Post
SharePinBreastmilk is the number one choice for many new moms, including vegan ones. It contains antibodies that protect babies from infection, plays a role in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and can lower a child’s risk of developing asthma and allergies later in life. Many vegan mothers are asked if they plan to breastfeed their babies, with the misunderstanding that vegans eschew even human milk. But whether to breastfeed is a choice that humans get to make, while cows and other animals abused for dairy production don’t.
In addition to the various health and environmental benefits of choosing a vegan diet, many vegans choose not to eat animal products because they firmly believe that animals are not ours to use. Like all mammals, a human mother produces milk for the sole purpose of nourishing her baby. So for vegan moms and their babies, there’s no moral contradiction in breastfeeding.
© iStock.com/kali9
Margie Deutsch Lash, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, says the following:
Mammal milk is species specific. Cow’s milk is for calves. Human milk is for human babies. Each mother makes the perfect food for her baby. The breast milk composition changes as the child grows so that the milk of a mother with a three month old is totally different than the milk this same mother produced when that baby was a newborn. These changes are specifically designed by nature to meet the continuing developmental needs of the child.
Additionally, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) agrees that it’s appropriate for breastfeeding mothers to be vegan:
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.
Vegans can, and often do, breastfeed their babies. And if you’re a breastfeeding mother who has had an epiphany about the cruelty behind the gallon of cow’s milk in the fridge, it’s never too late to make the transition to a healthy—and compassionate—vegan lifestyle for yourself and your family.
Lactation bars are becoming a popular way to boost the supply of breast milk while satisfying cravings for a snack. The Boobie Bar is a vegan lactation bar made of flaxseed, oats, and herbal ingredients. It comes in Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Coconut, and Gluten Free Peanut Butter varieties.
PETA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I Want Weekly Recipes and Lifestyle Tips!
I'm Margie, a board-certified lactation consultant, and I couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed in this article. I've dedicated my career to understanding the intricacies of breastfeeding, and the evidence supporting breast milk as the optimal choice for infants is truly compelling.
First off, let's dive into the composition of breast milk. It's fascinating how it adapts to the changing needs of a growing baby. The article rightly points out that the milk produced by a mother with a three-month-old is significantly different from what she produced when the baby was a newborn. This dynamic adjustment is nature's way of ensuring that the child receives precisely what they need at each stage of development. It's a testament to the remarkable specificity of mammal milk, with human milk tailored specifically for human babies.
Now, addressing the concerns often raised about vegan mothers and breastfeeding, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a reputable source in the nutrition field, unequivocally supports the idea that appropriately planned vegan diets are not only healthful but also nutritionally adequate. This includes all stages of life, from pregnancy and lactation to infancy, childhood, adolescence, and even for athletes. So, the idea that vegan mothers cannot provide the necessary nutrients through breastfeeding is debunked by expert opinion.
The ethical standpoint of veganism is also brought into focus here. The article rightly argues that unlike humans who can make a choice about breastfeeding, animals used in dairy production don't have that luxury. Veganism, with its emphasis on not exploiting animals, aligns seamlessly with the natural purpose of mammal milk—that is, nourishing their offspring.
Lastly, the mention of lactation bars is an interesting addition. It shows how the market is evolving to cater to specific dietary preferences, including vegan options for breastfeeding mothers. The Boobie Bar, crafted from vegan ingredients like flaxseed, oats, and herbs, not only addresses the nutritional needs but also provides a delicious snack, aligning perfectly with the vegan lifestyle.
In conclusion, the article reinforces the idea that vegan mothers can confidently choose breastfeeding without any moral contradiction. The scientific and ethical evidence strongly supports the decision, making it a wholesome choice for both the mother and the baby.
