If you’ve ever breastfed, you know the experience can be a surprising combination of delightful, difficult, awkward, pleasant, painful, exhausting, terrible, or all of the above. But no matter what, it’s likely to make you hungry — and for good reason. Your body burns 300 to 500 calories per day producing milk. Then there’s the fact that feeding yourself and your baby can be quite the challenge, especially in the early days when nursing sessions are nonstop (and therefore, having a free hand or two to whip up a snack can feel pretty impossible).
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But fear not, mama: There is hope. These breastfeeding snacks are nutritious, delicious and filling. The best part? Most of them can be stashed in/on/around your nightstand, for the easiest of access.
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Whole grain snack bar
Where have these been all of our lives? Easy to grab for breakfast or a pick-me-up snack, these bars pack a punch of health and yumminess. This apple cinnamon bar is made with oats, puffy quinoa, pea crisps and chia so there’s Omega-3’s, choline and prebiotics to support your brain, eyes and gut. But then there’s organic apples, agave, cinnamon and sea salt to really make this little bar delicious.
Dehydrated cheese (yes, really)
If you find yourself craving potato chips or Doritos but don’t want to fill your baby’s breastmilk with, well, Doritos — Whisps are the answer. In fact, you may never go back to the unhealthy stuff again, since these snacks pack even more flavor, plus protein, thanks to being made with 100% cheese. Yep, that’s it! They’re gluten-free and low-carb to boot.
Super granola
There’s regular granola, and then there’s Supernola. These yummy pouches are a delicious mix of superfoods like maqui, golden and goji berries, plus nuts and seeds for 8 grams of long-lasting protein power.
Pretzels
Crunchy and salty, pretzels are the perfect low-calorie treat. And these grain-free versions (made with cassava flour) from FitJoy are ideal for the gluten-free, dairy-free, or just plain hungry and healthy breastfeeders out there.
Granola bars
While any granola bar will do the trick, we’re particularly fond of KIND bars which are sweet, salty and a good source of protein and fiber. They’re available in a variety of flavors (some have dark chocolate, cranberries, coconut, caramel, cherries, peanut butter and more). Plus, most KIND bars contain almonds — which support lactation and increase milk production.
Roasted chickpeas
While roasted chickpeas may sound strange, don’t be fooled: This crunchy snack is salty, savory and full of protein and fiber. Bonus: From BBQ to chipotle to falafel, these bad boys come in a wide selection of flavors. Try the variety pack and get four different and deliciously satisfying tastes.
Trail mix
Portable, bite-sized snacks are best when breastfeeding, especially when they’re packed with Omega-3’s like this trail mix from Target. So keep this container on your coffee table, end table or put a couple of handfuls in a plastic zip bag to throw in your purse or diaper bag when you’re out and about. The heart-healthy fats will quell your morning hunger pangs or late-night cravings.
Popcorn
Who can resist the smell of just-popped popcorn wafting through the house? Popcorn is high in fiber and will help you feel full while getting through your day. This version by Orville Redenbacher is 100% whole grain and is topped with just a hint of sea salt.
Lactation cookies
Made with brewers’ yeast, wheat germ, flaxseed, and whole oats, these lactation cookies reportedly help increase breastmilk production. But, if we’re being honest, we eat them — like these Oatmeal Salted Caramel cookies by UpSpring — en masse because they’re just plain good.
Protein-packed crackers
These are way better than those neon orange crackers you ate in elementary school. Simple Mills’ cheese crackers are made with a nut and seed flour blend for a protein punch, plus real organic cheddar cheese. Pop some of these in your nightstand drawer: Midnight You will be thankful.
Pre-made smoothies
Unlike some of the other snacks on this list, pre-made smoothies do need to be stored in your freezer or fridge, but if you keep them in single-serve containers, you can grab a cup or bottle before snuggling up with your wee one.
Apples & string cheese
Fruit and cheese pairings are common, but apples and string cheese are a particularly good choice because they’re portable (and neither requires any prep). They also give you that perfect fiber-protein punch.
Bananas
Speaking of portable, bananas are the ultimate single-handed snack. They are hearty, healthy and will quell any sweet craving. A real win-win.
Berries & yogurt
In case you haven’t noticed a pattern yet: High protein — and high fiber — snacks are a breastfeeding mama’s best friend. So another way to get a protein and fiber boost is to grab a cup of yogurt and top with a handful of berries.
Hard boiled eggs
Whether store-bought pre-packaged or boiled at home, eggs are the perfect mini-meal. They’re a low-fat, inexpensive protein choice, and since eggs contain choline, which helps with infant brain development, they’re great for pregnant and nursing moms.
You can also feel free to keep some candy on hand to satiate that inevitable sweet tooth, you deserve it!
A version of this story was originally published in July 2019.
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