Becoming a new mum transforms your relationship to everything you consume. Suddenly your morning drink becomes a decision. Coffee feels too harsh. Energy drinks are a hard no. Even green tea raises questions.

So when breastfeeding mothers discover ceremonial cacao - a gentler, more nourishing alternative - the first concern is always the same:

“Is cacao safe while breastfeeding?”

This guide (by 8 Within's doctor and herbalist founder) breaks down the research, the physiology, the cultural context and the practical dosing recommendations, so you can make an informed decision.

What makes ceremonial cacao different from chocolate?

Before we can talk about breastfeeding safety, it’s important to clarify what we mean by cacao.

Ceremonial cacao is:

• minimally processed

• made from 100% cacao paste (cacao beans ground with their natural fats)

• grown and harvested in keeping with traditional farming practices

• rich in bioactive compounds like theobromine, flavanols and phenylethylamine

Chocolate, on the other hand, is often ultra processed, contains refined sugar, dairy and emulsifiers, and has far lower levels of active compounds.

When discussing breastfeeding safety in this article, we're referring specifically to high-quality ceremonial cacao, not chocolate bars or cocoa powder mixes.

Can I drink cacao while breastfeeding? The short answer

Yes. For most people, cacao is generally safe while breastfeeding - if taken in moderate amounts.

Safety concerns about cacao typically relates to its stimulant effects (thanks to the small amounts of caffeine and much larger amounts of theobromine it contains). UK guidance suggests that breastfeeding mothers should keep their total daily caffeine consumption between 200 and 300 mg (the British Nutrition Foundation advises staying at ≤200 mg/day, while the NHS advises ≤300 mg/day).  

However, there is no scientific evidence suggesting that cacao harms breastfed babies.
In fact, cacao has been consumed as a daily tonic by postpartum women in Central and South America for thousands of years.

But ceremonial cacao is far more potent than regular chocolate, which is why dosage matters.

How theobromine in cacao affects breastfeeding mothers

Caffeine gets most of the attention when it comes to breastfeeding, but cacao contains very little caffeine. Instead, it contains:

Theobromine: a gentler stimulant that

• lifts energy

• widens blood vessels (vasodilation)

• improves blood flow

• supports mental clarity

• creates “calm alertness” rather than coffee-style jitters

Does theobromine pass into breast milk?

Yes, but in tiny, clinically insignificant amounts.

Studies show that while theobromine can appear in breast milk, the levels are extremely low and far below any threshold of concern.
Most babies are unaffected.

Cacao vs coffee while breastfeeding (which is safer?)

A typical ceremonial cacao dose (15–20g) contains:

• Approximately180–250 mg theobromine

• <20 mg caffeine

A single cup of coffee contains:

• Approximately 90–200 mg caffeine - a far stronger stimulant linked with irritability and sleep disruption in infants.

This means that for breastfeeding women wanting stable energy without the anxiety spike, cacao is usually the gentler option.

Safe cacao dosage while breastfeeding (recommended grams)

Because ceremonial cacao is more potent than chocolate, dosing is important.

Safe range: 10–20g per day

This provides mood and energy support without overstimulation. Take a look at our Cacao Ritual Mastery sets, which contain 10 pre-measured 20g mini packs of 8 Within ceremonial cacao.

Choose the Inner Depths or Root to Rise 10 pack for cacao options that do not contain additional plant medicines - perfect for new mums.

Avoid full ceremonial doses (25–40g)

They’re not harmful, but may be too stimulating for new mums.

Start low

Try 10g for your first few servings, observe baby’s behaviour, then gradually adjust up to 15–20g if both mum and baby are tolerating it well (remember that only a teeny tiny amount of theobromine actually passes into a baby's bloodstream via breastmilk).

How much cacao is too much when nursing?

You may be consuming too much cacao if you notice:

• baby is unusually alert or wakeful

• fussy or restless behaviour during feeds

• your own sleep becomes lighter or disrupted

• you feel overstimulated, jittery or “wired”

These are signs to reduce the dose.

Does cacao increase or decrease milk supply? What we know

This is a common worry, but there’s good news:

Cacao does not decrease milk supply

There’s no evidence in clinical literature that cacao reduces supply.

Cacao does not increase milk supply directly

However, it may influence supply indirectly through stress regulation.

What research says about cacao and lactation

Human studies are limited, but what we know is:

• polyphenols and magnesium may support relaxation

• theobromine has a mild mood-lifting effect

• stress reduction is linked with improved let-down and supply

There is no biochemical mechanism suggesting cacao would interfere with lactation.

Real experiences from breastfeeding mothers

Many nursing mothers report that cacao helps them:

• feel calmer during cluster feeding

• stay grounded during sleep deprivation

• ease postpartum anxiety

• reduce reliance on coffee

• experience a more regulated mood

Your nervous system is deeply connected to your milk production. Anything that supports your mental state tends to support lactation indirectly.

Benefits of ceremonial cacao for breastfeeding and postpartum recovery

Cacao isn’t just safe, it can be deeply supportive during the postpartum period.

Mood support for postpartum anxiety and overwhelm

Cacao naturally contains:

• magnesium

• tryptamine compounds

• PEA (often called the “love molecule”)

• gentle MAO inhibitor compounds

• flavanols linked with improved cognition

Together these create a sense of calm alertness that helps many mums feel more emotionally steady.

A calm energy alternative to coffee for new mothers

Coffee can cause:

• anxiety

• heart palpitations

• jitteriness

• energy crashes

• overstimulation for both mum and baby

Cacao provides a gentler rise and a softer landing.

When to avoid or reduce cacao while breastfeeding

Cacao is generally safe, but you should reduce or avoid it if:

• your baby is extremely sensitive to stimulants

• you’re already consuming other caffeine sources

• you have a history of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or hypertension (high blood pressure)

• you’re drinking cacao late in the day (after 4pm)

• you’re using larger doses (25g+) daily

Signs your baby is sensitive to cacao

If you notice the following after drinking cacao:

• disrupted sleep

• restlessness

• fussiness

• unusually alert behaviour

Try reducing to 10g or switching to morning-only consumption.

Best time of day to drink cacao while breastfeeding

Morning is ideal.
It gives your body time to metabolise theobromine before evening feeds.

Avoid drinking cacao after 4pm, especially in the newborn stage when sleep is fragile.

Cacao dosing guide for breastfeeding mothers (simple table)

Final thoughts: should you drink cacao while breastfeeding?

For most nursing mothers, yes, cacao is safe, supportive, and often the most grounding part of the day.

It offers:

• gentle energy

• emotional balance

• nutrient density

• a soothing daily ritual

Just keep doses moderate, drink it earlier in the day, and follow your baby’s cues.

Frequently asked questions about cacao and breastfeeding

Can I drink cacao every day while nursing?

Yes, as long as your dose is moderate (10–20g) and baby responds well.

Is raw cacao powder safe while breastfeeding?

Yes, but it’s less potent and less nutritious than ceremonial cacao.

Can cacao make my baby more fussy or gassy?

Rarely. If so, reduce your dose and monitor.

Is hot chocolate safe if cacao isn’t?

Hot chocolate isn't more or less 'safe', it's just different. You'll need to read the ingredients list to double check what it contains (in terms of sugar, dairy, caffeine and additives) and then make your decision based on that. 

Disclaimer

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your GP, midwife or lactation specialist if you have concerns about stimulants, supply or postpartum health.