World Health Day was earlier this week and we’re inspired by this year’s focus on maternal care to share why cacao can be so beneficial during pregnancy and postpartum.
Below you’ll find the science behind why cacao supports pregnancy, how traditional Mayan practices incorporate cacao into pregnancy, and also feedback from our community on how cacao has been supportive postpartum.
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How Cacao Supports Motherhood
Cacao can be a beautiful ally for the pregnancy and postpartum journey. We absolutely recommend consulting your healthcare provider before working with cacao during pregnancy to find out what is safe for your body. And here’s our recommended cacao protocol for pregnancy:
- If you're new to cacao, we recommend waiting until the 2nd trimester to start a practice with cacao. And then when you begin with cacao, we recommend 1/4-1/2 of a normal dosage.
- If you already have a cacao practice you can decrease your normal dose by half and see how it feels for the first trimester, and then slowly increase throughout the last two trimesters.
- Ashwagandha, which is in our Vibrant Vitality blend, is not recommended during pregnancy.
Below is the science behind why cacao is supportive during pregnancy and postpartum…
During Pregnancy:
- Cacao is an excellent source of Magnesium, with 52mg per serving. Recent studies have been conducted around the benefits of magnesium supplementation during pregnancy as a preventive measure for pregnancy induced high blood pressure, leg cramping, and other conditions. Some popular science states that Magnesium helps combat morning sickness though there aren’t studies to back this up.
- Nourishing with key minerals - in addition to magnesium, iron and zinc, which are also present in cacao, are proven to support healthy child growth during pregnancy. The healthy natural fats in cacao support the absorption of these minerals into your body.
- Mood swings can occur due to changing hormones and an increase of progesterone and estrogen. Cacao can encourage mood and hormonal regulation with neurotransmitter precursors to serotonin, phenylethlamine, anadomine, and dopamine. Check out this study demonstrating decreased levels of anxiety in pregnant women after consuming chocolate.
- It’s recommended to minimize/eliminate caffeine intake during pregnancy. Cacao offers a viable alternative for energy source with minimal caffeine and instead theobromine as its primary stimulant.
During Postpartum:
- Cacao increases oxytocin, which is the ‘love hormone’ that helps mother’s produce milk and bond with the baby. A new study shows that postpartum depression can be linked to disrupted oxytocin levels.
- Cacao can be a healthier alternative to coffee when breastfeeding.
Please note: Dosage should be adjusted according to trimester and in consultation with medical/midwife professionals. Check any additional herbs and spices for pregnancy contraindications.
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Mayan Practices Around Cacao & Pregnancy
In the Mayan tradition, cacao is integrated into the birthing process.
Some practices include a cacao preparation for the labor journey, and it has often been the first drink consumed by a mother and child after giving birth.
Cacao is believed to support the labor journey:
- Contains high levels of magnesium, which helps the muscles relax and can support contractions and dilation during birth.
- Increases oxytocin, which also regulates contractions during birth.
- Maintains energy levels during labor with theobromine.
As a rite of passage, cacao can be the perfect celebration drink to accompany a blessing way, baby shower, or similar rite of passage into motherhood.
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What The Ora Community Has To Say About Cacao for Postpartum Support
“I've been purchasing Ora Cacao for a couple years now to share in my new moon cacao ceremonies, but after having my first baby I was preparing cacao for personal use to help with my postpartum depression and hormonal recovery. I drank this blend every morning and noticed significant improvement in my mood, resistance to stress, and energy! I'm so grateful for this cacao to help me be the best mama I can be to my little one :)” - Jaelyn
“Mystical mushroom 🍄 cacao mixed in with my post partum herbal tea has been a blessing to get me through the baby blues!! Very grateful!” - Julia K.
“It’s creamy rich and really helping me postpartum . It’s my reward for making it through the nights and my tool for grounding first thing in the morning so I can be present during the day.” - Cordelia M.
We’re grateful for the many ways cacao supports the health of ourselves, our mothers, and the children of the next generations.
