A Festive Sip for Breastfeeding Moms: The Joy and Benefits of Chocolate Over Coffee

It was my first holiday season as a new mom. The tree twinkled in the corner, my baby snuggled in her bassinet, and I finally took a moment for myself with a cup of hot chocolate and my favorite treat—After eight, those minty dark chocolates. 

That night, my baby decided it was time to party. She slept well until her first night feed, but after I enjoyed my dark chocolate treat, there was no settling down—just wide eyes and endless giggles. My bestie was having a grand time, while I was a total party pooper confused and overwhelmed. Though I wish all of my sleepless nights with my baby were this entertaining, it wasn’t until the next morning, bleary-eyed and exhausted, that I pieced it together. The caffeine in the chocolate had worked it's magic on her system—and mine too.

I definitely learned my lesson: caffeine, even in small amounts, can have a surprisingly big impact on both baby and mom. But being the nerd and chocoholic that I am, I wasn't ready to give up my favorite indulgence just yet. I spent hours researching and learning about chocolate to debate anyone who may want to pry it away from me.

What I discovered surprised me—and made me love cocoa even more. It turns out that chocolate, especially when enjoyed as hot cocoa, can actually support a breastfeeding mom’s health, mood, and milk quality. Even better, it’s a gentler alternative to coffee, which might not be as great as we may like during pregnancy and post-partum period.

I will share the most important points with you here, and maybe this holiday season, you will feel inspired to swap your coffee habit for much gentler: creamy, nutrient-rich hot cocoa. The best part? It’s festive, soothing, and better for breastfeeding moms and their little ones.

Coffee: A Beloved Habit with Hidden Challenges

Coffee has a special place in many moms’ lives—especially during those sleep-deprived newborn months. It’s comforting, it’s energizing, and let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like the only thing getting us through the day.

In fact, coffee isn’t all bad! Studies show it can boost mood, improve focus, and even offer antioxidant benefits. But as with all things, balance is key. While one or two cups a day is perfectly fine for most breastfeeding moms, it’s easy to overdo it—especially when exhaustion kicks in.

Here’s where coffee can start to create challenges:       

1. Nutrient Depletion:  Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it flushes out water and essential nutrients, including magnesium, calcium, thiamine, and folate. These are critical for maintaining a healthy nervous system and regulating your mood.

2. Impact on Milk Quality:
   Breast milk pulls from your body’s nutrient stores to ensure your baby is getting what they need. If your own stores are depleted, it can reduce the richness of your milk over time.

3. Caffeine Transfer to Baby:
   Caffeine can pass through breast milk, potentially leading to irritability and sleeplessness for sensitive babies.

4. Stress on the Nervous System:
   Over time, the nutrient depletion caused by coffee can make it harder to manage stress, contributing to feelings of overwhelm or postpartum depression.

This doesn’t mean you need to give up coffee altogether—but being mindful of your intake and balancing it with nourishing alternatives can make a big difference for you and your baby.

Why Cocoa is a Festive Friend for Moms

Hot cocoa isn’t just a delicious treat—it’s a comforting, mood-boosting alternative that supports your body in ways coffee can’t. Here’s why cocoa is worth celebrating:  

1. Rich in Magnesium:
   Helps relax muscles, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality—key benefits for tired moms.

2. Mood-Boosting Flavonoids:
   These antioxidants enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and support a calm, happy mood.

3. Gentle Stimulation:
   Cocoa contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that doesn’t overstimulate you or your baby.

4. Supports Milk Supply:
   Unlike peppermint or sage, cocoa does not impact milk production. Its magnesium content can even promote milk letdown by helping your body relax.

5. Preserves Nutrient Stores:
   Cocoa replenishes magnesium and iron, which coffee depletes, helping you maintain a nutrient-rich milk supply.

A Sneaky Holiday Reminder: Check Those Flavors!

While cocoa itself is breastfeeding-friendly, it’s worth keeping an eye on the flavors you add to your cup. Some holiday favorites, like peppermint and sage, are natural milk supply suppressants. Even small amounts can have an impact if consumed regularly.

For example, some flavored chocolates or prepackaged hot cocoa mixes may include peppermint oil or other flavoring agents. These sneaky culprits are worth avoiding if you’re breastfeeding and trying to maintain a strong milk supply.

Last year, I wrote a blog post all about the sneaky flavors that can quietly reduce milk production, like peppermint or sage. It’s a quick read and worth checking out before you stock up on festive treats. You can find it here. Along with a few recipes for boosting your milk production naturally. 

