Can I eat chocolate during breastfeeding?
Mar 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, chocolate can be consumed during lactation but should be taken in moderation. Chocolate is a high-calorie food; its carbohydrates and fats can quickly provide energy to lactating women, helping them recover physical strength. Attention should be paid to dietary habits during lactation, with an emphasis on light meals, consuming more fresh vegetables, and drinking nourishing soups such as pork rib soup and fish soup to supplement nutrition.
Generally speaking, chocolate can be consumed during lactation, but in moderation. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Chocolate is a high-calorie food; its carbohydrates and fats can quickly provide energy to lactating women, helping them recover physical strength. Additionally, components in chocolate such as theobromine and phenylethylamine can stimulate the brain to release neurotransmitters like endorphins and dopamine, thus alleviating postpartum mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue. Therefore, eating chocolate in moderation during lactation can be beneficial to the mother's health. However, caffeine in chocolate may pass into the baby's body through breast milk. Since the baby’s liver is not fully developed, the ability to metabolize caffeine is weak, which may lead to nervous system stimulation in the baby, causing problems such as restless sleep and increased crying. Therefore, chocolate should be consumed in moderation during lactation.
It is important to maintain healthy eating habits during lactation, such as consuming light meals, eating more fresh vegetables, and drinking nourishing soups like pork rib soup and fish soup. This not only promotes recovery during lactation but also benefits the baby's health.
