Raw & Pregant? Post here!!!

[Radiantly Raw]

I wanted to start a thread for all of us pregnant raw mamas!!

This way we can share info, ask questions, and just talk about all that's going on in our lives being raw and pregnant! So, I hope you'll join me here.

It's hard for me to keep track of how many of us are expecting, so I hope having this thread will get us all together!!!:D

Maybe some mamas who've been there, done that will post some advice as well!!

How about we start with introductions??
Just copy and paste with your info & anything else you wanna share!

Name:
Age:
Other Children?:
Due Date:
How long have you been raw?:
Any concerns?
A brief intro: ie, partner, breastfeeding and birth choices, other things going on in life, work, school, etc.

[Radiantly Raw]

OK, here's mine!!

Name: Resa -aka Radiantly Raw
Age: 32
Other Children?: I have 2 daughters, ages 6 & 3
Due Date: November 7th
How long have you been raw?: 6 months, 100%
Any concerns? Wondering if I need B12 now, and which type is best. Wondering if cacao is a good idea or not while pregnant.
A brief intro: ie, partner, breastfeeding and birth choices, other things going on in life, work, school, etc. I've been married to Greg for almost 13 years & we wants lots of little ones! I home school my 2 daughters & I'm a stay at home mom. I had a vaginal birth with my first daughter but had an epidural, I had to have a c/sec with my second, so I'm hoping for an unmedicated VBAC this time around, preferably in a birth center with a midwife. We share a family bed & practice extended breastfeeding with child led weaning. I plan to stay 100% raw during the pregnancy, this is a lifelong thing for me.:D

[walnutty]

Hi there, Resa! Congratulations, again! I am NOT pregnant, thank goodness, because I am in my mid-forties...:p . But, I can suggest a raw, vegan B-12 supplement. I get it from Alex the Raw Guru (rawguru.com). Here is the link to the supplement:

http://www.rawguru.com/store/raw-food/living-vitamin-b-nano-plex-2-oz.html


Even though I am not pregnant, I will be checking back and reading all you ladies comments. Having my son (who is now 17) was the best experience I have EVER had!!!

May God bless you and be with you throughout this special time!

[maui_butterfly]

i just wanted to pop in resa and say CONGRATULATIONS to you. i always like checking in on your blog, very inspiring, and i know how wanted your new little baby is. the world needs more wanted, cherished, nourished, and loved children. so thank you for giving the world all your best gifts (3 and counting!)

[trinity082482]

I am 4 1/2 months along now :D

[Raene]

Not preggy yet but giving myself 4 more months to clean up my body and then plan on getting pregnant! So hopefully I'll be adding more to the thread in Aug/Sept. I have a 4 yr old daughter who I had naturally with a midwife but unfortunately ate a SAD diet. I cleaned that up and she's been vegetarian since birth, and now eats 90% raw. Can't wait to have another! :)
Congrats, all of you who are pregnant now. I can't wait to feel the difference with eating raw...

[faith4u]

Great post idea Resa!!

Name: Tracy
Age: 34
Other Children?:4
Due Date: June 8
How long have you been raw?: 2 1/2 years
Any concerns? Not at all!
A brief intro: I have been married for almost 16 years to a wonderful man. We have 4 children whom we homeschool. I had hospital births for all of my children. Three out of the four were induced because I went over my due date. This time I wanted a homebirth but opted for a birthing center with midwives. We are attachment style parents, believe strongly in wearing babies, the family bed and nursing until the child weans. In fact, I am still nursing my 2 year old so it looks like I will be tandem nursing when the baby comes.

[Radiantly Raw]

i just wanted to pop in resa and say CONGRATULATIONS to you. i always like checking in on your blog, very inspiring, and i know how wanted your new little baby is. the world needs more wanted, cherished, nourished, and loved children. so thank you for giving the world all your best gifts (3 and counting!)

Oh, thank you so much Jennifer! :D That really means a lot.

[Radiantly Raw]

I am 4 1/2 months along now :D

Yay! Congratulations!!!:D

[Radiantly Raw]

Great post idea Resa!!

