"Vegan Pregnancies and Homebirths are Dangerous, C-Sections are Normal" Misguided Fear in
Update: Before watching the video about ‘vegan pregnancies’ I just wanted to say that if my work has benefited you, or you have enjoyed watching my health advice over the past few years, I’m wondering if you can return a favor. My fellowship to pursue critical race and critical vegan studies at the doctoral level was not renewed for 2011-2012, through University of California, Davis. I would like to finish my PhD and need some help. I know the goal may seem overwhelming, but I have about a combined support network/friends/followers of 1000 people (through Facebook, blog subscribers, and Twitter followers). If you could spare $10 to $25 a piece, then this goal could be met I think.
Paypal email donation: breezeharper (at) gmail (dot) com or go to the right side top of the screen and click on donation link.
UPDATE: As of June 9, 2011:
Donated: $1970
Needed for completion of goal: $8,030
Deadline: September 2011 (so I Can register for 2011-2012 academic year)
In this video, I share information about doing a plant-based dietary pregnancy, opting to do a homebirth with a midwife, and reflecting on how in the West, allopathic medicine has determined that pregnancy is, “always an emergency waiting to happen.”
Sun Chlorella or Now Foods Organic Chlorella (I take 1tsp of the Now each day, mixed with my Spirulina. Don’t let the $33 scare you, as it lasts 151 days.)
Pacfiica Hawaiian Organic Spirulina (This has about 150 days of usage. Expensive up front but it lasts 1/2 year; I take 1 tsp per day)
Salus Haus Floradix Iron + Herbs 17-Ounce Glass Bottle (10ml in the morning 2nd trimester; then 10ml twice a day starting week 28 for me because I was at risk for anemia)
Book: Childbearing Year by Susun Weed
Book: Sacred Woman by Queen Afua
Book: Painless Childbirth
Vegan Pregnancy Nutrition Information from VegFamily Online URL : http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-pregnancy/super-foods-pregnancy-lactation.htm
Vegan DHA + EPA Ovega-3. 2 capsules per day: http://www.ovega.com/what_is_ovega3
Exercise Exercise Exercise every day!
2-3 cups of Nettles tea each day
Kale (I make kale smoothies), Collards, Rhubarb,
Reduce or eliminate intake of refined sugar, refined flour, fried foods (that was HARD for me), chocolate, caffeine
Tempeh (better than tofu in my opinion because it’s fermented)
1 Avocado daily
1/4 c of Jarrow Brown Rice Protein Per day (You can mix it with the hemp protein if you want)
Health Alliance Lecithin (1 tbsp)
Walnuts are a good nut with healthy oils. I’ll eat them raw or I’ll throw them in my soups. They are GREAT in soups.
A Prenatal vitamin
Shea butter to rub on growing belly
If you have problems with finding plant-based source of calcium, you will probably need to take a calcium supplement if the kale and collards and other foods in calcium isn’t enough. You’ll need about 1500mg of Calcium per day . I recommend products that have Algaecal in them. Algaecal has algae based calcium and it’s really impressive they say it’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians!
Foods To Eat
Quinoa
.
Chia SeedsThey are incredibly rich in calcium. You get 344mg of Calcium for 2 ounces. Always soak your chia seeds for at least ten minutes before eating them. I put them in my smoothies sometimes. 2 tbsp gives you 42% of required fiber for the day. And this is an excellent source for EFAs and has a 4:1 ration of omega 3:Omega 6. profile.
Tempeh
1 Gallon of water a day
Coconut water if you feel water isn’t enough to hydrate you or replace electrolytes. Coconut water is the perfect isotonic beverage; especially to drink first thing in the morning if you wake up feeling dehydrated and also great to drink id you are working out or right after.
Greens, greens, greens: Kale, mustard greens, okra, collards, chard. Kale is my favorite I have heard spinach should be avoided but can’t verify this.
Legumes
Whole Grains
Wildwood Plain Soy Yogurt brand (only one in the USA that doesn’t add sugar and is organic)
I make most of my baked goods from whole grains and sweeten them with apple juice, banana, or fresh pineapple or fresh dates.
Walnuts are a very healthy nut with great oil. Almonds are great and so are sesame seeds (I eat them in the form of tahini)
Papaya (have heard to avoid during 1st trimester, but not sure why)
This list is not nearly as extensive as I would like it to be, as there are many foods to eat, but I’m just going to say it straight up: AVOID THE SHIT if you can. Junk food, highly processed crap that has NO nutritional value at all. I know it’s hard when you have those cravings and I admit that I still eat french fries in moderation, but it really is best to try to avoid eating refined flour, refined salt, processed refined sugar products. Your meals should be whole grainy, high protein, and very colorful. And I can’t emphasize enough, those greens! Kale is exceptional for calcium. Okra is exceptional for childbirth prep and is very amazing. Whole grains will keep you regular. I POOP 3 TIMES A DAY DURING PREGNANCY. They tell you constipation is ‘normal’, but it is not.
Hugs and baby blessings,
Breeze
I am not a doctor or practitioner of medicine. Please consult your doctor before attempting any of these suggestions. This is what worked for me, as each person is different.
