Becoming a vegan while breastfeeding was not as hard of a choice as it sounds: it was actually one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
My Vegetarian Lifestyle
I have been a vegetarian since 2010. In the past almost 8 years, I have explored a vegan diet from time to time. I’d go months without eating dairy and eggs only to find myself back into eating it. The pizza kept calling me, fam!!
During my pregnancy, I weaned myself from dairy as much as possible due to the fact dairy just has never really gotten along with me. When I birthed my daughter, I knew I had to give it up. Breastfeeding helped to solidify that decision.
Dairy and Breastfeeding
While there is a debate on whether or not there are foods to avoid while nursing, I stick to it that gluten and dairy have adverse effects on my daughter’s skin. Whenever I consume dairy, I see a difference in her cheeks. She develops small bumps on her cheeks that may or may not be slightly red – a rash. Though it isn’t extreme, that just isn’t something I like to see on my baby’s face so I needed to adjust accordingly.
Since dairy can stay in the baby’s system for up to 2 weeks, it can take up to 3 weeks to see improvement in their skin. I cut it completely out my of my diet and saw an improvement immediately. Her skin was soft and rash free!
Why Not Just Go Vegan?
After not consuming dairy for a while, I asked myself “why not just go vegan?” I was already a vegetarian and the transition wouldn’t be too much since I’ve cut out the dairy. So I made the decision to let eggs go, too (and the honey).
I just want to say my diet is the only part of my lifestyle that has actually gone “vegan”. I can’t sit here and say that I am 100% vegan because I do have some items in my closet that don’t support that. My concentration is on my diet.
We all know that being a vegan doesn’t mean one is living a healthy lifestyle. I decided to go one step further and dramatically limit the intake of processed foods and sugars.
Additionally, since Scout is eating solid foods, I want to be able to lead by example. How can I advocate eating fruits and vegetables and all she sees is me eating junk? I don’t feel like I have to hide or eat out of sight, praying that she won’t ask for what I’m eating. Whatever she reaches for I can share because the foods are nutritious and support a healthy, growing baby.
I Do This For Me
Going dairy free is an adjustment in my lifestyle I am willing to make to accommodate my child. Going vegan is a decision I made for me.
I know this type of choice doesn’t appeal to everyone and I respect that. I just know liquid gold (breastmilk) is the best for her so I did what needed to be done with no hesitation. And because I was able to make that shift, I decided to do what I wanted and go full on vegan with my diet.
I feel good, my skin is flourishing, and I’m out here living my best life! This vegan diet forces me to take a step back, look at my food choices, and eat with intention. If you have been following me you know I’m all about intentional living and being intentional is a big component of self love.
And by the way, I still eat my pizza from time to time – on a vegan crust without cheese.