Name: Tracy
Age: 34
Other Children?:4
Due Date: June 8
How long have you been raw?: 2 1/2 years
Any concerns? Not at all!
A brief intro: I have been married for almost 16 years to a wonderful man. We have 4 children whom we homeschool. I had hospital births for all of my children. Three out of the four were induced because I went over my due date. This time I wanted a homebirth but opted for a birthing center with midwives. We are attachment style parents, believe strongly in wearing babies, the family bed and nursing until the child weans. In fact, I am still nursing my 2 year old so it looks like I will be tandem nursing when the baby comes.

I was hoping you would join in Tracy!!! So glad you did the intro!

So, you're much further along & you've been raw much longer- any thoughts on the B12 and the cacao?

Wow, you homeschool 4, how awesome!! Oh yeah, I love baby wearing too, it's just perfect.:D I'm still nursing my youngest, she's 3 yrs 4 months. She says she'll stop on a very special day. Then each night (she only nurses now when she goes to sleep) she tells me today is not the very special day! LOL!:rolleyes: I'm not pushing her.

[Radiantly Raw]

Hi there, Resa! Congratulations, again! I am NOT pregnant, thank goodness, because I am in my mid-forties...:p . But, I can suggest a raw, vegan B-12 supplement. I get it from Alex the Raw Guru (rawguru.com). Here is the link to the supplement:

http://www.rawguru.com/store/raw-food/living-vitamin-b-nano-plex-2-oz.html


Even though I am not pregnant, I will be checking back and reading all you ladies comments. Having my son (who is now 17) was the best experience I have EVER had!!!

May God bless you and be with you throughout this special time!

Thank you very much!!!! I love that you'll be checking in here! I'll check that B12, I was concerned about it being raw and vegan, so I appreciate that suggestion!!

[Raene]

Resa, your blog is so beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. Congrats on your pregnancy, what a sweet blessing babies are :)

[lavendarJ]

I'm not a mom-to-be but I am happy that you started this thread. My passion are children and families as a social worker and birth is such an amazing thing. I got to witness my first live birth when I had to be a stand-in for my sister who was supposed to be "coach" to our cousin (sister ended up having to work and couldn't get off in time)... It's even better than the discovery channel to be there and witness a little being entrance into the world. I'm praying for my twin brother- he and my sister-in-law want a baby very badly. They've been married for around 7 years now and she had not been able to conceive and then became pregnant last year but miscarried. I'm believing God for them and praying that they will take their health seriously (both very overweight and extreme S.A.D. eaters).

Anyway...I can't wait to read about all the lovely mom's and dad's pregnancy experiences. Have a Great Day!

[Radiantly Raw]

Resa, your blog is so beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. Congrats on your pregnancy, what a sweet blessing babies are :)

Thank you so much Raene! Ooooh, and I can't wait till you join the expecting mama club!!:D

[faith4u]

Hi Resa,

Thanks for the kind words! I am so happy for you and your family. Each little one is such a blessing to behold!

I am much more relaxed this time than the first. I think it is because I know that it is awesome to be raw during pregnancy. Before I was afraid I was going to cause some problem. :) My 2 year old from that pregnancy is the healthiest one of the bunch.

As far as B12 I do take a high quality supplement every now and then. It is a formula that is very easy for your body to assimilate.

I do NOT believe in using cacao during pregnancy. That is just my opinion. I am not saying that anyone is doing anything wrong if they do eat it during their pregnancy. It's just that I react very strongly to cacao....so do my children. It really revs us up and I don't want to eat anything that is stimulating to the baby. So that is the choice that I have made because of my experiences.

Are your kids raw? Mine are not. My husband isn't either. They eat a lot of raw foods but I no longer stress over it like I used to.

I kept my raw baby raw for quite some time and it ended up being a nightmare because cooked food made him so sick but he wanted what everyone else (but me) in the house was eating. I felt like the food police. I was afraid that he would get a crumb off the floor.

