Muffins for breast-feeding mums

For centuries, women have included oats and sesame in their diets to boost breast milk production, albeit anecdotally. Treat yourself to these tasty apple pie oatmeal muffins if you’re breastfeeding.

These muffins contain oats and sesame – both traditionally used by new mums to help boost their breast milk For centuries, women have upped their intake of oats and sesame to help increase their breast milk flow. Although there’s no scientific evidence showing they work, many new mums swear by them. These muffins contain both oats and tahini – made from sesame seeds – and you can easily eat them with one hand while breast-feeding your baby.

Apple-pie oatmeal muffins

Makes 12

Ingredients

300g self-raising flour *
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
100g soft light brown sugar
50g oats * plus 1 tbsp more for topping
2 bananas, mashed
284ml tub of buttermilk
2 tbsp tahini *
2 tbsp sunflower oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp poppy seeds *
2 tsp cinnamon *
2 apples, diced
60g sultanas *

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan, and line a muffin tin with 12 muffin cases. Step 2. Combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda, sugar and oats in a large bowl. Step 3. Meanwhile, in a large jug, whisk together the mashed bananas, buttermilk, tahini, oil, eggs, poppy seeds and cinnamon. Step 4. Stir the apple and sultanas through the dry ingredients, then gradually pour the contents of the jug into the dry mixture and stir until only just combined. Don’t over-mix. Step 5. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases, sprinkle over the oats and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until risen and golden. Step 6. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing to a cooling rack. Eat within four to five days.