Breastfeeding places restrictions on a woman's consumption of different foods. For the baby’s health, it is important that his mother does not drink drinks containing alcohol, chemical additives, dyes, or caffeine. Due to the fact that coffee is not a desirable product during breastfeeding, many nursing mothers replace it with cocoa. Some experts include it in the list of undesirable foods during lactation. So is it possible to consume cocoa while breastfeeding?
What is cocoa?
Cocoa is a drink made from ground cocoa beans that contains about 0.1-02% caffeine. It is believed that this drink invigorates, replenishes lack of energy and improves mood. Also, a moderate amount of its consumption has a positive effect on the functioning of many organs and systems in the human body. The saturation of the drink with fats makes it quite nutritious, and in combination with milk it can easily replace any snack. It also contains enough antioxidants that have a positive effect on blood pressure. Ground cocoa beans can cause an allergic reaction, so it is better not to drink this drink for allergy sufferers.
Cocoa powder is obtained from cocoa beans
Properties
The composition of cocoa is quite diverse. It is rich in proteins, alkaloids, vitamins (A, B, E), calcium, magnesium, potassium, organic acids, polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, cocoa butter and many other components. Thanks to this saturation, cocoa bean powder brings many benefits to the body.
Positive properties of cocoa:
- Stimulates the functioning of the central nervous system. Improves blood circulation in the brain, which increases concentration, attention, and memory.
- Is an antidepressant;
- Positively affects the functioning of the stomach, removes toxins;
- Has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system;
- It is a preventative against cancer;
- Positively affects the condition of hair, nails, skin;
- It is a treatment for colds and persistent coughs.
Cocoa has a lot of positive properties
How to choose cocoa
During breastfeeding, special attention should be paid to the quality of products. If a nursing mother decides to make a drink with cocoa, then she must first take care of the quality of the product. Many goods on the market of the CIS countries are supplied from China. Products purchased in large quantities are packaged here.
To avoid buying counterfeit, buy cocoa from South America, where theobroma grows
Theobroma cocoa does not grow in China itself, so the product cannot be produced there. In most cases, low-grade packaging goes to the foreign market, ending up in our stores. It is better to discard such cocoa immediately and not consume a low-quality product.
The most suitable product for a breastfeeding woman would be organic cocoa produced in South America. This is the birthplace of cocoa, it is grown here and immediately processed, packaged and sent to the foreign market. Among the varieties of legumes, you can choose forastero, criollo or trinitario, but not all packages are easy to see the necessary information. Then you should focus on the country of origin.
When purchasing a pack of cocoa, pay attention to the fat content - it should not exceed 15 percent. Otherwise, there is a suspicion that the fat content is increased due to the addition of oils that are harmful to the baby’s health. Store cocoa in an airtight container and a dry place to prevent it from getting damp.
Is it possible to drink cocoa while breastfeeding?
The answer to the question whether a woman can drink cocoa while breastfeeding is ambiguous. On the one hand, due to its composition, cocoa has a positive effect on the mother’s body. On the other hand, in order for the benefits of use to be maximum and the negative consequences reduced to zero, you need to follow some rules. Thus, it is extremely undesirable to introduce cocoa into the diet in the first month of a child’s life, and even in the second. It is advisable for a nursing mother to start using it no earlier than 3 months after giving birth. The fact is that the content of even a small dose of caffeine can excite the baby’s immature nervous system, he can become more irritable, vulnerable, and have difficulty sleeping.
Cocoa belongs to the list of chocolate products and is a fairly strong allergen. Therefore, it should be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother with extreme caution so as not to harm the baby.
Harm or benefit for mother and baby?
If a woman has not previously had an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to cocoa, then after childbirth there should also be no negative consequences for the body. The main thing is not to abuse it and use only high-quality raw materials to prepare the drink. Unlike the stronger body of an adult, a newborn is more vulnerable to products containing caffeine. Failure to follow the recommendations for drinking this drink can cause negative consequences for the baby’s health.
Possible negative consequences of consuming cocoa during breastfeeding for a baby include:
- Disruption of the nervous system, which increases the child’s excitability, anxiety, and sleep;
- Washing of calcium from the baby’s body (due to the presence of alkaloids in cocoa beans);
- The appearance of an allergic reaction;
- Disruption of the digestive system due to low-quality raw materials and their chemical processing.
It is worth noting that cockroaches live in cocoa beans on chocolate trees, which are quite difficult to remove. Therefore, these insects can get into the grinding along with the beans. Such foreign components of the drink can have a bad effect on the baby. The baby may experience colic, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or vomiting.
An allergic reaction to cocoa is quite rare.
Effect on lactation
Chocolate products are undesirable during breastfeeding not only because of the negative effects of caffeine on the newborn. They also have a bad effect on lactation. The fact is that they slow down the process of milk production, which can lead to its complete absence. Therefore, nursing women should consume cocoa with extreme caution during lactation.
Contraindications for use
A drink during lactation is not recommended in the following cases:
- The presence of an allergic reaction in the mother or child;
- Kidney disease in a child;
- Neurological diseases in infants;
- Poor absorption of calcium in the baby.
