Supply
  1. Breastfeed every time your baby is hungry. ...
  2. Make sure your baby is latching well.
  3. Offer both breasts at each feeding. ...
  4. Empty your breasts at each feeding. ...
  5. Avoid bottles and pacifiers in the early weeks. ...
  6. Get plenty of sleep, and eat a healthy diet.
  7. Pump or express your milk. ...
  8. Relax and massage.

Is peanut butter good for breastfeeding? ›

Unless you're allergic to peanuts, there's no evidence to suggest you should avoid them (or any peanut-based foods like peanut butter) while breastfeeding. If you're worried about it, or concerned about your baby developing a food allergy, speak to your doctor or health visitor.

What foods dry up breast milk? ›

Peppermint, Parsley, and Sage

For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

Can I drink my own breast milk? ›

“While human breast milk is nutritious and beneficial for infants, consuming it as an adult may not provide the same nutritional benefits and could potentially expose the consumer to health risks.”

Does mother's diet affect breastmilk? ›

Opt for protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils and seafood low in mercury. Choose a variety of whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables. Eating a variety of foods while breastfeeding will change the flavor of your breast milk.

Why can't you eat chocolate while breastfeeding? ›

The effects of theobromine in chocolate and breastfeeding can be quite a concern for nursing mothers. While the amount of theobromine in chocolate is far less than other forms of caffeine. Specifically, theobromine can interfere with infants' sleeping habits and digestion, making it irritable and fussy.

What foods upset babies stomach while breastfeeding? ›

Foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or some dairy products can cause fussiness, gassiness, or colicky behavior in some babies. Foods like cow's milk, soy, wheat, corn, oats, eggs, nuts and peanuts, and fish or shellfish are common allergy-causing foods.

What foods cause gas in breastfed babies? ›

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

Which fruits increase breast milk? ›

Apricots and dates

Eating apricots and dates can increase prolactin, which is the hormone that tells your body to produce milk. Apricots contain essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Fresh is better than canned. If you have to go with canned, avoid apricots packed in syrups.

Can I eat pumpkin after delivery? ›

Foods to eat after a C-section

Easily digestible vegetables like pumpkin, bottled gourd, sweet potatoes, drumsticks, carrots, beans, etc., are highly recommended as they provide essential nutrients to the body without putting much strain on the digestive system.

What foods make breastfed babies gassy? ›

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 5365

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.