lactation recipe Archives

If you’re looking for an amazing way to increase milk production, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake is the most delicious way!

Whether you are struggling with low supply or you are just looking for a really yummy way to boost your milk production, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake is going to be exactly what you need. I personally used this when breastfeeding both of my daughters and it was such a great way to increase production.

When I was pregnant, I knew one thing–I was going to breastfeed. That’s all I knew. I knew it was more natural and the most economical choice as well since I’m a stay at home mom. I set a goal for 6 weeks!

Why no one in my life told me how difficult it was going to be was beyond me. We did great in the hospital, and then It seems like the moment we walked into our house, hell broke loose.

IT. WAS. HARD. Y’ALL!!!

We did have a successful breastfeeding journey. I nursed both of our girls for 3 and 4 years, respectively. And, while we’ve had our ups and down, there were a lot more ups than there were downs.

Luckily, I was super grateful for lactation recipes. They definitely made me feel more confident in succeeding.

Watch how to make this chocolate lactation smoothie:

Do Lactation Recipes Work?

One of the things I hear most from people who reach out to me about breastfeeding is that they are scared they won’t produce enough milk. And my answer is always, “it’s very rare that a mom actually have production issues, however, you can take precautions and be proactive in helping your supply.” I’ve been working to create some great, easy recipes to share so moms have great options when they need them.

So how can this recipe help with lactation?

Oats and Flax are known help boost milk production, while the peanut butter is a great protein to make sure you are getting the calories you need while satisfying your hunger since you are probably stuck on a couch nursing a baby.

**Note: If you are truly concerned about your milk production, please reach out to an IBCLC and/or your local La Leche League. You can also read our post about Lactation Boosting Foods to increase your milk supply.

Do I have to be lactating to enjoy this milkshake?

I get this question a lot when some moms see this post shared in a Facebook group or on Instagram. They love the combo, but they either didn’t or are no longer nursing. The good news ….No! You don’t.

If you look at the ingredient list, there is nothing in there that the average person couldn’t enjoy. It just so happens that the combination of ingredients seem to help lactating mothers.

In fact, Andrew has drank this milkshake on more than a few occasions. I’ve had it not breastfeeding. And it’s a great one to give to your little ones, since it’s all natural ingredients. Even though there’s a little bit of chocolate, it’s natural cocoa powder and we don’t use any added sweeteners.

What oats are best for lactation?

We prefer old fashioned rolled oats over quick oats. While both are whole grains and the same product, old fashioned oats have not been processed, thus are more in their true form.

You can definitely use quick oats if you have them on hand and do not have old fashioned oats, but we do prefer the later.

Also, it’s important to note that you should not use instant oats in this recipe. They will soak up the milk too quickly and you will end up with something more like overnight oats (delicious, but not what you want for this recipe).

Helpful Tips for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake:

If you do not want a “grainy” lactation smoothie, then add the oats and flax seeds first and pulse to grind into a fine powder first. Then, add in the remaining ingredients and blend thoroughly.
If you are nut free, you can sub with sunbutter, but the taste will be different. We find sunbutter a little more powerful in flavor than peanut butter, so adjust the level of cocoa or even add a splash of maple syrup.
Other nut butters, besides peanut butter, may also be used.
I’ve made it with both fresh and frozen bananas. Both are great. You may need to add a bit more ice with a fresh banana to make it as thick.
100% Cacao is slightly bitter since there are no sweeteners. If you are looking for a sweeter taste, add 1/2 to 1 full tablespoon maple syrup.

What are other lactation recipes that I should try?

Once you try this delicious lactation smoothie, we are sure that you are going to be looking for other delicious recipes to try! Good news, is that we have a few that are too die for. Some, maybe even better than this recipe (is that even possible!?) Here’s some ideas:

We hope that you love these recipes!

4.91 from 11 votes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake is the most delicious easy lactation recipe that you need! Drink one everyday!

