Want to be featured in my next book?
As I write my next book The Kind Mama, I’m looking for anecdotes to feature from members of The Kind Life! You guys are so important to me, especially because I started TheKindLife.com at the same time my book The Kind Diet was published.
I know not all of you are kind mamas, but I’d love to hear from those of you who have had a kind pregnancy…and for those of you who don’t have kids yet, hopefully this info will be helpful!
Anywho, I’m posting a series of questions below. You can answer them in the comments below or in this forum thread – or you can send me a message (just click to the right where it says “Contact Alicia”).
We will look at all your responses and we may select a few to include in The Kind Mama. We’ll reach out on an individual basis for permission from those of you who contribute stories.
With that, here is my first round of questions. Feel free to answer one, a few, or all of these questions:
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
Again, you can answer in the comments below, by contacting me directly, or you can post your answers in this forum thread.
Thank you, kind lifers!!!
Love,
Alicia
Photo Credit: Flickr/Storyvillegirl
Category
Mama
51 comments
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1. I can't say whether or not a vegan diet helped me get pregnant, but I am 25 weeks pregnant with our second child and was vegan when I conceived. I would like to think it did help, since I feel much better and energized on a cruelty-free diet.
2. I did cheat in the beginning, which was how I realized that I was pregnant. I craved chicken--of all things--and ate a few chicken sandwiches from Chik-Fil-A. Fortunately, the same craving quickly turned my body sour. So I admit that I have struggled with my diet this pregnancy. I became a vegetarian during my first pregnancy--out of fear--but have decided not to give in this time since I don't believe it benefited either me or my daughter. I do supplement with fortified almond and rice milk to get extra B12, but I mostly follow my normal eating routine with lots of whole grains, beans, fruits and veggies. I want my baby to be as healthy as possible, and that starts now, in the womb. When I begin to doubt, I try to remember my responsibility to this little loved one!
3. Unfortunately, I have had to face a few questions and comments about my diet. I remind people of the benefits I saw in my own body when I became vegan a few years ago...after reading your book, actually!!! Most people are put at ease when they realize that I know more about nutrition than they do, and I have been seeing a nutritionist who has been very supportive of my lifestyle. For serious doubters, there is always the video "Forks Over Knives" which I have recommended to all of my family. I mean, who wants any loved one to die from a totally preventable disease????
4. Naughty foods have been the hardest, since I am naturally drawn to sweets anyway and have endured some serious cravings. There are ways around them, though I did cheat some my first few months of my pregnancy. Now I substitute sweet fruits or get into the kitchen to whip up a yummy vegan dessert.
5. My husband is very involved in my pregnancy and my diet. In fact, he does a lot of cooking. He is not vegan, per say, because he likes to cheat with cheese and the occasional egg-in-a-basket, but admires me for my zeal and completely agrees that our child can be nourished on a vegan diet. He saw the changes in me first-hand, which I believe helps him as well. -
Did being vegan help me become pregnant? Well, I was vegetarian for twenty two years and had been trying for over eight months. I went vegan in August and was pregnant by mid October so I would say yes! My body felt so much healthier on the outside I think it must have cleaned up pretty nicely on the inside as well.
I was worried I might not eat enough of the right thing and did lots of reading. I am six months pregnant now and still worry. The truth is though, I could be living on cheese and still not know. At least as a vegan I know I am doing my best, putting more thought into my food and supplementing with vitamins as every expectant mother does.
Most people know me and know how strong willed I am so didn't try and give me any grief. Of course, they all expected me to be chugging back cows milk. My mother would address the calcium issue and I could confidently inform her I was getting a better source of calcium from water, soya milk and green veg than she probably was from her cows milk. I think as long as you know where your food sources come from people can't really argue with you - especially as a vegan you tend to be more informed!
I have had absolutely no cravings. None. I have upped my drinking of orange juice, but I wanted it rather than craved it. I take this as proof that my body has been getting everything it needs. I am sure if there was a lack of a food type my body would crave it so I could compensate. I have also had no morning sickness and not gained any weight (I was already overnight from my cheese loving years as a vegetarian, so as these pounds have gone from my body the baby and bump have compensated by growing nicely and evening me out).
My partner is not vegan but is very supportive and doesn't want our child eating meat until they can understand what it is and make an informed choice for themselves. I would like baby to be vegan as well and to be honest, anyone living and eating with me is by default anyway! Every night my partner talks to bump and she responds by kicking me. Sometimes too vigorously!