It was also very hard to transition him to eating some cooked foods but I am glad that we did. He still eats TONS of raw food but the stress is gone over it. So I will do things differently this time. :p

That is so cute about your nursing daughter. How sweet. My little guy only nurses at bed time too. Lately it has gotten kind of uncomfortable but I don't want to cut him off either.

[coco]

well, this small girl is 8.5 months now so i think it will be a while (if ever) before i get pregnant again but enjoy it mamas, it sure is a wonderful time.

[Livin'onLife]

I just wanted to say congratulations to all of you!!!!:D I will be praying for you all that everything goes well!!

[tvillemom]

I just wanted to say congratulations to all of you! I'm not preg. and don't plan to be...hubby had surgery years ago. Sometimes I miss being preg. and want another baby. Then I keep my little niece and all is well. Enjoy the baby years (my kids are 12, 10, 7) they go by so quickly, and you never get them back.

God Bless you all.

[Radiantly Raw]

Wendi, LivinOnLife, & Coco-- I know you're not just congratulating me, but I wanted to say thank you ladies!!! It really is a time like no other.:D

[sira02]

Age:30
Other Children?:2
Due Date:6-3 so far
How long have you been raw?:well we've been trying for a few weeks at it, so we are very new. It's been mostly 85% for us. The kids are giving us a very hard time.
Any concerns? staying completely raw. It's a huge life change that we know those around us won't really understand, or want to... But we are going for it!
A brief intro: ie, partner, breastfeeding and birth choices, other things going on in life, work, school, etc. Like I mentioned, my hubby and I are wanting to go 100% raw but just still learning the basics. Lots to learn. I will be breastfeeding this child as well for as long as I can. We homeschool (somewhat new to that too) and I'm debating using the crib this time around - not sure it will work out for us. This will be my third c section - fun!
Off to read about the b12 thing...

[Radiantly Raw]

Welcome Sira!!! So glad you've joined us. :D Congratulations on your pregnancy! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better! Just do the best you can with the raw, for some people it takes a while to transition, and that's fine. You have a lot going on, so just take it as easy as you need to. You're on the right path, you'll get there!;)

I have a question about early fetal development ladies! I'm reading what's developing when, and I wonder if there's anything extra I need to take in these early weeks? You know, for brain development, etc. I put A spoonful of coconut oil, plus ground flax & raw hemp seeds in my smoothie each day. Is this good enough? I'm not taking a prenatal. Just wondering what your thoughts are!

[faith4u]

Thank you to all of you sweet well wishers!

Welcome Sira, I second everything that Resa said. Even though I had been raw for 2 years before getting pregnant this time, it all went out the window for the first trimester. I was so sick and started eating some cooked foods.

Thankfully that part is over. Just do the best that you can do and enjoy the benefits from that.

You and I are due at almost the same time. Very cool.


Resa, during the beginning months you should get some folic acid in daily. It is also a time that I take a high quality B12 supplement. It also helped me with the morning sickness.

Good Luck!

[Radiantly Raw]

Thanks Tracy! Money is very tight right now & I hope I can afford to get a supplement or two, like the ones you mentioned. I know these weeks are critical & I have to do everything I can to make sure I get what baby needs. May I ask which b12 you use?

[Peachy]

Name: Annie
Age:33
Other Children?:2 (2&6)
Due Date:7-18-08
How long have you been raw?:3 years but not 100%.
Any concerns?
A brief intro: ie, partner, breastfeeding and birth choices, other things going on in life, work, school, etc.
I am married to Kevin for 13 years on March 31st, I breastfeed both my other kids for 2 1/2 years each and plan to continue with the new baby, my birth choice is natural, my 2 previous births were all natural but in the hospital. I would love a home birth but in our area there is no qualified midwives that practice in private homes(there is also that matter of insurance covering it). I am using a nurse midwife in the hospital. I just started homeschooling my 6 year old and that is going much better than public school was. I really enjoy it. It has been a challenge with my 2 year old son, he is very active. But we are learning how to handle that.

