Vegan breastfeeding?

[Kensbev]

I used to be a vegan, a long time ago. Then, I was involved in a very bad car accident (many broken bones, etc.) and was advised by my doctors that it would probably be better for my recovery for me to eat meat.

The meat lover in me took over, and I never looked back, even after I recovered. But, 4 years later, I'm considering going vegan again. Just thinking about all the reasons I chose not to eat animal products in the past has me thinking about it. I wasn't a vegan for any touchy-feely reasons. I originally left meat products out of my diet to 'cleanse' my system.

When I was a vegan, I just felt healthier. Now, I have no idea if that was for real, or if that was just psychological. This morning, I was talking to a pastor who was visiting in our church who had become a vegan when he was challenged by a parishioner to try the Daniel Diet for a month. He struggled with it at first, but he was talking about how much better it made him feel. And I guess I got all wistful for the old days.

I'd go ahead and switch back right now, but I don't know how responsible that would be while I'm nursing. Any opnions?

[Kerina]

I was vegan while nursing my daughter from 6 months- 12 months old. I started eating meat right before I found out I was pregnant again. I was so drained! But, before that I felt great. I haven't gone back I think because I'm lazy. :D I probably will cut out red meat and dairy again real soon.

You can get all the nutrients you need for you and your baby without animal products. It takes a little more work, but it could be a lot healthier if you make good choices.

[luvmy4sons]

You might find some info and support at http://www.hacres.com/home/home.asp

Also there is a web site : http://www.thegardendiet.com/
This woman wasa a vegan through 4 pregnancies and her husband has been a raw vegan for years. Their names are Storm and Jinjee.

It is my undersatnding that, while requiring discipline and being more difficult, your health, even while nursing or pregnant, is actually improved on such a diet. I understand your concerns though. It does take more work. I am a raw vegan myself and often don't eat the variety I should because of all my other duties taking up my time. If I were nursing it would be harder as you need many more calories each day. I pray all will go well for you! :D

[Kensbev]

I'm SO SORRY that it's taken me forever to get back to this forum! I've been having a rough week. I have a 2yo. 'Nuff said.

I actually went ahead and took the plunge again. My BM supply has suffered, but I was way overproducing before. Now, I have about enough for my daughter without having to pump so much. So, that part is working out a little better for me than when I was eating so much fat.

I'm trying to make sure that I get a very balanced diet, because it's not just me who will suffer if I mess up. Extra work, but I really am starting to like the way I'm feeling again. Of course, I've slipped a time or two and had refined sugar (cutting that out is part of the overall change I'm trying to make), but I'm thinking that I really can do it. Thanks for the links! Hopefully, that'll help me!