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: Lactation

Keyword: lactation recipes

Servings: 1 milkshake

Calories: 546 kcal

Author: Larisha Campbell

Ingredients

1/4 cup old fashioned oats
1 large banana, frozen preferred, cut into chunks
3/4 cup oat or soy milk
2 tbsp natural peanut butter
2 tablespoon 100% cacao powder
1 tbsp ground flax seed (up to 2 tbsp if you are really looking to boost milk production)
2 cups ice

Optional Toppings

Whipped Cream
Sliced Bananas
Chocolate Drizzle

Instructions

For a high speed blender: Add all ingredients in and blend until smooth.
For a standard blender: In a blender, add the oats and give it a quick pulse. Add remaining ingredients, except ice, and blend until well combined. Add 2 cups of ice until well blended.
Enjoy with a thick straw or a spoon!
*Feel free to skip the ice if you just want a smoothie.

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates.

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake

Amount Per Serving (1 milkshake)

Calories 546 Calories from Fat 216

% Daily Value*

Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Polyunsaturated Fat 7g

Monounsaturated Fat 10g

Sodium 121mg5%

Potassium 1036mg30%

Carbohydrates 77g26%

Fiber 14g58%

Sugar 34g38%

Protein 17g34%

Vitamin A 456IU9%

Vitamin C 12mg15%

Calcium 337mg34%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

**The pictures below were the original pictures for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Boosting Milkshake which you may have seen floating around Pinterest. It’s the same recipe, we’ve just gotten a lot better at photography!

Originally publish May 2014. Updated in 2024.

This easy no bake lactation protein bar recipe is jammed packed with all the healthy ingredients you need postpartum. Grab and go with this easy lactation boosting recipe!

*Affiliate Links Contained within this post

Going from one to two kids was the hardest thing I’ve had to do as a parent up to this point. A very demanding toddler who begged for the attention she deserved because she never had to share mommy before paired with a tiny newborn who needed me for literally everything naturally, lead to an exhausted mama trying to figure it all out.

Self-care typically goes completely out the window in cases like these. And I’ll admit that my hair didn’t get brushed every day, I didn’t take a shower every day, the toddler may have watched more TV than I care to admit, but life had to continue. Since I was tandem breastfeeding, I had to make sure I was consuming enough calories, nutrients, and healthy fats so that I had enough energy and milk to feed our girls.

Why do you need lactation recipes?

I needed healthy snacks that were easy to make, easy to grab, and I would be able to eat with one hand. KIND bars were perfect, but they are expensive and since we are on a budget, I needed something cheaper. I looked at the ingredients and decided I could make them myself. We’ve been making these for over a year now and they are so amazing. Not only do I still eat them myself, but Andrew loves them for right before the gym because they are packed with protein and I love giving them to our toddler, Skibbles, especially after she’s been sick and I want to get some extra nutrition into her.

4.75 from 4 votes

No Bake Lactation Protein Bar Recipe

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

4 hrs

Total Time

4 hrs 5 mins

This easy no bake lactation protein bar recipe is jammed packed with all the healthy ingredients you need postpartum. Grab and go with this easy lactation boosting recipe!

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Lactation

Servings: 14 bars

Calories: 346 kcal

Author: Larisha Campbell

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup almond butter (any nut butter or sunflower butter would also work)
3/4 cup unsalted almonds ,roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup pistachios ,shelled
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup cashews (roughly chopped)
1/3 cup raw honey
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (we use homemade)
1/3 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 heaping cup dried blueberries
1/4 heaping cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup debittered brewer's yeast (omit if not breastfeeding)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
Mix well until everything is very well combined.
Line an 8x8 pan with wax paper.
Place ingredients in wax lined pan.
Firmly press down with the back of a spoon.
Place in freezer overnight or at least 3-4 hours.
Remove wax paper from pan and peel away from mixture.
Cut in half, then cut each half into eight bars for a total of 16 bars.
Place in container or bag and put back into freezer.
Remove servings as needed 2-3 hours before consuming.

Nutrition Facts

No Bake Lactation Protein Bar Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 bar)

Calories 346 Calories from Fat 216

% Daily Value*

Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Sodium 5mg0%

Potassium 378mg11%

Carbohydrates 24g8%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 20IU0%

Vitamin C 0.3mg0%

Calcium 132mg13%

Iron 2.6mg14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Since there are no fillers or preservatives in this they are a bit more crumbly, but it’s all delicious which is really the only thing that matters! We hope you enjoy these as much as we do!