That is pretty much it. Other than I wanted to let you guys know that I rented the movie Business of being born from Netflix and I really liked it. I encourage you to see it. www.businessofbeingborn.com

Annie

[Radiantly Raw]

Welcome Annie!!

I hope to have a natural birth this time around. You've given me hope, every now & then I get very worried that I won't be able to do it!

I really want to see that movie, glad you give it a thumbs up!:D

[Raene]

Other than I wanted to let you guys know that I rented the movie Business of being born from Netflix and I really liked it. I encourage you to see it. www.businessofbeingborn.com

Annie

So funny you mentioned it cuz I just rented it today on netflix. I'm really excited. Have heard great things.

[coco]

you need the folic acid before you get pregnant, once you are it isn't as much of a concern. greens are high in it, you have probably been getting lots already. it's good to get balanced efa's, hemp is best but a combo of flax and olive oils is ok too. i did take supplements for both babies, efa's and certain nutrients. there is excellent advice in gabriel cousin's concious eating as well as prescription for nutritional healing (hands down my all-time favourite book ever).
i had both babies unassisted, birthing is very easy for me. i nursed my boy for 3.5 yrs, co-sleep, carry baby, delay regularly feeding solids, no vit d or shots etc. i don't homeschool, it's too much for me on my own, and i don't aim to be 100% raw ever again, lots of raw is a better balance for us. i have lots of reference books about natural birth if anyone has questions. i'm going to send them to my sister in a few weeks but until then i can look stuff up if needed.

[Raene]

Is anyone else Rhesus negative with a positive partner? I had to get that terribly scary Rhogam shot twice, once while preg, and once afterwards, and now that I'm actually doing research, I'm finding that the one during preg was unnecessary unless I had been in a car accident or something else that would cause my blood and baby's to mix. I heard about this book http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750652322/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2NCNEEU4NT73R&colid=15Y7BBUSAKOKX
but haven't read it b/c it's so expensive.
Anyway, just wondering if anyone else knows anything about this. I don't want to go through that again with the next baby.

[Radiantly Raw]

you need the folic acid before you get pregnant, once you are it isn't as much of a concern. greens are high in it, you have probably been getting lots already. it's good to get balanced efa's, hemp is best but a combo of flax and olive oils is ok too. i did take supplements for both babies, efa's and certain nutrients. there is excellent advice in gabriel cousin's concious eating as well as prescription for nutritional healing (hands down my all-time favourite book ever).
i had both babies unassisted, birthing is very easy for me. i nursed my boy for 3.5 yrs, co-sleep, carry baby, delay regularly feeding solids, no vit d or shots etc. i don't homeschool, it's too much for me on my own, and i don't aim to be 100% raw ever again, lots of raw is a better balance for us. i have lots of reference books about natural birth if anyone has questions. i'm going to send them to my sister in a few weeks but until then i can look stuff up if needed.

I'm hoping I did get enough folic acid from my green smoothies, kale salads, and plain fruits! I also love kraut & kombucha, both of those have B12, but I'm not sure how much is necessary, I don't eat/drink them daily. I do add the ground flax and hemp seeds into the smoothies for the EFA's and protein. Hopefully, those things are sufficient! I still think I'll get a B12 supplement, I've wondered if my daughters need it as well.

Thanks for the info!! I guess preparing myself for natural birth is the best thing I can do in that area. Lots of research ahead.;)

Raene, my hubby and I are both A-, so it hasn't been an issue. The OB's are always shocked to hear we're both A-, and always question us several times about it. They definitely give the impression that if we're wrong, it's serious. I've never looked into in beyond that though.

[Radiantly Raw]

Even though I had been raw for 2 years before getting pregnant this time, it all went out the window for the first trimester. I was so sick and started eating some cooked foods.

Thankfully that part is over. Just do the best that you can do and enjoy the benefits from that.

Tracy, I had a question about this. After 2 yrs raw, did eating cooked make you sick? What did you eat that was cooked, and how did you get back to eating raw?

