Eating Chocolate: What You Should Pay Attention to When Breastfeeding

Many new mothers ask themselves whether chocolate can be enjoyed while breastfeeding. After all, you want to give your baby only the best nutrients through breast milk. In this article we will tell you what you should pay attention to when breastfeeding and whether you actually have to say goodbye to your beloved chocolate.

Chocolate while breastfeeding: you should know that

The quantity makes the poison. Unless you eat exclusively chocolate, there’s nothing wrong with a chocolate treat after a long day. But why is sugar and chocolate demonized when breastfeeding?

• Basically, you should eat a balanced and healthy diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since chocolate is not very popular when it comes to healthy foods, avoiding it is often recommended. However, there is no scientific evidence that eating chocolate while breastfeeding has a negative effect on your baby.
• Too much sugar is not good for you or your baby. While breast milk isn’t directly affected by what’s in your stomach, everything you eat eventually finds its way into your bloodstream and eventually into breast milk. Balance is therefore important.
• The theobromine present in chocolate acts on the body a bit like caffeine. In order to actually have a negative effect on your baby, you would have to eat several bars.
• Some babies react with flatulence to certain foods that you pass on through breast milk. In most cases, however, it is not cocoa or sugar, but cow’s milk that triggers the flatulence.
• Listen to your gut feeling. If you have persistent concerns, please consult your pediatrician.

How to eat properly while breastfeeding

No specific diet needs to be followed while breastfeeding. If your baby suffers from the dreaded three-month colic, the mother is often advised to go on a diet. Here, however, chocolate should not be avoided, but flatulent foods such as cabbage, onions and legumes. If your baby does not suffer from flatulence or allergies, you can eat whatever you like without hesitation.

• There are foods that produce milk. So if you’re worried about your milk supply, you can use oatmeal , semolina, rice and potato products. Even a malt beer can work wonders if the milk fails to come.
• Spicy food is often discouraged, but not every doctor recommends it. This is where opinions differ. Supposedly, diaper rash is triggered by the sharpness. If you are a fan of spicy food, you should approach it with caution.
• Most importantly, make sure to drink plenty of water while breastfeeding . You should also have a bottle of water ready for breastfeeding at night.

Alternatives to sweets while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is very tiring and exhausting for the body. The body demands energy in the form of calories and water. Cravings for sweets are also not uncommon. However, it doesn’t always have to be chocolate.

• Bake your own cookies. Then bake oatmeal cookies, killing two birds with one stone. You can use sugar alternatives when baking or simply reduce the amount of sugar. Of course, you can also add a few pieces of chocolate to the cookie dough.
• Dark chocolate is healthy. The high cocoa content boosts the metabolism, even helps with weight loss and is a perfect nursing snack.
• Nuts provide energy, vitamins and nutrients. Try something out and find out which nuts taste best to you. Coconut flakes or dried fruit are also suitable as a healthy substitute for sweets.
• Fresh fruit provides the sweetness you crave along with a myriad of positive benefits. Being able to feast without regret is no problem with fruit.