Properties of cocoa
The calorie content of the product is 300 kcal per 100 grams. The powder contains useful substances:
- vegetable fats and proteins;
- saturated fatty acids;
- fibers;
- starch;
- sucrose;
- carbohydrates.
Cocoa contains many beneficial elements
Cocoa fruits are rich in mineral compounds and vitamins:
- B vitamins;
- sodium;
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- vitamin A;
- beta-carotene;
- iron;
- vitamin E;
- chlorine;
- sulfur;
- phosphorus compounds;
- zinc
Regardless of the beneficial components of the product, rashes may appear on the baby’s body during breastfeeding. Therefore, before using the drink, it is recommended to compare its benefits and harm to the baby.
Benefits and harms
Can a nursing mother have cocoa while breastfeeding? The answer depends on many factors:
- child health;
- predisposition to allergies;
- functionality of the gastrointestinal tract;
- baby's age.
Cocoa is characterized by positive and negative effects on the body of a nursing woman and her child. The product is useful for its properties:
- acts as an antidepressant;
- promotes cell regeneration;
- strengthens the cardiovascular system;
- normalizes the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream;
- activates blood circulation in brain structures;
- strengthens blood vessels, which normalizes blood pressure;
- acts as an antioxidant;
- slows down age-related changes;
- eliminates inflammation in the body.
The drink prevents stroke. Hot cocoa provokes overexcitation of the nervous system, which is due to the presence of caffeine in cocoa beans. It is advisable to limit the intake of the drink to children under 3 years of age. For older children, it is recommended to dilute the powder with milk or cream. It is recommended to take the treat in the first half of the day.
It is necessary to carefully monitor the child's reaction when consuming cocoa.
Contraindications
It is not advisable to take the drink if the mother or baby has contraindications:
- diabetes;
- atherosclerotic formations;
- for disturbances in the functioning of the digestive tract;
- gout;
- reduced functionality of the excretory system.
If a child has allergic manifestations, it is recommended to refrain from drinking the drink, since it is difficult to determine the reaction of a small organism to a new product.
Rules for using cocoa during breastfeeding
In order to minimize the negative consequences of consuming cocoa, you need to follow some rules:
- Do not drink the drink in the first three months after the birth of the baby;
- It is better for the mother to enjoy this drink after feeding (it will be better absorbed and will cause less harm to the baby);
- Drink no more than 3 standard cups per week;
- Do not brew a strong drink (more than 1 teaspoon per cup);
- It is better to consume cocoa in the first half of the day (so as not to cause excitement in the baby at night);
- It is not advisable to use it when the child has problems with bowel movements.
In the first months after the birth of a baby, a woman should stop drinking cocoa.
When and how can you introduce cocoa into your mother’s diet?
The baby’s insufficiently formed nervous system does not allow a nursing mother to drink cocoa until the baby is three months old. The first time, if there are no contraindications, the mother should drink just a couple of sips in the morning and monitor the reaction of the child’s body throughout the day. If your baby has a rash, red spots on the body, bad stool, tummy problems, poor sleep, excessive nervousness or irritability, then you should stop drinking the drink for a month.
Consumption rate
In order for the benefits of cocoa to be maximized and the negative consequences reduced to zero, a nursing mother needs to know when to stop. Drinking during lactation should not exceed 2-3 standard cups of tea (200 ml) per week. It is also undesirable to drink a lot of green or black tea a day along with cocoa, as the level of caffeine in the body will rise, which can have a bad effect on the baby’s behavior.
Is it possible to add milk and sugar to cocoa?
To improve the taste, it is recommended to add low-fat milk to cocoa; it increases calorie content and promotes the flow of breast milk, which is important during lactation. Sugar should be added in small quantities or avoided altogether. It is better to replace sugar with fructose.
Chemical composition and calorie content of cocoa
Drinks containing caffeine top the list of foods prohibited during lactation. However, most young mothers feel an urgent need for an additional boost of energy.
The best option for consuming cocoa during lactation is in the form of a hot drink.
Cocoa beans are the fruits of the tree of the same name, growing in America, Africa, and some regions of Asia. Since ancient times, cocoa has been used in cooking and folk medicine. It is known to have a positive effect on the body in the treatment of diseases of the throat, cough, fever, heart failure, anemia, and the digestive system.
Chocolate is made from cocoa powder and butter. The drink made from dried and ground beans is popular all over the world; it is included in the diet and is considered useful even for preschool children.
But the question of the appropriateness of the product in the diet of nursing mothers provokes a lot of controversy. The concern is the presence of caffeine in the composition, which passes into breast milk. However, its content is minimal - 0.05–0.1%, which is much less than in coffee or tea. Another substance, the alkaloid theobromine, has a more irritating effect on the baby’s nervous system. The same component of cocoa prevents the full absorption of calcium, which is so necessary during breastfeeding.