I'm having very intense morning, noon, and night sickness. All I can think about are the comfort foods of the past. Baked potato with butter, sour cream, salsa & cheddar cheese. Sushi, reuben sandwiches, nachos.

Logically, it makes sense to me that I do not need to eat these foods, and that they might make me even sicker after nothing but 100% raw for 7 months.:confused:

But everything I've eaten for the past 7 months is making me vomit just thinking about them. I haven't been able to keep anything down today.:(

I have a spiritual conviction about eating raw foods. I'm wondering why I would be brought to this point just to eat cooked now? I seriously doubt that if I eat cooked food now, that I will ever be 100% raw again. I just know me.

I'm trying to decipher if this is just cravings to overcome, or what. I was hoping since you've been down this first trimester road, you could give me your perspective.:o

[coco]

i am O-neg, i didn't let them scare me into that stupid, stupid shot. idiots, i can't believe the crap they push on pregnant women, it makes me pretty darn angry. when it was "suggested" during my first pregnancy i asked questions about it and the doctors and nurses had literally ZERO information for me beyond the "do it or your baby could die" garbage they justify every unneccessary thing with. it's infuriating that they are so willing to just blindly administer toxic chemicals all over the place. grrr.

anyhow, i read up myself and saw quite plainly that it was absolute overkill and just said "no way". that was actually the last time i saw a doctor about anything pregnancy related. i don't trust them in the slightest to have my or my baby's best interest at heart. they just don't question the dogma and plain old don't know enough about it as far as i am concerned.

[Theogirl]

Great post idea Resa!!

Name: Tracy
Age: 34
Other Children?:4
Due Date: June 8
How long have you been raw?: 2 1/2 years
Any concerns? Not at all!
A brief intro: I have been married for almost 16 years to a wonderful man. We have 4 children whom we homeschool. I had hospital births for all of my children. Three out of the four were induced because I went over my due date. This time I wanted a homebirth but opted for a birthing center with midwives. We are attachment style parents, believe strongly in wearing babies, the family bed and nursing until the child weans. In fact, I am still nursing my 2 year old so it looks like I will be tandem nursing when the baby comes.
Just wanted to let you know that when I was pregnant with my second, my 2 year old was so not ready to quit nursing. So I nursed him through my pregnancy and then for 6 months after. I felt like it really smoothed the transition for him gaining a sibling. I stopped nursing him at 2 1/2 years old when I was just a little too used up and needed some physical and emotional space so I could continue nursing my daughter! We continued the family bed for the four of us - invested in a king size instead of a crib!

[Theogirl]

Is anyone else Rhesus negative with a positive partner? I had to get that terribly scary Rhogam shot twice, once while preg, and once afterwards, and now that I'm actually doing research, I'm finding that the one during preg was unnecessary unless I had been in a car accident or something else that would cause my blood and baby's to mix. I heard about this book http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750652322/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2NCNEEU4NT73R&colid=15Y7BBUSAKOKX
but haven't read it b/c it's so expensive.
Anyway, just wondering if anyone else knows anything about this. I don't want to go through that again with the next baby.

Hi Raene I had that issue, as I am neg and DH is positive. The first pregnancy, I decided to get the shot. Turns out that my son was also negative, so it wasn't needed. For my second pregnancy, I gave it lots more thought and my conscience decided against it. (The vaccine is harvested from blood!) Turns out my daughter was positive, but our blood didn't mix and when I got tested for the antibodies after my pregnancy, I didn't have any so I could have another child if I choose to. I wouldn't take the shot again myself. But that's just me.

[Raene]

Good to know, thanks :) I doubt I'll have a third child, so even if the blood does mix, I'm fine in general, right, just would put a third baby at risk?

[Theogirl]

Good to know, thanks :) I doubt I'll have a third child, so even if the blood does mix, I'm fine in general, right, just would put a third baby at risk?

Your fetus is in danger only if your body has the antibodies from your blood mixing with your earlier children IF they were RH+. You can be tested to see if you have any antibodies. If not, the only danger is if your blood and the fetus' mixes because of trauma, (incl. amnio) AND the fetus is +.
Confusing enough?? :)
P.S. There doesn't seem to be any danger to the mother regardless.

