Pregnancy, new motherhood and breastfeeding can be beautiful, exhausting, overwhelming and everything in between.

Sometimes, you don't need another thing to do. You just need five quiet minutes, your favourite mug and something warm to sip.

For mums, those little moments of comfort can be especially precious. Whether you're navigating pregnancy, settling into life with a newborn, breastfeeding your little one, or simply trying to find five quiet minutes in a busy day, a warm cup of cacao can help create a little pause in amongst the caos of a busy day.

That's one of the reasons we love drinking cacao. It's rich, creamy, naturally indulgent and made for everyday moments.

We've recently added Bobby Boy's Premium Drinking Cacao to our gift boxes because we wanted to include something that feels a little bit special, something mum can enjoy during those precious few moments that she gets to herself.

Plus, we love supporting other small NZ businesses, and Bobby Boy's is a small, family-run New Zealand business.

Why we love cacao for mums

Cacao is made from the cacao bean and is naturally packed with plant-based goodness. It's a source of antioxidants and contains naturally occurring minerals including magnesium, iron and potassium.

Cacao is also rich in naturally occurring compounds called flavanols, which have been studied for their antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits.

But for us, the appeal of cacao goes beyond what's in the cup.

It's about how it makes you feel.

A warm mug of cacao can become a little daily ritual — something to look forward to in the morning, a cosy afternoon pick-me-up or a comforting drink to enjoy once the little ones are finally tucked into bed.

And mums deserve those moments!

Motherhood doesn't exactly come with an abundance of quiet moments.

There are feeds, nappies, school runs, appointments, laundry, meals, snacks, cuddles, bedtime routines...

Sometimes the idea of "self-care" feels like another job on the list.

That's why we love simple rituals.

You don't need an hour at the spa or an elaborate wellness routine. Sometimes self-care can be as simple as making yourself something delicious and actually sitting down to enjoy it (we can't garantee you wont be interupted though)

Cacao during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a time when your usual coffee or favourite treats suddenly don't appeal in quite the same way.

Cacao makes a wonderfully comforting alternative when you're craving something warm, rich and chocolatey.

And unlike reaching for a traditional hot chocolate, drinking cacao can offer a naturally rich chocolate experience without needing to be loaded with sugar or unnecessary extras.

The cacao bean itself contains naturally occurring antioxidants, minerals and plant compounds, making it a delicious way to add a little more goodness to your day.

Of course, every pregnancy is different, and what feels good for one mum might not feel quite right for another. But when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, a beautiful cup of cacao can be a lovely little ritual to look forward to.

And for breastfeeding mums?

Those early months with a baby can be a beautiful blur of feeds, cuddles and very broken sleep.

Having something warm and nourishing to sip while you're feeding your baby, enjoying a quiet breakfast or finally getting five minutes to yourself can make those everyday moments feel a little more special.

Cacao contains naturally occurring nutrients and antioxidants, while the comforting ritual of preparing a warm drink can be a lovely way to create a little pause in your day.

And let's be honest — sometimes mum deserves the treat too.

The story behind Bobby Boy's Cacao

One of the reasons we were so excited to introduce Bobby Boy's Cacao to Morning Mummy is because we love supporting other small New Zealand businesses.

Bobby Boy's is a small, family-run business based right here in Aotearoa, created by Brooke from a love of comforting rituals, everyday indulgence and the beautiful chaos of life with a toddler.

But there's a deeper story behind the brand too.

Bobby Boy's was created as a challenge accepted in honour of Brooke's late partner — bringing together love, loss, determination and a desire to create something beautiful from life's experiences.

We think that gives every cup of Bobby Boy's a little more meaning.

You can read more about Bobby Boy's Premium Drinking Cacao, and purechase direct from their website https://www.bobbyboyscacao.co.nz/

Supporting small businesses in Aotearoa

Morning Mummy is a small New Zealand business too, so we know just how much it means when someone chooses to support a small business.

Behind every little business is a real person.

A family.

A dream.

A lot of late nights, hard work and heart.

Whenever we can, we love working with other Kiwi businesses and bringing their beautiful products into the Morning Mummy community.

Choosing Bobby Boy's means you're not only receiving a delicious cup of cacao — you're also supporting another small business here in Aotearoa.

And we think that's pretty special.

Cacao that's kind to the planet too

We also love that Bobby Boy's puts thought into what happens beyond the cacao itself.

Their packaging choices include recycled courier bags from r3pack.nz, boxes from Quick Brown Box, recycled shredded paper instead of plastic fillers, and sustainable packaging designed to protect the cacao while reducing unnecessary waste.

It's a reminder that small choices can add up.

A little hug in a mug

We chose Bobby Boy's Cacao for our gift boxes because we wanted to give mums something that feels like a treat.

Something comforting.

Something delicious.

Something that says:

"This is for you."

Because amongst all the excitement of preparing for a baby, welcoming a new little person into the world and looking after everyone else, it's easy for mum to get forgotten.

So make the cacao.

Find your favourite mug.

Take a breath.

And enjoy those few minutes that belong entirely to you.

Because sometimes the simplest moments are the ones we need most.

* A note for mums-to-be and breastfeeding mums *

Cacao naturally contains caffeine, so if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's a good idea to include cacao as part of your overall daily caffeine intake. New Zealand guidance recommends keeping caffeine intake below 200 mg per day during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

While cacao contains naturally occurring antioxidants, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds, research specifically looking at the benefits of cacao in pregnant and breastfeeding women is limited. This article discusses the general nutritional qualities of cacao and is not intended as medical advice. If you have any concerns about cacao, caffeine or your individual dietary needs during pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak with your midwife, doctor or other healthcare professional.