Women generally have cravings during their pregnancy, when the craving for chocolate may go beyond its normal potential then and immediately after delivery. While indulging in a little bit of chocolate can be great for you, is it good for your baby? Breastfeeding mothers are usually wary of everything that they eat in order to avoid exposing their baby to something that might be harmful. So, the question is whether eating chocolate during breastfeeding is good or not? Should you be concerned?
There is no harm in eating chocolate when breastfeeding, but you will need to do so in moderation. If you notice the consistency of your baby’s stool has changed or find that he has gas problems, you will need to curb your intake until you have weaned your little one.
Ingredients of Chocolate
Chocolate that is available in readily consumable form has the following ingredients:
Chocolates also have nutritional value and contain carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, minerals, vitamins, caffeine, and cholesterol.
As you will be required to breastfeed your newborn quite often throughout the day and even at regular intervals during the night, sleep deprivation will be common during this time. Your body will be inclined to light sleep in order to attend to your baby’s call. All this sleep deprivation alters the brain and impacts its decision-making abilities. This can result in hunger pangs and cravings that seem out of your control.
Consuming chocolates rich in caffeine can affect the health of a baby when he is in breastfeeding.
The half-life of caffeine is high in babies, and it takes longer to get out of their system. When breastfeeding, if the mum gorges on too much chocolate, it may cause an upset stomach for the baby followed by irritability and insomnia. He could also become hyperactive. High quantities of caffeine intake through chocolate can also lower the production of breast milk.
Theobromine isn’t a cause for worry if the lactating mother is consuming chocolate in a limit. However, the baby will show signs of extreme gas formation in case you are including too much caffeine in your diet and consuming other cocoa products as well. Theobromine is a major component in cocoa solids, hence dark chocolates contain higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate.
If the infant shows the following side effects after you’ve consumed chocolate, then you should stop consuming them or curb your cravings to a large extent.
Definitely yes! Dark chocolate consists of cocoa solids, hence higher levels of caffeine and theobromine. White chocolate has a lower caffeine content and doesn’t have cocoa solids or theobromine. This makes the latter a better choice.
Foods with chocolate as one of the ingredients shouldn’t be a complete no-no as it depends on how the baby reacts to it. Chocolate cookies, milk, and cakes can be a part of the mum’s diet if the baby is alright with it. However, look out for any signs of intolerance to cow’s milk, eggs or other ingredients in the chocolate, as some babies could be allergic to them.
You can opt for a few medications such as chocolate laxatives which can enter the baby through breast milk and not harm the baby. However, a doctor’s advice prior to consumption is necessary.
You can drink an occasional cup of hot chocolate. However, keep an eye out for any gas problems with your baby. If you notice it, you may need to temporarily stop consuming it until your baby is weaned.
Chocolates are undeniably delicious. However, eating them in moderation during breastfeeding is the key to stay clear of any repercussions. You can also look up with your healthcare provider if you have any more concerns about chocolate and breastfeeding. In case your baby shows any side effects, it is best to avoid it until you are no longer breastfeeding your little one.