[Raene]

Thank you, thank you. I think my best bet is to steer clear of medical people and just do everything myself. I know they (doctors, nurses, sometimes midwives) freak me out more than anything that my body does. Thanks for all the info!

[JuanaV]

Name:Juana
Age: 47
Other Children?: 7 ages 24, 23, 20, 18, 16, 10, 8
Due Date: mid to late November
How long have you been raw?: in transition

Any concerns? getting all the nutrients for baby while raw.

A brief intro: Dh & I have been married for 27 1/2 years. We vaccinated the older ones, got educated and didn't the younger ones. Now the older ones are disappointed that we vaccinated them. They see the difference health wise between them.

[Raene]

Name:Juana
Age: 47
Other Children?: 7 ages 24, 23, 20, 18, 16, 10, 8
Due Date: mid to late November
How long have you been raw?: in transition

Any concerns? getting all the nutrients for baby while raw.

A brief intro: Dh & I have been married for 27 1/2 years. We vaccinated the older ones, got educated and didn't the younger ones. Now the older ones are disappointed that we vaccinated them. They see the difference health wise between them.

Welcome, Juana. I appreciate your vax post. I see the difference between my daughter who was partially vaxed and the children she plays with who weren't vaxed at all. I wish I'd done things differently with my daughter. She got very sick from the polio vaccine and I really regret it. It was so frightening.
I feel like if God, Goddess, Spirit, whoever you believe in needs you in another world, that's where you'll be, but until then we should choose to do things as naturally as possible. This is my response to people who say "well, what if she got polio...then you'd regret not vaccinating." If that's what was intended, so be it, but shots and unnatural interference just seems wrong.

[Radiantly Raw]

Welcome Juana!!! I love you intro!! Congrats on a new one to join your family!! :D

We vaxed my oldest till age 3 1/2 and my youngest till 6 months. I strongly resisted the prompting in my spirit.:( I prayed & prayed while holding my babies that nothing bad would happen while they jabbed them. Finally, I listened to that inner prompting & researched it. Then I was furious that I didn't even know I had a choice, you know?!:mad: This little one won't get anything like that. Fortunately, my girls are very healthy so far. However, those shots do things right down to their dna, I'm sure I'm having effects from my mom's vaccines and so on. Raene, I had read a book that showed all the outbreaks were on their way out already when vaccines were introduced- it showed that for instance, when there is a whooping cough outbreak now- just as many vaxed kids get the illness as un-vaxed! So that's my response--- they don't even work anyway! I mean really, how could it be worth exposing our kids to the vax if they aren't even going to be protected? I wish I could remember the name of that book. :rolleyes:

[Raene]

I'd love to know what it was called too...I'm all about research so I'm armed for the questions from relatives and people who want to know more. Thanks for sharing!

[coco]

Good to know, thanks :) I doubt I'll have a third child, so even if the blood does mix, I'm fine in general, right, just would put a third baby at risk?


it's fairly uncommon for your baby's blood to get into your blood stream. it can happen if there is serious trauma to the placenta that causes a partial separation, this would result in internal bleeding and blood mixing, or during delivery if the umbilical cord is tugged on or the belly is massaged too vigorously both of which could cause a premature separation of the placenta and result in blood mixing. the best way to avoid that is to allow the placenta to birth naturally in it's own time, you can encourage this with some nipple stimulation either from nursing the baby or simply squeezing your nipples. this will cause the uterus to contract and begin to shrink, closing the blood vessels and eliminating the chance of any blood transfer into your system.

to keep the placenta strong during pregnancy avoid flouride products, this can to a toughy as your teeth and gums may get extra sensitive during pregnancy but paying special attention to flossing and brushing as well as rinsing after eating will help.


i didn't vax either child and got very little flak from any doctors we have seen. it seems to be gaining in popularity which is terrific in many ways but scary in that big pharma may sit up and take notice of their lost revenue and lobby for new laws. they have a lot of lobbying dollars so if we want to retain the freedom from having to inject our babies with that poison we must pay some attention to the politics of it now before they faciliate change in their favour and leave us holding an unhappy baby still for the needle.

stay strong mamas. with a united front we will achieve success in this!

