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The Benefits of Mexican Hot Chocolate 

Herencia Cookbook looks to wisdom from the past and helps us fit it into our contemporary lifestyles. In today’s post, I will be sharing a hot chocolate recipe. After giving birth to my son, my mother stayed with me for the first 40 days and helped me as I healed and adjusted to motherhood. Every morning, she would come into my room and hand me a warm cup of hot chocolate. Some mornings, I would be groggy and sleep-deprived. Other times, I felt dizzy… even if I had rested. The chocolate mama made me always comforted me. Today, I want to talk about Mexican hot chocolate benefits for postpartum.

Mexican Hot Chocolate, for Postpartum

In my Latin culture, it is custom for a new mom to not leave the house (or leave the house for as little as possible) for the first 40 days.  This is due to the belief that a woman is so open after birth (physically and spiritually). Therefore, staying indoors at home can be a form of preventative care, in addition to being very healing. For example, as I write this, I am 8 weeks postpartum. My midwife cleared me to work out at 6 weeks. After being cleared, I started with easy movements, to focus on alignment and mobility.  And, I began walking. It felt amazing to walk outside and get some fresh air, considering that I was inside my house for the first 40 days! (Quarentena anyone?)

I went on a sunset walk and enjoyed the golden hour. However, I don’t know if it’s because the cold hit my back or what, but I immediately noticed a drop in my milk supply. Oh no! Considering my newborn son is exclusively breastfeeding and hates bottles, this was a cause for alarm. I thought about what I should do. As you could imagine, I was stressed. To relax, I drank some hot chocolate. It always comforts me. Then, I went to bed and hoped to wake up with a solution. Pues mira no mas! When I woke up, my bed was soaked. I wondered if I wet the bed? If I had peed myself? Then, I felt the pain in my chest. I was completely engorged. Benditio sea Dios. My milk was flowing again. 

Hot Chocolate and Lactation

I called my mom to tell her the good news. She chuckled and told me, “well mija, of course your milk came back! It was because of the chocolate that you drank.” After a short pause, she asked me, “pero mija why did you drink chocolate before bed?” I was confused. Then my mamacita proceeded to explain that chocolate helps lactating women with their milk supply. That is why mama would give me a cup of hot chocolate every morning. It was the first thing I put into my body each grand rising. Here I just thought my mom was trying to serve me a bit of warm comfort as I healed postpartum. But really, she was strategic and intentional with her recipe. So, here is my mamacita’s recipe for chocolate. Whether you are trying to increase or maintain your milk supply, or you simply enjoy some chocolate, this recipe is from us to you, con mucho amor!

How to Make Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

To make Mexican hot chocolate, you will need:

• 2 cups milk of your choice. We use cow’s milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablet Mexican Chocolate 

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, this is how you put them together! Firstly, in a small pot, add milk and water. Secondly, set on the stove on medium-high heat. Once boiling, add your tablet of chocolate. Now, lower to a simmer and cover. Then, in about 5-10 minutes, the tablet will start dissolving.  Next, remove the lid. Be sure to stir constantly to help dissolve the chocolate.  Once completely dissolved, turn off the heat and cover. Finally, enjoy!

Makes 4 servings

Do you like hot chocolate? Do you enjoy it for comfort? Did you know it helps with lactation? Let us know in the comments. And remember, check out my blog and my book for authentic Salvi Mex recipes with a modern (and sometimes healthy) twist. Until next time, Buen Provecho!

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