The Kind Life was the first book I read when transitioning from vegetarian to vegan and I look forward to reading your book about vegan pregnancy - I am sure it will answer a lot of questions for many people. -
How soon do you need answers? I just found out I'm pregnant and plan to have a kind pregnancy. I hired my midwife today and am debating between using the birthing facility and doing a home birth. The only thing I do know is that I want to go au natural! -
1. Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant? It took me 5 months as a vegan, but 3 months as a non-vegan with my eldest son. I don't think it hindered my chances at all.
2. Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? No, because I was well versed on the facts before I fell pregnant. It definitely helped to read about other successful vegan pregnancies online (a book would have been GREAT!). Logically, I would just think - there are cultures all around the globe who eat many kinds of diets so why should mine be any different? Especially when it's researched to be so nutritionally dense! Why would I ever question exposing my unborn child to such good foods? Ridiculous.
3. During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time? Dealt with naysayers by giving them the facts. Ironically, it was the midwives who were most supportive. They even helped suggest vegan foods to help boost my iron levels etc. I had great vitamin and mineral levels without doing too much different but I did end up having to take iron supplements as I found my energy low with a 3 year old so it was hard to always put the effort into ensuring I ate enough greens etc. I felt I'd failed myself a little as I don't believe in taking supplements when I can use real food for the nutrients, but lost the battle with iron - I guess my body just needed more than I could feed it, as hard as I tried!
4. How did you handle cravings for naughty foods? Ironically, I felt repulsed by meat in my first pregnancy as a non-vegan and forced myself to eat it because I thought I needed it. It makes sense now why I craved peanut butter so much that time - it was my plant protein! This time, having had a vegan pregnancy, I had ZERO issues with food - I didn't go off any foods which reduced nausea to a zero also! I found I didn't worry about foods going off in the fridge after a couple of days and would happily eat leftovers - isn't it funny that all the foods you're supposed to be wary of in pregnancy are animal products?! No deli meat, no leftovers or soft cheeses. Not an issue for me anymore! So liberating. I did not crave meat or eggs at all, but once I had a moment with a cheese platter that my friend was eating at a concert - I indulged a few pieces but MAN did I pay for it the next day! So not worth it!!
6, how did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you? It was hard as my husband works long hours, but he often spoke to my belly in his native language (Vietnamese) which I thought was just beautiful. Especially when I could feel my belly respond. Feeling looked after really helped - a short massage can go a long way! And thankfully my husband did not grow up drinking dairy as it's not common in Vietnamese culture, so he easily accommodated me in cooking. When I was 10 weeks pregnant we went to Vietnam for a wedding and I was so blessed to have the 'host' family look after me so well - I was being fed tofu for breakfast, lunch and dinner! In Vietnam there is no distinction between Vegetarian and Vegan - both mean no animal products at all so it was actually easier to eat there than back home - households eat greens with every meal and buy fresh foods each day - any leftovers in the fridge are always eaten the next day. And there are hardly any processed foods - they are considered treats. We could learn a lot from them :)
Thanks Alicia :) -
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• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
Indeed. My partner & I were attracted to one another because we eat alike and have similar lifestyles.
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
Research, research, research. Many doctors and people who give advice actually have prehistoric information. You can be pregnant and live cruelty free.
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
I have done my research as a nutritionist and can usually pick their diet apart so fast it would make their eyes bulge out of their sockets. Don't cast stones when you live in a glass house and don't know what you are actually talking about.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
Treat yourself. In everyday! Go to the spa, get a massage, smell aromatherapy, be romantic, eat strawberries and dip in dark chocolate. Their is literally a recipe for every dish you want cruelty free {and gluten free for me}
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
Sharing, communicating, patience, being strong for one another through all the cycles and challenges... -
Hi! I became a vegetarian July 2012, and vegan Jan 1, 2013. I conceived on Jan 11, 2013. I would LOVE to say its because I became vegan 11 days prior, as I have never been pregnant before, and I'm 35.5:) I'm so excited about having a vegan pregnancy:))) -
having suffered 2 miscarriages previously in the past 5 years i was shocked and terrified to discover i was pregnant yet again. my first at 12wks and the second at 6 i was convinced that pregnancy might not be for me. with a strong family history of early miscarriage, PCOS and obesity i honestly didnt think that i would get pregnant again or carry for very long. i have been pretty much been living in fear for the past 8 wks.
i am almost 12 wks and my god has it been awful. nausea, vomiting, headaches and just about every pregnancy symptom you could imagine. i never had these issues before so this was throwing me for a loop. the doctor said for the first time in a long time i actually have hormone production (enough to sustain long term not just knock me up). seems the weight loss and relatively clean living has done a number on my body and its very pleased :) as am i :)
when i started this journey 1.5yrs ago i never thought that this lifestyle would have so dramatically impacted the way i feel, think or go about my every day life. i do plan on carrying it out throughout my pregnancy and passing on some valuable food lessons to my mini. thank you alicia. your book and website has made a serious impact on my life and that of those around me :)
go all veggies :) -
A Kind Diet is in my mind absolutely the road to easy conception!
I was eating (and lifestyling) very 'kind' and we got pregnant on the first thought. I was 37.5 yrs old w/ a history of irregular cycles and this (pleasantly) shocked me how easy it went. I attributed it 100% to the diet.
I work in the medical field and there is hard data on diet and fertility--the link is absolutely there.
I have seen 20 something women who are labeled as having 'unexplained infertility'. Both they and their partner check out fine on exam.
But when they are asked about lifestyle, they are often living the 'westernized' life. And when they change things, poof! Pregnancy occurs:)
Our westernized culture is not conducive to many things, especially fertility! (perhaps by design... a larger discussion there...)
Anyway, ever-grateful for having conceived my daughter so readily and having had a flawless, easy, healthy pregnancy.
I had a 7 lb healthy baby girl 26 months ago now and she is thriving, also eating a healthy 'kind' diet.
So much to be said about this diet and lifestyle! -
Hi Alicia!
Though I am still in my first trimester, I truly believe that because of my eating habits, I am looking forward to a healthier-than-most pregnancy. I contribute my diet, along with an active lifestyle, to my getting pregnant.
I've never felt hesitant about my diet before, until I became pregnant. However, as soon as I started questioning myself, and actually answering those questions, the doubts disappeared. Pregnant women are advised not to eat may animal-based products, and I never have to worry about that! Mercury is not an issue for me, either, as I don't consume fish. My only worry became B12, which I supplement (though I also use this as an excuse to make chocolate drinks with enriched Rice Dream).
My partner has been incredibly supportive in my nanoseconds of doubt, reminding me of the risks to baby and myself of eating animal-based products. He reminds me that if it's best for me, why wouldn't it be for the baby? He also constantly reminds me how proud he is of my dietary choices, particularly while carrying his little one.
In general, my cravings are for salty things, which I can typically nix with hummus and veggies, miso soup, and the occasional V8, when pushed to the max. However, I was bad yesterday and had a handful of salt and vinegar crisps...oopsy!
My family, though we haven't spilled the beans quite yet, are sure to be skeptical, as they have never approved of my diet. I'm from the Deep South, where the vegetarian, much less the vegan, are a rare breed.
Also an interesting tidbit to my story is that I live in Germany and use a German midwife, with whom I plan to deliver at home. Midwives deliver for the most part, here, as 70% of births in Europe are attended by them, not OBs. However, if do end up at a hospital, I won't be disappointed, as they are more like birthing centers than standard American hospitals. It's truly amazing...
I think you should consider me for your book based on the fact that I am still pregnant and you can observe and document each stage of the pregnancy of a vegan mom.
In closing, let me just say how jealous I am of all the mommies that will be able to read your book in the future! True story: I told the hubs that if we didn't get pregnant right away, that was OK, because it would give me time to read your new book. What. A. Nerd. Can't wait to read it!
Best to you,
Brittany -
Q: Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
A: I never hesitated about having a vegan pregnancy (and raising a vegan baby, once it's out!). I moved to a vegan diet about a year before getting pregnant, and it was an ethical decision so there was no way I was going to go back to eating animals. My family (the hardest on me about going vegan) haven't said a PEEP to me about being vegan while pregnant. I suspect they've googled it, and know that it's a very healthy way to eat. They even credit my reasonable weight gain to my plant-based diet (that almost sounds like acceptance!) I expected them to give me the gears about vitamins and minerals but they know I do my best to educate myself (which helsp to strengthen resolve) through books and the web (ok, I even accidentally on purpose left one of them, Vegan for Life, at their place). My advice to those looking to get pregnant is to (*before* getting pregnant) READ *credible sources* so you have the most accurate and *up-to-date* information. That way, if someone challenges you, you can reply with facts instead of emotion. And eat responsibly and conscientiously so you know that you've done everything you can to have the healthiest (vegan) pregnancy. Finally...never mind them. ;) -
Hello Alicia,
first of all I think it is awesome, that you are writing a book for vegan moms. I can't wait to read it :)
I answered your questions below and would be delighted, if you come back to me.
One thing you need to know about me is, that I'm German...so any grammar mistakes...I'm sorry!
Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
I had 4 pregnancies so far. The first 2 where on a standard diet and the other 2 always vegan and high raw. I have to say I get pregnant super easy....my husband just looks at me ;)...so I have to admit, that I don't think that vegan helped me to get pregnant, but it most definetly helped with the births!The first 2 took around 10 hour and no 3&4 took only 1,5 and 4 hours. Both where easy, peaceful and totally natural home births.
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
No, I always knew , that vegan was the way to go. I just felt so much better with the 2 vegan pregnancies compared to the other ones. I had no morning sickness at all and my iron level where great. During pregnancy no 1 and 2 I had to supplement. My husband always says, that I was far less emotional in preg. No 3 & 4 as well.
So, I got inspired by my one experience. I started eating a high raw diet when child no 2 was about 1 year old and had asthma ( you can read the whole story at www.therawfoodfamily.com ). We healed him with switching to a high raw vegan diet! I felt so much better and it came naturally that I stay raw and vegan through out the pregnancy.
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
The no 1 thing people asked me was where I got my iron from. ...I told them I got plenty from the vegetables I ate and after I was tested I could tell everybody, that my blood levels where better than in any other pregnancy...ohh, and did I tell you, that baby no 3 and 4 where both over 4 kilo- that is more than 8 pounds.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
I'm one of the lucky people who never liked cheese, milk, eggs, yoghurt. So it wasn't hard for me. I never had cravings for meat either, because the last time I ate it I had a taste of death in my mouth - that helped a lot !
I think, that I never had any cravings, because I got all the nutrients I needed from plant-based food.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
As i told you before, my partner started to eat a vegan and high raw diet with me and he never stopped as well, We are both convinced that if it wasn't for vegan and raw foods our boy still would be very sick.
My husband is a family guy, so he participated in all pregnancies. I guess in another life he was a midwife :DD. -
Hi!! I am almost 38 weeks pregnant and have had a wonderful pregnancy. I don't know if the diet helped me get pregnant or not, we weren't really trying but it would make sense.
I would have moments during my pregnancy that where I would worry about if I was getting enought of this or that. It was a little tricky because I have a subtle allergy to milk, wheat and egg protien anyway...but the wheat- ah! I love bread. So it was tough to find alternatives that weren't just the rice option. I try to avoid getting too much of any one thing and it's tricky when the alternative is one or two things. Even soy I try to avoid too much of. Balance is key and not just in diet I think:) But yes cravings were tough. Not with meat because it never sounded good, even being pregnant. Dairy on the other hand was trickier. My husband works at a pizza place, and they offer gluten free crust, score, but I always get loaded with veggies and no cheese. I have to admit to eating a slice or two of regular cheese pizza and having a few cheese curds. I do live in WI and they are everywhere. But for the most part, cravings were not hard. The first few months was hard to eat anything...especially salads. I love soup so this was my usual form of getting my veggies.
I did have to address my family about my diet and assure them that I am mindful of eating healthy. No one gave me a hard time, at least to my face. My mom seems to think my baby is going to be born full-term under 6 pounds, so maybe smaller than what the baby would be like on her diet. I have gained 21 pounds with this pregnancy...which is different from my other 2. I gained SO much weight with my other two, but I wasn't a vegan then and didn't know about any allergies I had. I feel though that with this diet, I am at my ideal weight and with this pregnancy, I am gaining what I needed to. I feel great. All of tests came back awesome throughout my pregnancy, totally healthy. I am so anxious to meet my little girl. Hoping the labor goes smooth. I am going to try the waterbirth and try to do it as natural as I can. Nervous but excited for the experience.
My husband was involved in the pregnancy as much as he wanted to be. He loves to feel the baby move and has been a part of appointments. He is a big part of naming the baby too. 6 months before we got pregnant, he had a dream we had another girl with a beautiful name. I think that is the name our girl is going to end up with. It is almost like he knew she was coming. Very sweet. -
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
We've watched family and friends stuggle with fertility, it seems like most people struggle with it these days, so we definitely credit our vegan diet with a quick conception -- it happened the first month which sure shocked us.
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
I didn't think twice about having a vegan pregnancy. I know it's the healthiest choice possible. I found this article about real vegan children very inspiring: http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/realveganchildren. A good friend of mine has a vegan toddler and he's the healthiest, brightest child I know -- that was all the inspiration I needed.
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
It was unbelievable how many people asked me if I was going to continue being vegan while I was pregnant. A coworker of mine was constantly asking me if I craved red meat. Did he really think I'd pull a Rosemary's Baby and eat raw steak? For real? Of course, I would remain vegan.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
Honestly, the only craving I had during my entire pregnancy was onion rings. Thankfully the Loving Hut Express in Vancouver sells vegan onion rings, so I was able to get my fix vegan style.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
My husband was my labor coach during my 12 hour natural birth. He talked me through each contraction and remained a calming force throughout. I couldn't have done it without him. He also prepared green smoothies for me every morning for breakfast during my entire pregnancy. -
Partners need to keep involved, what other women say and do out of spite after pregnancy is unkind, selfish and mean - aju paid £350 every week at work because they think a woman with a boy is better than a woman with a girl, that is evil. Women who think they can abuse others after pregnancy for their own financial gain or gratification because they have a son, are wrong.Men must stand up for their women and girls. -
On Sept 20, 2012 I had a very, very healthy 9 lb 8 oz, 22 inch baby boy!! He was my first and I couldn't be more happier!
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
I am not sure if it helped or not we were not trying but trying kind of deal. We thought it would take longer but about a month after I was off the pill I was pregnant!
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
I wasn't worried I just wanted to be well informed on what the baby needed. I bought a book about vegan pregnancy and after reading it I realized that everything I already eat was best for the baby. So I was more at ease knowing that my baby was getting all the proper nutrients. My husband also made a good point that helped me, there are so many people who are pregnant eating unhealthy and lots of fast food on a regular basis and have totally fine babies so why would all the veggies I eat be bad for my little one. My doctor was also very encouraging of my lifestyle.
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
I didn't have really any naysayers. I had more naysayers when I actually went vegan more then 2 years ago, I think the people closest to me realize how healthy I am and trusted it would be good for the baby. I did have one girl at the cosmetology school I went to ask me everyday if I was craving meat yet and swore that I totally would eventually. And no I never did crave meat, I mostly just ignored her, shrugging off her comments.
After I had my baby I had a cousin who commented that if I put my large baby on the same tree bark diet I am on that he would shrink up. I informed him that my baby was already on the same tree bark diet for 9 months while in my belly and still is thanks to my abundance of breast milk.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
I didn't have any cravings while pregnant but I didn't have any pregnancy symptoms; no morning sickness, headaches, backaches, sleepiness or whatever other sort of things people experience. My midwife contributed it to my healthy lifestyle.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
My husband would pack my meals for me to take to work/school to make sure I was eating all the appropriate nutrients. He loved being able to take care of me. He was equally amazing and supportive during my 18 hours of unmedicated labor. We would also go for daily walks together which we would often chat about our future with our new baby. -
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
- I never hesitated for a moment. I'd been vegetarian thru my first pregnancy, and by the time i was pregnant again I'd already been a vegan for over 5 years. I knew how to be healthy and happy without eating animal flesh, and just became a little more aware of the amounts of protein and vitamins i consumed.
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
- The same people that gave me a hard time before i was pregnant, continued to tell me how unhealthy it was once i was with child to continue my 'crazy hippy lifestyle'. Thankfully, i had a very supportive team of midwifes who were 100% on board with my choice to remain vegan. I was able to find vegan prenatal vitamins at a local health food store also.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
- the only naughty foods i craved (silk soy nog and vietnamese food) were readily available to me, so i was able to have them (in healthy amounts) whenever i wanted. On a visit home for thanskgiving, my mom had found a recipe for vegan peanut butter/chocolate pie and suprised me with it. Delicious, but it was so rich and heavy i didnt even crave it afterwards.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
- My partner wasnt a vegan, but was very supportive, and great about going out of his way to search through ingredient labels, and wander the halls of health food stores to find me special little treats. It made me really appreciate him to see that even though it wasnt something he believed in, he cared enough about me to take the extra time and effort to help me remain a happy vegan. He came to my defence anytime anyone started asking "but what about protein" and all the assorted uneducated questions non-vegans normally have.
---I worked two jobs, 6 days a week until the DAY before i had my baby, and never lacked for energy or stamina. I gained a healthy 25 pounds, and had a complication free pregnancy. My delivery was all natural, and at 41 weeks i gave birth to a very healthy, happy little boy. I also breastfed him for 15 months afterwards without incident. Being a vegan is one of the best decisions i have ever made, and i have happily led the last 15 years of my life cruelty free.--- -
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
- I think it may have indrectly, having contributed to years of good health that I have been fortunate to enjoy. I know i certainly didn't hurt us... :)
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
- I never hesitated because I have always believed that we can get everything we need nutritionally except B12 from plant-based foods. And B12 can be supplemented or eaten in sea vegetables. We eat way too much meat and other yuckies and it's making us sick. I know this firsthand, as I watched my father die of lifestyle-related illnesses last year. This, more than anything, has strengthened my resolve. In fact, I believe vegan pregnancies are much healther, and all of my stats (weight, blood sugar, blood pressure) were excellent the whole way through. In fact, my best friend was able to avoid the pre-eclampsia in her second pregnancy by also eating vegan. And there are so many great resources out there on vegan pregnancies and this one will add to it. There isn't a shortage of information out there, that's for sure!
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
- A couple of family members and friends had expressed some concern but, having first become vegan over 15 years ago, I was used to it and knew how to respond. If anyone I didn't know well expressed concern, I just tuned them out and went to my happy [vegan pregnancy] place. :)
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
- I didn't really crave meat or eggs and I am lactose intolerant so those were easy. As for sugary things, I believe that we can still eat the things we have always enjoyed, we just need to cook or bake them the RIGHT way, i.e. healthier. One of my favorite indulgences is a home baked whole wheat cinnamon raisin biscuits sweetened with brown rice syrup, with matcha green tea, instead of donuts and lattes...which many of my colleagues tend to enjoy regularly. Also my oatmeal pancakes... And the list goes on...I have an arsenal of recipes to keep me in check, even now.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
- In both my pregnancies my husband was a very equal and involved partner, and assisted in everything that needed to be done, thought of, or purchased. He overcame his own apprehension of a home birth to support my passion for one, and he was in the bathroom when Erin was born in the water. -
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
I believe it did! With my first one, I was 34 years old and we got pregnant within a month of trying. With my second, I was 35 and it only took a month of NOT trying! I think it helped that my husband is vegan too. Who knew we were so fertile!!
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
I never hesitated. I have been a vegan for 16 years and can't imagine my daughters growing up any other way. I took prenatals, drank protein shakes, and ate 6 small meals. And my husband fed me a lot of kale!
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
I was surprised that no one gave us a hard time. The question I got was, are we going to raise her vegan? The answer was yes, of course!
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
The only cravings I got was for hash browns with applesauce made on the george forman grill, oranges, and watermelon. I have no interest in eating junk food or non-vegan food pregnant or not pregnant.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
My husband was an equal partner in the whole pregnancy. From deciding to go to a birth center, to going to every midwife appointment, to encouraging me to eat more kale, to helping me deal with natural labor. -
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
I don't know if it did or not. My husban and I did IVF because he had a vasectomy prior to our marriage. Despite my "advanced" maternal age (38) our first round of IVF was successful. Friends of mine that are struggling to get pregnant credit my 3+ years of a vegan diet. To the extent that low blood pressure, a healthy body weight, etc. help fertility, I certainly credit my vegan diet with those things.
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
I did not hestitate in the least. I purchased several vegan/vegetarian pregnancy books and read (and re-read!) them regularly!
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
I had no "naysayers" until I was put on hospital bedrest for 5 weeks with pre-term labor with my twins. Before that, my OB and perinatologist were fine with my diet because my boys consistently measured larger than singleton babies. However, upon being hospitalized things were very difficult. The nutritionist visited me almost daily (not in a supportive way) and sent yogurt and meat to my room unsolicited. I would put it in my room refrigetator and my husband would take it with him when he left at night to discard. It is crucial if you are put on bedrest (home or hospital) to have friends and family that will bring you nutritious vegan food. Even with a supportive husband it was very difficult. The nutritionist used a lot of scare tactics to pressure eating animal products, such as the need to add weight quickly in case of extreme prematurity. In the end I made it to 37 weeks and my boys didn't spend a day in NICU. :)
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
I had a bigger problem with revulsion of favorites. My morning green juice made me gag until the middle of the second trimester! But otherwise I indulged in whatever I wanted in moderation as long as I stayed on a healthy diet most of the time.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
My husband came to every appointment and took great care of me when I was on bedrest (both in the hospital and following that at home). When I could we went on daily walks and he was in charge of the nursery and putting together strollers, etc. Those things seemed to make it "real" for him in terms of getting excited about the boys' arrival. -
I'm 35 weeks pregnant with twin boys! So far they're both healthy & bigger than average :) I may deliver any day now so I'll try to answer your questions before then :)
PS My amazing husband, who's been beyond 100% involved from day 1, bought me the Vegan Pregnancy book you recommended a few months back, which has helped us a lot with questions about nutrition & other topics as well <3 -
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
I'm not sure but I think it could be one important factor. It took me a while for get pregnant for other reasons and being vegan (me and my husband) for a long time kept us healthy when the time arrived.
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
No, I never had any doubts about having a vegan pregnancy. Being vegan is part of me and I wouldn't change it during pregnancy. I searched for tips from other vegan mamas that I know but I didn't know anything else to give me strength besides the fact that living vegan is the best thing I can do for myself, the animals and the world. And the beginning of a new life should involve veganism. One thing that was really good is that my doctor was 100% by my side and never questioned my life choice. She gave me support and checked all my blood tests to be sure that me and my baby were fine (and we were the entire pregnancy!).
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
Actually, I didn't. Sometimes friends would ask how I was doing and if I was taking supplements or if I had changed anything in my daily diet but more for curiosity. My family and closest friends all supported my vegan pregnancy in the same way they always supported my choice.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
I didn't have too many cravings but they were all for vegan foods. Once I read (and other doctors said that too) that cravings may be related to lack of vitamins in your body. I'm not sure if this is true or not but I was eating better than usual during my 41 weeks pregnant. When I was craving for sweets or ice cream I would be happy with the amazing vegan versions that are available today.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
My husband was the most important and present person during my pregnancy. The fact that veganism was always something that we shared helped us to keep strong and happy during my pregnancy. Knowing that we were preparing the world to have one more vegan was amazing. He went to all doctors appointments and scans with me. He would shop with me and I couldn't expect less from my best friend and biggest love. -
• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
In my opinion, it certainly did. My husband and I both lost a significant amount of weight the year before trying to conceive (he lost 70 and I lost 50). My previous diet was a horrible one of bookstore cheesecake and drive-thru ice cream. We only tried for 4 months, which seems pretty good!
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
We were so amazed at the gift of health a vegan diet provided, but we hesitated about a vegan pregnancy. Would I receive enough calories and nutrition? We decided to track my protein intake for a week, and on any given day, we easily consumed above and beyond the RDI's guidelines. We were also worried we would miss out on calcium and folate. Turns out dark leafy greens like boy choy, broccoli and even tofu have good sources of calcium, and iron was also easy to incorporate through plant-based nutrition. We also read Dr. Fuhrman's "Disease Proof Your Child" and all of the recommendations on The Vegetarian Resource Group's Guide to a vegan pregnancy. Finally, after conceiving, we asked our doctor point blank if what we were doing was okay. He said as long as I was meeting nutritional guidelines and taking a B-12 supplement, that it was okay and very very healthy for the baby. I had a full-term pregnancy but a very long labor and lost a lot of blood in the after birth. My doctor wanted to give me a transfusion but felt I could wait with some rest and a meal. In one day my blood numbers jumped back up. He was so impressed he commented that my blood was healthier than the average healthy adult, never mind someone who had just delivered a baby!!
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
We decided early on to broadcast our positive news as loudly as possible, partly because we were excited whenever we finished a doctor's visit, but also partly because we felt it would nip naysaying in the bud. It's difficult to pick at my vegan pregnancy when my blood levels come back insanely healthy, when I avoid gestational diabetes, when my baby is growing adequately, and when my doctor keeps saying, "Everything looks great". The hardest time we received was when we requested a vegetarian baby shower. The hostess felt that the guests would not have as nice a time if they didn't have a chicken option. Keep in mind, we had a buffet of sauteed vegetables, pans of lasagna with and without cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, warm bread, hummus, and appetizers, so there was no want for food! In the end the hostess recognized our request was in honor of my pregnancy and my soon-to-be-born daughter, and acknowledged that guests could eat meat any day they wanted, and for one meal, for this one special day for me, it would be okay to have a different menu. Other than that, I got one question about not drinking milk. I explained plant-based calcium sources and received an "Oh" in response, and never heard another thing about it.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
I never really had any cravings. I kept expecting them to happen, but they didn't. The only time I went overboard was when my morning sickness finally subsided. My husband and I made a special trip to Chicago Diner where I got the vegan turkey reuben with extra coleslaw and two coleslaws on the side!!!
