By Doula Jen

Steel cut oats. They really do boost your milk supply. A lot of mamas, however, think standard non-packet oatmeal is boring. Yucky even!  Doula Jen here to save the day. I’ve yummed it up for you with a throw it in the pot the night before wonder-recipe. Mom or anyone there caring for mom can throw this together at bedtime and have breakfast ready immediately upon waking…even if it’s been one of those nights, even if it’s looking like baby is cluster feeding all morning and won’t let you out of bed until 10. Your oatmeal is ready with something that will support your supply, give you energy, and stick to your ribs as you start another beautiful and chaos filled postpartum day.

Ingredients in slow-cooker the night before, to cook covered on low:

2 cups steel cut oats
5 cups water
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup raisins

In the morning:

stir in your favorite topping(s)…

milk, yogurt, coconut oil, coconut flakes, pecans, almonds, dark chocolate chips, sliced bananas, peanut butter, berries, or all of the above!

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil can be good to stir in for those deficient in Omega-3s, however it should be used in moderation while breastfeeding as it can affect hormones such as estrogen.  I myself used flax on my oats while I was nursing, but only one teaspoon at a time.