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I was wondering if there was any problems with eating chocolate while breastfeeding? My daughter-in-law loves chocolate and was told by relatives that eating it was not good for the baby. Could you please tell me if that is fact or fiction.
Hello Molly - moderate amounts of chocolate and namely the caffeine effects it can have should not pose a problem. Moderation is the key, but also to watch how the baby reacts. Should the baby become fussy, a test to eliminate it for a few days can see if it's causing any reaction. But normally, as with anything in the diet, it varys woman to woman and what effects are had...everything from broccoli to garlic ...so chocolate is just another item that if no change in the baby, AOK to have in the diet, but in moderation as with everything else (ie. not a pound of chocolate or full tub of ice cream :) Chocolate does contain theobromine which can act like caffeine in both the mother and baby. If this is the case, the baby will appear to be over-stimulated - wide-eyed, active, alert and perhaps fussy. But again, more common to have no issue at all. Take care and good luck!
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Sue Ennis
Expertise
I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.
Experience
I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.
Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.
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