Nourishing Hot Cocoa Recipes for New Moms

Hey mama, I see you—juggling everything, running on fumes, and still managing to make the holidays magical for your little one. Let me tell you, you deserve a moment of peace and something warm and comforting to hold in your hands. That’s where a good mug of hot cocoa comes in.

But this isn’t just any cocoa. With a few little tweaks, we’re going to turn it into a delicious, nutrient-packed hug in a mug, just for you. It’s cozy, it’s indulgent, and it’s exactly what you need to nourish your body and soul.

Your Basic Cocoa Recipe 

Let’s start with a simple, delicious base:

• 1 cup of milk (oat, almond, coconut, or good ol’ whole milk if you love it creamy)
• 1 tablespoon raw cocoa powder (unsweetened—it’s the good stuff!)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or date sugar or mix in banana in a blender for extra potassium (sweeten to taste)
• A pinch of good-quality salt (like Himalayan or sea salt—it makes the flavors pop)

How to Make It:
Gently warm the milk in a saucepan (we don’t want to boil it!). Stir in the cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt until it’s smooth and velvety. Pour it into your prettiest mug, wrap both hands around it, and take a sip. Now, isn’t that already better?

Let’s Supercharge It   

If you’re feeling fancy—or just need an extra boost—here are some simple ways to level up your cocoa.

1. Add Protein for Strength and Balance

• Stir in a scoop of whey protein, collagen peptides, or plant-based protein powder.
• Why? Protein is a lifesaver for postpartum recovery, keeping your energy steady and supporting those all-important hormones.

2. Sneak in Some Magnesium for Calm

• Try adding a teaspoon of tahini, almond butter, or a sprinkle of hemp hearts.
• Why? Magnesium is magic for your nerves. It helps you relax, keeps the jitters away, and makes those long nights feel a little easier.

3. Healthy Fats for Brain Fuel

• Add a teaspoon of MCT oil, coconut oil, or a tiny pat of grass-fed butter.
• Why? Healthy fats keep you energized and focused—because who has time for crashes when you’re a mom?

4. Spice It Up with Holiday Cheer

• Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger—or add a teaspoon of maca powder.
• Why? These spices add more than just flavor—they help balance blood sugar, boost circulation, and give you a little holiday cheer.

5. Minerals to Replenish and Revive

• Add a pinch of Himalayan salt or a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses.
• Why? These little powerhouses are loaded with calcium, potassium, and magnesium—all the things your body needs to thrive.

A Few Combos You’ll Love      

Creamy Tahini Hot Cocoa

• Base recipe + 1 teaspoon tahini + 1 scoop collagen + a dash of cinnamon
• Perfect for winding down after a long day, with a magnesium boost your body will love.

Energy-Boosting MCT Hot Cocoa

• Base recipe + 1 teaspoon MCT oil + 1 scoop whey protein + a pinch of nutmeg
• For those days when you’re running on fumes but still have so much to do.

Festive Spiced Molasses Cocoa

• Base recipe + 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses + ginger + cinnamon
• It’s like the holidays in a cup—warm, cozy, and full of the minerals you need to feel your best.

Goddess Glow Cocoa Latter

• Base recipe + 1 teaspoon rose flower powder + 1 teaspoon of collagen peptides + 1 teaspoon coconut or MCT oil + Pinch of sea salt + pinch of black pepper + date sugar or maple syrup to taste + cinnamon + vitamin D drops
• It’s like your best beauty elixir to nourish your skin, nails and hair antioxidants and exotic flavor. 

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about making cocoa taste amazing (though it will!). It’s about giving your body what it needs to keep going, to feel good, and to thrive.

• Protein helps you recover and keeps your energy stable.
• Magnesium calms your nerves and helps you sleep better.
• Healthy fats give you that slow-burn energy without a crash.
• Minerals replenish what breastfeeding and busy days take out of you.

Take This Moment for You

Making a nourishing hot cocoa isn’t just about fueling your body—it’s about giving yourself a little love during a busy season. Whether it’s a quiet moment after bedtime or a midday treat to power through, your cocoa can be your go-to way to feel calm, supported, and ready to take on the holidays. Hydrating and nourishing, cocoa gives you a nice energy boost without anxiety, keeps your brain calm and focused and offers plenty of nutrients for you to share with your baby helping to reduce your post-partum depletion.

So grab your mug, mama. You’ve earned it.

Warm wishes,
Henrieta
Natural Skincare Formulator & Aromatherapist