Becoming a new parent comes with immense joy and, let’s face it, some pretty stressful stuff too. After nine months of pregnancy—and for some of us, it’s closer to ten months—you get to greet the newest addition to your family, and the journey begins. There is so much that goes into caring for a little human, and motherhood has its unique challenges. Feeding your babe so they thrive is right up there with concerns about postpartum healing, mood swings, sleep deprivation, and what to put on that soft baby skin. For me, breastfeeding was a priority. It was also sort of scary and intimidating.
One of the more surprising problems I had was finding foods that gave me the energy I needed and kept my milk supply up. Having a quick snack (that didn’t come in single-use packaging) was hard to find. I quickly learned that making a batch of energy-packed breastfeeding snacks to have on hand was a lifesaver. I’d grab a few out of the fridge before going to bed and munch on them when I got hungry during nighttime feedings. I’d stash some in the diaper bag as I headed out to the park. I even brought a batch with dark chocolate to a momma’s meetup to share with friends and they were a big hit!
To all those mommas out there who have struggled or continue to have difficulty breastfeeding, I highly recommend seeking out a lactation consultant, a support network, or a nonprofit like La Leche League. I saw a lactation consultant through my doctor’s office a week after giving birth and she gave me invaluable guidance. More than that, she told me I was doing a good job. Positive reinforcement goes a long way as new mothers navigate the foreign and often scary terrain of feeding their children.
"Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed.” Linda Wooten
The inspiration for this recipe came from my childhood. My hippie parents and caregivers kept them simple; they used peanut butter, honey, oats, and raisins, and called them P-nut Butter Balls. Since then, I’ve played around with lots of additions to the basic recipe—by adding complimenting spices, the variations are limitless.
This is a staple in my home—not just for nursing moms—and I’m so happy to share it with the wider Mountain Rose Herbs community. You and your family will keep coming back for more!
I prefer crunchy peanut butter, but I’ve substituted almond and cashew butter. Whole oats compared to rolled or quick oats still have the groat (the whole, unbroken grain). They aren’t as processed and a great source of fiber and plant-based protein. Chia seeds are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids, so are a high mucilage superfood. Flax meal, rich in fats and nutrients, is an excellent addition. I always include psyllium husk to act as a binding agent and to get all those beneficial, demulcent properties.
Makes about 25 snack bites.
Ingredients
Directions
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