C is for cookie

   The different ways your body reacts to each pregnancy and post pregnancy amazes me.
   With my first, although not an "easy" pregnancy/labor/recovery, my postpartum body was back to normal before I had the energy to exercise and my milk supply was, well, let's say 'plentiful' doesn't even cut it.
   However, with baby #2, my body went through some crazy changes. Of course it doesn't help that I turned 30 5 weeks after she was born, but things sure are different! 6 months postpartum and my jeans still don't fit, I can get them on, but it's like my pelvic bone is an inch wider than it was before (I mean seriously, why can't all pants have the maternity elastic band?!)! My once nicely toned tummy now looks doughy and wrinkly and let's not even go into what a nursing bust is like! I am lucky to have an amazing mother-in-law who is helping me re-learn how to dress for this new shape....but if I'm being honest, I just want my old shape back!
   So you're probably saying to yourself, "Why don't you quite whining and just exercise?" Trust me, I want to more than anything, but here's the problem: when I exercise, I lose my milk supply...and for a mom who ebf's (exclusively breast feeds), that's no-bueno.
   However, I think I found something that may help! Since I've tried herbs (fenugreek) and had a little luck, but not an overwhelming supply come back (plus it makes you smell like maple syrup), I've tried the tea with less luck, I've now turned to cookies! Yes, the woman who desperately wants to lose the last 10lbs of baby weight is indulging in cookies on a regular basis.
   After a recommendation by a friend, I found a recipe for "Lactation Cookies" (please don't gag). They are basically oatmeal cookies, with some flax meal and brewer's yeast...neither of which you can taste. I used coconut oil instead of butter, and added raisins for extra fiber, and my daughter and husband can't get enough of them!
   Seriously breastfeeding mama's (or anyone else who likes oatmeal cookies) you have got to try them! Take care of your sweet tooth ('cause let's be honest, we all have one!) and your milk supply at the same time!
   Enjoy!

   1/2 cup low fat butter (for a healthier option, use organic, virgin coconut oil)

·  3/4 cup brown sugar

·  1 egg

·  1 tablespoon vanilla

·  2 tablespoons flaxseed meal

·  3 tablespoons of water

·  1 cup flour

·  1/2 tsp baking powder

· 1 teaspoon cinnamon

·  2 tablespoons of brewers yeast

·  1/2 teaspoon salt

·  1 & 1/2 cups oats

• In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar
• Add the egg and vanilla. Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flaxseed and water, let sit for a few minutes before adding to mix.
• Add all dry ingredients, except oats, and mix well again.
• Finally, stir in the oats
• Place dessert spoon sized balls of dough onto a lightly greased or lined baking sheet. Flatten them a little with your fingers or a spatula (to have a soft center, leave in ball form).

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes