Question: I’ve read some stories about vegan parents who malnourished their baby while breastfeeding. Should I not breastfeed so that my baby can be healthy? And if I shouldn’t breastfeed, what else should I feed my baby? Cow’s milk? Soy milk? Thanks for your response.
Whoa Nelly!
Before I answer this let me just say that I’m not a vegan. . .not even a vegetarian. However, I do know that breast milk is always the best food for an infant. It does not violate the ideals of veganism as I understand it, because first of all your milk was intended for your baby. Secondly, you are not harmed or altered in any way to produce your milk. So you can still be 100% vegan and still breastfeed. (In fact, I would dare say that this is the most ‘vegan’ option available for infant feeding.)
That News Story
I have read one news story about a vegan couple who didn’t breastfeed. They fed their baby soy milk and apple juice and the baby did starve to death. Babies who are fed anything besides breast milk or formula will suffer from malnutrition. The “other stuff” whatever it might be, takes up space in their tiny tummies but doesn’t provide enough calories.
I have read other stories of breastfeeding mothers who starved their babies while breastfeeding. In all cases that I’ve heard of this happening, the moms were not consistent with well baby check ups. I’m not sure which ‘stories’ you’re referring to, but in either of the above cases, I assure you, lack of common sense and proper health care were the culprits. Being vegan, had nothing to do with it.
Breast milk (or formula) has extra nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your baby needs. They are calorie dense and again, your baby needs that. They are full of good-for-you fats that help development.
Food and Breastmilk
I’ve addressed this before but it seems to be a common myth that our bodies use the food we eat as a means to produce breast milk. Many women have the idea that if they have a Big Mac for lunch, the baby is getting all those trans fats and junk. This is simply not the case.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s important for moms to eat nutritiously while breastfeeding. If you don’t, you will find yourself tired and run down. But your baby will get the same milk, specifically designed for him, in the quantities that he demands regardless of what you eat. It is also important to make sure you eat enough calories: an extra 500 per day.
So if you breastfeed on demand, don’t give your baby any other liquids besides breast milk, and make sure you visit their pediatrician regularly, you can be confident that you can still breastfeed and maintain a vegan diet.