It is very difficult to give up cocoa, even during lactation
Supporters of the presence of cocoa in the diet of a nursing woman pay attention to the rich vitamin and mineral composition of the product. Cocoa powder contains vegetable protein, and the proportion of carbohydrates is minimal. Cocoa also contains dietary fiber necessary to normalize intestinal activity. Among the vitamins, the leading ones are B1, B2, and PP. The mineral composition is characterized by a predominance of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. The calorie content of dry powder is quite high, which is due to the lack of liquid in the composition. However, this figure decreases significantly when water or milk is added during the preparation of the drink; as a result, the calorie content of the finished treat is only 60–80 kcal per 100 g.
Table: useful composition and nutritional value of dry powder
| Nutrient | Quantity | % of the norm in 100 g* |
| Calorie content | 289 kcal | 17.2% |
| Squirrels | 24.3 g | 32% |
| Fats | 15 g | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 10.2 g | 4.8% |
| Alimentary fiber | 35.3 g | 176.5% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A, RE | 3 mcg | 0.3% |
| beta carotene | 0.02 mg | 0.4% |
| Vitamin B1, thiamine | 0.1 mg | 6.7% |
| Vitamin B2, riboflavin | 0.2 mg | 11.1% |
| Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol, TE | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin RR, NE | 6.8 mg | 34% |
| Macronutrients | ||
| Potassium, K | 1509 mg | 60.4% |
| Calcium, Ca | 128 mg | 12.8% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 425 mg | 106.3% |
| Sodium, Na | 13 mg | 1% |
| Phosphorus, Ph | 655 mg | 81.9% |
| Microelements | ||
| Iron, Fe | 22 mg | 122.2% |
* - approximate values for a middle-aged nursing woman.
Rules for choosing in the store
In order to be confident in the quality of the product, you need to be able to choose it correctly. There are the following recommendations when choosing cocoa:
- High-quality product packaging. Foil is better suited for this, which will not allow moisture, heat, or various insects to pass through;
- The composition must be without the addition of flavor enhancers, preservatives, and sugar. It should be as natural as possible;
- Fat content up to 15%;
- Fine grind;
- The inscriptions RAW or Live on the packaging mean that it has not been subjected to severe heat treatment, which means that all the beneficial substances have been preserved;
- Quality products are supplied by manufacturers from South America (Peru, Venezuela). It is better to avoid Chinese second-rate cheap cocoa products.
Unfortunately, today many fruits of the chocolate tree are treated with chemicals and stored in unsanitary conditions. Therefore, it is important to first verify the quality of the product before it enters the body of a small child.
Cocoa Nesquik
Nesquik cocoa, a fairly popular delicacy for children, is not highly recommended for a nursing mother. The fact is that this product contains a huge amount of sugar, as well as flavorings and preservatives. Nesquik also contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. Therefore, if you take it no more than once a week and dilute it in plenty of water, it will not cause harm.
It is not recommended to consume Nesquik cocoa while breastfeeding.
When can a nursing mother start drinking cocoa?
Doctors emphasize that cocoa during breastfeeding is one of the permitted drinks, but subject to certain recommendations.
- During breastfeeding, it is recommended to introduce a chocolate drink into your menu only when the baby reaches 3 months of age. And the reason for this is that it is during this period that new products most often cause painful colic and allergic reactions in children.
- Upon reaching 3-4 months, the child’s body is already noticeably strengthened and ready to “get acquainted” with new dishes. The product is introduced into the diet gradually, starting with half a glass.
- If the baby does not have allergic rashes, the volume increases to a cup. But you can drink the drink no more than 3-4 times a week.
How to brew cocoa yourself?
You should not buy a ready-made instant drink; it may consist of poor raw materials, without useful substances. Therefore, the best option is to prepare the drink yourself. To do this you will need:
- 2 tbsp. cocoa powder;
- 1 glass of water;
- 1 glass of milk.
Method of preparation: Pour cocoa into boiled water and cook for 4-5 minutes. Next, add milk and bring the mixture to a boil, continue to cook until thickened over low heat. Add sugar to taste.
Thus, drinking cocoa while breastfeeding is possible, but you should not get carried away with it. The correct dosage of the drink, the quality of the raw materials and the correct preparation method will allow you to get the maximum benefit.
Cocoa recipes
When breastfeeding, it is recommended to adhere to the rules of preparing not only tasty delicacies, but also healthy ones. The following recipes are suitable for preparing a drink from the powder mass.
Drink without sugar
Before cooking, it is advisable to make sure that you have the ingredients: a cup of water and the same amount of low-fat milk, powdered cocoa beans with a volume of 25% of the liquid. You need to boil the water. Add the powder mass into the hot liquid in small portions. Boil the mixture for about 5 minutes. Pour in the milk and boil the contents again. After boiling, you need to reduce the heat. Cook until a thick liquid consistency forms.
Standard recipe
To prepare the delicacy you will need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of chocolate tree fruit powder, 150 ml of water and 200 ml of milk. The liquids are mixed and placed in a container. The pan is placed on the fire until it boils. It is recommended to mix the powder with a small amount of sugar and add it to the milk solution. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes.
At the end of cooking, you need to transfer the contents into a cup and you can serve.
