Thinking about starting raw milk for the first time...when pregnant. Would you do it?

[Dot-to-Dot]

I'm considering switching the family over to raw milk, mostly for my 1.5 year old.  (DH and I don't really drink a lot of milk to begin with).  I'd probably use it in smoothies mostly.  But, my daughter would drink more like 15oz a day.  Do you have to start little kids slowly?  I've heard of people getting sick since their bodies weren't used to the bacteria?  Which makes me wonder...is this really something I should be starting when I am 8 months pregnant?

I personally drove out to the farm and toured the place.  I talked with the woman who operates the farm and checked the milking area and all that.  I think I trust the source...I mean I trust her more than I do Horizon milk...but, I don't know enough to say I 100% trust the source.  She does have the milk tested monthly (which I think is all they can afford on such tight budget - there are only like 5 cows and she's mostly breaking even and not making a lot of profit). 

It's the only choice we have for raw milk around here.  I'm just not sure if I should dive into this while pregnant if your body needs to get used to the specific bacteria found in raw milk.  Nor do I really want to risk listeria...but, I still risk e coli and such with all of the raw fruits and vegetables I readily consume.  So is this no big deal?

[redclover]

I wondered about exactly the same thing. Then I decided not to risk it. My midwife thought it was a wise choice. I ended up trying it when my LO was about a month old, but got a terrible stomach ache (I have lactose issues anyway...).

We ended up switching to almond milk for the time being. It's ultimately your call. Raw milk is fantastic stuff, truly, if you can handle it.

[howdeepistheocean]

I drink raw milk while pregnant, from my own goats or my friends. There is some info on it on Weston Price foundation. I have heard the opinion that it is no less safe than eating raw veggies while pregnant.

[BeagleMommy]

I did begin raw milk for me for the first time while pregnant. I never would have thought of it, but my midwife suggested it. My source was my midwife's source, so I had no "cleanliness" concerns.
I never drank milk before, but during my pregnancy, I drank 1/2 to 1 gallon raw milk per day. I never had any digestive issues due to the switch.

Go with your gut! (Pun intended)

[prancie]

if you eat raw spinach then you are already taking the biggest risk of food-poisoning out there.  So, i say go for it!

[SuburbanHippie]

I drink it while pregnant.  I had no gastrointestinal issues switching over.  Neither did any of my kids or my DH. 

[paniscus]

I started it when pregnant and so did dh and my 1.5yo son - we continued until we moved too far from the farm. My second son also drank it when he started drinking dairy. We didn't have any problems. 

I understand your worry though - I definitely paused before drinking it. I saw a chart (Weston Price site maybe) with how many recalls for pasteurized milk vs. raw milk. That made me feel SO much better. We just *think* "regular" pasteurized milk is safe.....