Whether or not to adhere to a diet during breastfeeding is an individual choice for each mother. But is it worth risking the baby’s health, if even dietary food can be tasty, and sometimes you can even eat, for example, a tasty piece of chocolate? True, when asked whether it is possible to eat chocolate while breastfeeding, doctors have different opinions, since it all depends on how much chocolate the mother will consume, what type and even at what time.
The risk of consuming such an allergenic product as chocolate during breastfeeding should be very well assessed by a nursing mother, especially in the first months after childbirth.
Types of chocolate and their composition
The composition of the most common, dairy variety should contain: cocoa chips (grated), sugar, milk, cocoa butter. Typically a sweeter variety with a literally melting texture. This bar always contains more sugar than dark chocolate; In addition, milk, which distinguishes the taste of this category, is sometimes added powdered.
To prepare black ( dark , often called bitter ) chocolate, use: grated cocoa and cocoa butter, sugar. The variety is usually determined by the percentage of cocoa (grated): 50-60% is a dark variety, above this figure is considered bitter. The latter contains the most beneficial properties for the human body, but sometimes you can find a sugar-free bar with a maximum cocoa content (90-99%). Although not everyone loves this product, it has the highest quality characteristics.
White labels should include milk, cocoa butter and sugar. The taste of this dessert is quite sugary, only from a distance reminiscent of real chocolate. It is especially criticized by lovers of cocoa beans, the taste of which in this variety is imparted only by cocoa butter.
Such compositions are most often found in more or less expensive varieties, since vegetable fat is added to cheap analogues. Unscrupulous manufacturers use palm or milk fat, as well as soy additives, which will not bring any benefit to the body. In general, any type of chocolate contains to one degree or another:
- alkaloids - caffeine or theobromine;
- tryptophan, as well as phenylethylamine;
- simple carbohydrates;
- nuts, both whole and shavings or paste;
- fruit fillings;
- powdered or whole milk;
- cocoa butter substitutes: coconut or palm;
- all kinds of dyes, stabilizers, flavorings;
- gluten.
Composition: benefits and harm
Chocolate is one of the happiest foods on the planet. It releases endorphins and increases serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood. Contains phenylalanine, which has a short-term aphrodisiac effect (stimulates libido). This explains why so many people love it.
Chocolate ingredients:
- crushed cocoa seeds;
- cacao butter;
- powdered milk;
- sugar.
The chemical composition of the treat includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, minerals, vitamins, cholesterol, natural alkaloids - theobromine and caffeine.
Benefit:
Sweets contain a lot of magnesium and iron: magnesium supports energy metabolism, synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, stabilizes membranes; iron is part of proteins with various functions, including enzymes, and is involved in the transfer of oxygen.
Harm:
- Fat and sugar lead to obesity and the risk of diabetes.
- Cadmium is found in some types of dark (bitter) chocolate. May pose a health hazard.
- Oxalates (oxalic acid salts) are not recommended for use by people at risk of developing kidney stones.
- Harmful impurities. This is especially true for inexpensive varieties. Instead of cocoa butter, trans fats are added to them: hydrogenated palm or coconut oil.
What are the benefits of chocolate for a nursing mother?
By buying a high-quality product with a proven composition and limiting excessive appetite for such sweets, a nursing mother will not harm the baby in any way, and will even bring some benefits to her health:
- from a nutritional point of view. Due to the energy value, a couple of slices of dark chocolate (that is, it must contain at least 70% cocoa) and unsweetened tea are suitable as a good alternative to “heavy” sandwiches for a snack;
- the presence of nutrients and minerals. A certain proportion of iron, phosphorus, and calcium is contained in each tile;
- tonic effect. When consumed in moderation, caffeine or theobromine has a tonic effect on the human body, affecting the nervous system and heart function.
But first of all, a young mother needs to think about the health of her baby. Therefore, if eating chocolate while breastfeeding is harmful to it, then the mother should give up her desires to eat such sweets.
The main purpose of eating chocolate is to lift your mood. However, we should not forget about the possible negative consequences for both mother and child.
Is it possible to eat foods containing chocolate?
Food containing chocolate is not prohibited. It all depends on how the child reacts to it. Cookies, milk and cakes can be part of the mother's diet if everything is fine with the baby. However, you need to carefully monitor the baby’s reaction to the mother’s menu.
Is white better than dark?
Better for nursing mothers. White chocolate does not contain cocoa powder and therefore contains less caffeine and theobromine [1].
For women who love dark (bitter) chocolate, switching to white chocolate would be preferable while breastfeeding.
Is it safe to drink hot chocolate while breastfeeding?
You can drink a cup of hot chocolate a day (equivalent to a 50g bar of plain chocolate [3]), but watch out for gas problems in your baby. If they appear, it is better to stop eating the treat while breastfeeding your baby.
Impact on the children's body
Chocolate belongs to the category of products that are considered prohibited for consumption during breastfeeding, since, first of all, it is a strong allergen. The carbohydrates it contains (simple or complex) can provoke an allergic reaction not only in the mother, but also in the baby. The fact that a sweet product contains quite a lot of caffeine does not make it healthy either. For a child, a chocolate bar eaten by the mother is fraught with emotional arousal, excessive anxiety, and sometimes even sleep disturbance. In addition, chocolate can have a detrimental effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn will lead to intestinal colic in the newborn and increased gas formation, which will cause him discomfort.
Another potential problem when a nursing woman consumes chocolate is diathesis in the baby. It occurs due to milk, which is mostly contained in the dairy variety - the baby’s digestive system is not yet ready to digest such complex ingredients (carbohydrates, casein) and usually responds with bloating or constipation. That's why
If a mother is allowed to eat 1-2 slices of dark chocolate, then not in the first months after the baby’s birth,
but only after the child’s body more or less adapts to adult food. The presence of any preservatives or additives makes the sweet dessert practically prohibited for consumption.
