Why I Don’t Ever Recommend a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet in Postpartum

Living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle has amazing environmental benefits, offers a way to help “clean” the gut, and provides a powerful means to spirituality.

But when it comes to nutrition in postpartum, it isn’t something you can just forgo, even if you supplement with pills.

With that said, I know I’m still going to get a lot of hate mail over this. I get it. But my point (and my research) still stands.

Your body is meant to eat meat.

You have a gut to process meat and a body that requires certain nutrients from it.

I’m not here to berate you into why you need to eat meat (I’m the first to tell you every body has different needs), but in the case of postpartum nutrition, it’s essential.

There are certain nutrients, such as B12, which are vital in the development of red blood cells and nerve regeneration, that are necessary for your uterus in healing.

However, taking a B12 supplement doesn’t just solve the problem. A supplement only consists of the basic item itself. A B12 vitamin is just a B12 vitamin.

What’s missing is the other components only offered in meat (creatine for energy, carnosine for muscle function, heme-iron for easy digestion) and so much more that science has yet to fully understand it all.

 

Protein from animals is far easier to digest and requires less energy for the body to digest than other protein sources and supplements.

And if you are familiar with my work on the physiological gut changes of postpartum, you know exactly why this is critical.

Almost every culture and religion on the planet has a specific diet plan for postpartum and every single one of them contains meat (except those strong of the Hindu religion). This is even true for the cultures that practice vegan/vegetarianism outside of postpartum.

Take a second to think about that! Cultures that are vegan/vegetarian omit those practices for a mother after the birth of her baby…

The necessity of the nutrients derived from meat are notable for their effects on breastmilk and supply, mood regulation, and healing time.

Vegetarians and vegans are known for their increased risk for postpartum depression.

Overall, meat in the diet that’s consumed a specific way, lessens the healing time of new mothers.

I have many women come to work with me in my 1:1 Program, many who have been vegans/vegetarians for years. And MANY who come to me after practicing Ayurvedic postpartum tradition, and still feel horrible. We slowly introduce animal fats and proteins and they begin feeling far better within DAYS.

Some of these choose to continue consuming meat regularly. Others sometimes choose to try a meat-free diet again after her healing has taken place, making sure she’s fully aware of her body’s needs along the way.

It’s also important to note that the meat you consume plays a drastic role in your health, just as everything you put in your body.

Whenever possible, eat organic grass-fed animals, preferably from a local connection to ensure quality and freshness.

Also, the amount of meat in your diet also is important. The typical US diet consists of far more animal products than what’s considered healthy. It doesn’t take a lot to get what you need from it.