Raw Milk?

[LindsayK]

I'm in Portugal right now, and have access to fresh raw milk. What are the concerns about drinking raw milk when pregnant, or just take the same precautions as when not pregnant?

[BarnMomma]

We only drink raw milk in this family so i say go for it. As long as you know where it's coming from, what the cows eat, etc. and the practice looks clean then enjoy! So much healthier than processed milk.

[MommaMoo]

I second the pp. As long as you are satisfied that the milk is from a safe and clean source, then enjoy. It's so much better for you than pasteurized, homogenized milk that the two aren't even comparable.

[kl5]

I have enjoyed raw milk from a few different sources throughout this pregnancy with no problems. That said, I would be careful about starting to drink raw milk for the first time while pregnant. Not recommending against it, but start slow is my advice. Even the good bacteria in raw milk can cause digestive upset in guts not used to them. Start with small amounts, pay attention, and increase if all goes well.

[Family4Christ]

The concerns are specifically for Listeria, which can have awful consequences. I would be very careful where you buy from. If the milk is clean and handled correctly, you'll be fine.

[BMG580]

Originally Posted by Family4Christ

The concerns are specifically for Listeria, which can have awful consequences. I would be very careful where you buy from. If the milk is clean and handled correctly, you'll be fine.

I agree. We also buy our milk raw but because I am giving it to my very young children I choose to home pasteurize. I know that raw milk is typically very safe if from a clean source but I won't take a chance at this point with my kids. If I were pregnant I would also only drink pasteurized milk.

Personal choice, that is what it comes down to. I would read up on the risks and ask questions and go visit the source of the raw milk before committing to drinking it.

[LindsayK]

Thanks for the feedback!

The milk comes from my father-in-law's farm, and I know the cows by name, so I have that angle covered. I know that the bacteria counts, etc are very tightly managed due to governmental regulations, so I assume that they must follow all the correct practices, or they get fined that day (and my father in law would rant to no end!)

I had some milk this morning on my cereal, no digestive upsets so far.

Happy cows...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lkpachec...32581277777762