The benefits of milk chocolate during breastfeeding
Milk chocolate differs from black chocolate in the reduced amount of cocoa and the fact that it contains milk. It may contain condensed milk and vegetable oils. In addition, it contains a lot of sugar. The fat content of the product is high. This causes a reduced content of vitamins and nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Milk chocolate is more preferable for a nursing mother than other types of chocolate as it contains less caffeine.
Milk chocolate promotes the production of endorphins, which are better known as joy hormones. The product contains a lot of sugar, so the effect is more noticeable than from a black or bitter product. In addition, milk chocolate has the following properties:
- replenishes energy reserves in the body;
- improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- slows down the aging process in the body;
- thanks to antioxidants, it has a good effect on skin condition, etc.
It also has other beneficial properties inherent in chocolate. You can read about this in the article “Chocolate while breastfeeding.”
Possible harm to mom
For a nursing woman's body, excessive consumption of chocolates, candy bars and other sweets can only affect her figure. In addition, after each piece, doctors advise rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the condition of tooth enamel. Allergic reactions to such an ingredient are also no exception for a nursing mother. Moreover, after childbirth, the body can undergo restructuring - those foods to which there were no allergies before can cause a rash, redness or itching.
Beneficial features
Unfortunately, in most modern products many elements are replaced with chemicals. Such food is very harmful for mother and baby. But real high-quality chocolate contains a lot of useful elements and performs a number of necessary functions:
- Cocoa beans in the product are rich in antioxidants, which ensure heart function and slow down cell aging;
- Stimulates the release of endorphins, which improve mood, help cope with stress, and give strength and energy. To achieve this effect, 25 grams of treats per day is enough;
- The potassium and magnesium content strengthens muscles and normalizes the functioning of nerve cells.
In addition, there are many myths surrounding this product. For example, that chocolate should not be consumed, as it is highly addictive. Some even compare sweetness to a drug. In reality, you would need to eat at least 55 bars a day to be so addictive!
Another myth is that the composition contains a lot of caffeine. Chocolate does contain caffeine. However, the amount of this substance in one bar is 6 times less than in a cup of coffee.
Rules for eating chocolate during lactation
In order not to harm herself and her child, a young mother should not only take care of the quality of chocolate, but also follow a number of simple rules when consuming it. The main ones:
- When purchasing, you should not focus only on price. Yes, a good product cannot be cheap, but in practice this is not always the case, so it is better to focus on the composition and expiration date;
- It is better to buy a product with a complete package, without externally damaged labels, there should be no faded pieces, wet edges, etc. But white bloom is sometimes acceptable in some varieties;
- When adding chocolate to a nursing woman’s menu, you should take into account the baby’s age - no earlier than three months. And also do not forget about the norms for introducing new ingredients into the mother’s diet - gradually, and most importantly - in small portions;
- The first time you try to eat a delicious slice is better in the morning. So, if a child begins to develop a rash, it can be noticed in the evening;
- if the baby has previously been diagnosed with an allergy to any other product, you should not eat chocolate;
- Eating such desserts in the evening is not recommended due to the high caffeine content, which can affect sleep or excite the child’s nervous system;
- Do not forget about the high calorie content of chocolate; more than 500 Kcal per bar is unlikely to have a positive effect on a young mother who wants to lose extra pounds after pregnancy;
- the presence of a high sugar content in your favorite product can negatively affect tooth enamel, which is already subject to heavy stress during breastfeeding - this is another reason to eat chocolate in limited quantities.
High-quality dark varieties and small portions are the key to a good mood for the mother and the absence of problems for the baby when eating chocolate.
When characterizing chocolate during breastfeeding, it is worth remembering the main advantage of such a dessert for any woman - improving her mood.
A few pieces will relieve a nursing mother of negative thoughts and help cope with postpartum depression. A free moment spent with a mug of tea and sweets will allow mom to exhale and catch her breath during a busy day. At the same time, if you introduce the dish to the menu no earlier than the fourth month after birth, eat chocolate in small portions and choose dark varieties, then this will not cause serious harm to the baby.
Rules for use on GV
White chocolate is recommended to be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother 3 months after childbirth. It is best to try dark chocolate first as it is less sweet. For the first time, take one small piece. Try it in the morning with unsweetened tea or water.
Allergies or tummy problems most often appear within 1-2 days, but it is best to observe for a week in case of a delayed reaction. If allergy symptoms nevertheless appear, use of the product should be postponed for several months. If the introduction went well, you can gradually increase the dose to 5-6 pieces per day. You should not eat treats more than 2 times a week.
Introduction to the diet and daily intake
In the first month
It is strictly forbidden to eat sweets 2-3 days after birth, since the baby’s digestive system is just beginning to adapt. In the first 3 months, the woman must follow a strict diet so as not to provoke colic in the baby. After 90 days, the baby begins to get used to the nutrients obtained from breast milk.
From 3 months
How to properly introduce desserts into your diet:
- gradually, starting with 5 grams (one slice);
- eat sweets in the morning or afternoon so that you can assess the baby’s condition;
- If sleep disturbances, bowel movements, or excessive gas formation occur, stop taking the product.
It is allowed to start eating white chocolate during breastfeeding from 10 months after the birth of the child.
You should not eat sweets in the evening, as they excite the nervous system and interfere with restful sleep.
| Baby's age (months) | Daily norm |
| 1-2 | Absolutely forbidden |
| 3 | with the permission of the pediatrician |
| 4-9 | up to 30 grams |
The daily norm, in the absence of rashes and tummy problems, should not exceed more than 25-30 grams. Frequency of administration in moderate quantities and up to 3 times a month.
