Going back to vegan- while bf-ing??

[Gretchen_PDX]

I was close to vegan when I got pregnant (my parents fish and dig clams- so I occasionally ate seafood they caught- yes, I know, this isn't even vegetarian, but I went vegan because of factory farms, so it made sense to me to eat the seafood... don't hate!)

Anyhoo- I did eat some meat during pregnancy and have continued to do so while my son is breast-feeding. He is now 17 mo and still nurses like a champ, and I want to go back to being a non-ovo, non-lacto part-time pescatarian (to be precise!). Was anyone else in a similar situation where you gave up the meat and dairy while bf-ing? Did any issues come up? Mostly I'm worried about the iron because I don't give my kiddo a supplement, I just watch my own diet. Thank you!!

[catnip]

I just continued to take my prenatal vitamins as long as I was nursing. Make sure you're eating lots of dark green leafies, whole grains, beans and the like and you'll get plenty of iron. Blood oranges are loaded with super absorbable iron. Vitamin C boosts absorbtion. Contrary to popular thought, iron deficiency is no more common in veg*ns than in the general population.

[Gretchen_PDX]

Thanks, Catnip!

[veganfox]

That's true, iron & protein are not a major issue. I would be careful about calcium & B12. Nothing you can't cover with your prenatal vitamin (I still take on every day) & lots of dark leafy greens, enriched plant milks, broccoli, mollasses, nut butters & tahini. Good luck!!!

[miche28]

Really, the main thing I would worry about is B12 and that during pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding, less now that your baby is eating other things. Sounds like you were just fine all the way along!