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
We did so much together. At first, we were really worried about the pregnancy because my morning sickness didn't allow me to eat all the essential foods we planned on for nutrition. I couldn't even keep down oatmeal. (Something about the texture, I just couldn't swallow it.) Bananas smelled like garbage, and oranges smelled like chemical solvents. Dark leafy greens made me nauseous and broccoli, my favorite, was completely indigestible!! We asked our doctor about it and he said as long as I could keep food down, that it would be okay. I lost 10 pounds that first semester, but I ate a wide variety of grains, tofu, carrots, green beans, and small salads of romaine and tomatoes. We also ate a lot of pancakes because I was able to disguise the banana smell (an ingredient in our recipe book) and get some potassium into my body that way. As second semester rolled back around we were able to enjoy the pregnancy. We walked together, took a birth class together, and kept enjoying wonderful vegan meals. We had a fun shopping trip to pack a 'snack bag' for when we went to the hospital. We packed it with shelf-stable fruit cups, nut butters, crackers, seitan strips, trail mixes, dried fruit, and coconut water. I speak so highly of the coconut water -- I had it during labor and all the electrolytes really helped me get a second (and third) wind. As it turned out, our hospital had a great variety of vegetarian/vegan options, but we still ate the whole snack bag. (Of course!) Our birth class teacher was a doula and recommended packing lip balm for chapped lips (from heavy breathing). My husband and I, of course, found a vegan lip balm together. She also recommended aromatherapy. I was still very sensitive to smells smelling chemical-ish, but one day we were browsing at The Disney Store, and I tried out a room spray called "Magic". Comprised of mint, chocolate, and sea spray, it instantly made me feel calm and relaxed. We bought it, even on the possibility that I may forever associate those smells with labor pains. It really did relax me, in labor, and in the recovery room later. I'm so glad we did that together! I also highly recommend going to one of those 4d ultrasounds. We got to see our daughter's face straight on and it was such a beautiful touching moment.
I would have another vegan pregnancy again in a heartbeat!!! -
Please consider including adoption in your book. Some of us vegan mothers chose adoption instead of (or in addition to) pregnancy :)
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• Did a vegan diet help you get pregnant?
I'm not sure, I have always been able to get pregnant right away. I have a 2 and a 3 year old, and now a third baby on the way, and we have had no delays in that department. I have been vegan for 1 1/2 years now, so this will be my first vegan pregnancy.
• Did you ever hesitate about having a vegan pregnancy? How did you strengthen your resolve? Did you discover any facts or evidence that inspired you or gave you peace of mind?
No, I was very confident in my choice to have a vegan pregnancy. I feel that I am more educated now than ever before about my nutritional needs and my diet is so wonderfully varied and healthy. I strengthened my resolve by researching my dietary needs for pregnancy and keeping a 3 day food diary to prove to myself that I was meeting all my nutritional needs. I do not know anybody else personally that has had a vegan pregnancy, but I see many people on forums or blogs that have had very successful pregnancies and have peace of mind in that.
• During your pregnancy, how did you deal with naysayers? Did anyone give you a hard time?
So far I have not had any naysayers. Just pressing questions. I seem to be able to answer everybody's questions with more information than they ever knew about pregnancy nutrition. Of course, I seem to always impress with my knowledge of how much protein is in lentils, or iron in spinach, and so forth.
• How did you handle cravings for naughty foods?
When I was at the peak of my morning sickness (or really 'all day' sickness) I would only crave one particular thing all day. One day I found that all I wanted to eat (or could keep down) was potato chips. Instead of fighting it, I just listened to what my body wanted. I haven't had any cravings for meat or dairy things yet, I currently find the thought of them nauseating. If I did find myself in that situation, I would try to figure out the nutrients in that item that my body feels it needs, and find a similar replacement for it.
• How did you involve your partner in your pregnancy to make it more meaningful for both of you?
I taught my husband to make me fresh grated ginger and lemon tea, to help me combat nausea. He makes it all the time for me now. He is vegan too, and helps out making food for my other toddlers when I am too tired or sick. We have been involving my children in this pregnancy in all aspects. In fact, my next visit to the midwife, the kids will be allowed to hold the fetal heart monitor and listen to their baby brother or sister's heartbeat. My husband is very supportive of my "controversial" decisions to have a vegan pregnancy and a home birth. I am very lucky to have him in my life.
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