Breastfeeding can impose restrictions on the mother's diet. Let's look at two popular products: are they harmful to baby?
Chocolate
Chocolate, like coffee, improves mood and increases concentration. The effect is largely due to the fact that cocoa beans contain caffeine and a related substance called theobromine [1].
Cocoa beans contain more theobromine than caffeine, and it is this substance that gives chocolate its proven anti-inflammatory and antitumor effect, as well as its beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system [1].
The problem is that theobromine is carried through breast milk to baby [2]. Studies show that in some cases, chocolate consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to increased excitability of the baby, sleep problems and infant colic [3].
However, scientists agree that such consequences are caused by eating a lot of chocolate on a daily basis: something like a few chocolate bars a day [4]. In addition, it’s important to note that dark chocolate has a higher content of cocoa beans, and therefore more content of theobromine and caffeine. Milk chocolate contains less of these stimulating substances, while white chocolate does not contain them at all [5].
So if you love chocolate, you don't have to give it up. Two or three pieces a day will not harm baby. However, you should not get carried away, because chocolate, in addition to the stimulants, usually has a lot of sugar.
Oranges
Oranges are not usually on the forbidden list for nursing mothers. On the contrary, these fruits are great: they are an excellent source of vitamin C, which, among other things, helps to better absorb iron from food [6]. So there is no need to exclude oranges and other citrus fruits from your diet in advance.
However, sometimes oranges can cause an allergic reaction. If your baby has diarrhea, rash, or wheezing, you should exclude citrus fruits and see if there are any changes in baby’s symptoms. In any case, with such symptoms, you should consult a doctor [6].
