Can I Eat Chocolate While Breastfeeding?
Craving chocolate while breastfeeding?
You’re not alone! We are chocoholics here at Milkology, so we’re right there with you!
Indulging in a little chocolate can be great for your health (and your mood!). But is it safe to eat while breastfeeding?
Let’s explore…
(this post may contain affiliate links)
Can I Have Chocolate While Breastfeeding?
Yes! You can enjoy some chocolate while breastfeeding.
Just be aware that chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine, which is a stimulant (similar to caffeine).
Theobromine is found in cocoa solids in chocolate and will pass through your breast milk to your baby. The higher the cacao levels of the chocolate, the higher the levels of theobromine.
Baking chocolate and gourmet dark chocolate contain the most amounts of theobromine, while milk chocolate contains the least.
DID YOU KNOW? White chocolate isn’t made from cocoa solids, so it has NO theobromine!
How much Chocolate can I consume while breastfeeding?
If you consume small amounts of chocolate, it should not be a problem to your baby.
Just look out for the following signs in your baby if your over-indulge:
insomnia
irritability
gas
diarrhea
nausea
hyperactivity
vomiting
Every baby’s tolerance level is different. Watch your baby and adjust your chocolate intake as necessary.
A Special Homemade Chocolate Lactation Drink from South America
ATOLE
There’s a traditional drink from South America that’s passed down from grandmothers called Atole.
It’s made with oats and sometimes chocolate.
It’s often given to breastfeeding moms to increase their milk supply and looks DELISH! Here is the recipe.
What Foods Should Nursing Moms Avoid While Breastfeeding?
The only food every nursing mother should avoid are fish that contain high mercury levels.
According to the FDA, women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should avoid king mackerel, shark, marlin, tilefish, and bigeye tuna.
Also, nursing moms should limit fish that’s lower in mercury (like salmon, tilapia, trout, catfish) to 8-12 ounces per week.
DID YOU KNOW?
YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF FAT IN BREAST MILK, BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THE TYPE OF FAT.
So be sure to add good, healthy fats to your diet whenever possible.
Studies show that maternal levels of DHA (one of the most important types of omega-3s) DIRECTLY influences the levels of DHA in breast milk.
So take a daily, high-quality DHA fish oil supplement to ensure you and baby are getting enough.
We love THIS gummy DHA supplement, because it tastes like strawberries (and not yucky fish oil).
What Should I Eat While Breastfeeding?
Remember all that healthy eating you did while you were pregnant?
It’s important to continue eating a nutritious, varied diet while you’re breastfeeding.
But we have great news!
With rare exceptions - breastfeeding moms can eat pretty much anything they want!
So there’s no need to go on a special diet just because you’re nursing. You can enjoy pizza, ice cream, and other splurges every so often, but moderation is key.
Eating a healthy, varied, well-rounded diet is important during breastfeeding because it helps fuel your postpartum recovery and milk production.
Vary Up Your Foods
Varying up the foods you eat while breastfeeding serves a DOUBLE purpose.
1. It ensures you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need to heal postpartum.
2. It flavors your breast milk…
Eating a wide variety of foods will expose your baby to new taste sensations each time they nurse!
Studies show that some flavors in the foods you consume show up in your breast milk within 1-2 hours after eating.
Babies are more likely to accept and enjoy new solid foods after they’re exposed to a wide variety of flavors via breast milk as an infant.
Our 3 FAV Breastfeeding Products
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🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.