[onelife2live]

Name: Jacinta
Age: 32
Other Children?: none
How long have you been raw?: transitioning (still):(
Any concerns? Herpetic/PCOS

I really love this thread! I've put off having children until I felt totally sure I was ready. I'm not pregnant yet but now that I'm 32 and ready it's becoming ever more crucial to ensure I am healthy enough to get it going. I've been on and off raw for the past 4 years or so. My major concern at this point is being Herpetic and not infecting my child. What has worked for me thus far (while not raw) is an oxygen supplement like (Cellfood) and MSM powder. And also DMSO, although I plan to stop using DMSO....I'm not sure about the others. They have all helped me tremendously. But I am scared of whats to come out of the doctors mouths when and if I go to them for guidance. It's crucial that I have a say in my health and the health of my future children. But I'm so at a loss of how to go about it and who to seek the proper guidance from.

Anyway...if any of you have dealt with with any of the above while going through your pregnancy, please share.

Thanks

[Raene]

My close friend recently birthed her second baby unassisted and she's herpetic, too. She used to do a lot of oxygen treatments; that's all I know that she did to help out. The baby is fine. I could ask what else she did if you'd like.

[onelife2live]

My close friend recently birthed her second baby unassisted and she's herpetic, too. She used to do a lot of oxygen treatments; that's all I know that she did to help out. The baby is fine. I could ask what else she did if you'd like.

Thanks Raene...I would appreciate that. I really love the oxygen supplements. I would love her feedback.

[whitelotus]

Well I just found out that I'm 4 weeks pregnant, YAY! I have a bunch of concerns that I'm hoping some of my fellow rawbies may be able to answer. Now my doctor says I need around 2,200 calories and although he knows how I eat, around 70% raw, which is a huge change for me, I don't know where to get all of these calories from? I generally try to not be a calorie counter but does anyone else share this concern? :confused:

Thanks Everyone!

[Livin'onLife]

Congratulations WhiteLotus!!!:D

[Raene]

Congrats, WL!
I don't believe in counting calories mostly b/c raw foods works in such a way that I don't believe calories are what gives you weight. Just eat until you are full and satisfied. I highly recommend Jinjee's e-book on raw pregnancy. I am hoping to get pregnant in July or August and I just purchased this book last week. It's amazing. She birthed 5 children, some were raw pregnancies and some were cooked vegan and she talks about the differences as well as health, nutrition, visualization, and everything else to do with pregnancy/birth.

[whitelotus]

Thank you guys, we're really excited about this pregnancy! I have her ebook, which is pretty helpful and I just listened to a segment of her talking to revell about how she didn't go 100% raw with raven because it was her pregnancy and she was pretty new to it. That's basically how I feel ... I've been raw off and on for awhile now, mostly 80% raw now but it's just scary with my first pregnancy. What did your doctors say about your diet? Did they know about your diet and recommed a certain amount of calories for you?

Thanks again for your help!!!
Kelly

[elfinbaby]

Hi guys:)

I'm April, 34, 4 kids, doing the best I can w/raw. I've been on and off the wagon for about 2 yrs. now.

I just wanted to respond to WLs concern about calories. I had to do a food log for my mw early on and, although I wasn't 100% raw, I saw how easy it would be to get good protein and calories even if I were raw. I was surprised frankly.

For instance, I make green smoothies. I use fresh oj instead of water (nutrients and calories) and 1/4 ground flaxseed. The flaxseed alone has 10 g of protein. I also make cashew milkshakes - water, cashews, dates, ice, vanilla, salt. Nut are high cal. Also, manna (not totally raw but still good I think) and nut butter - fiber and cals. You can make it happen if it's a concern for you. I'm not all that concerned about calories/protein. I think about what women will eat in the name of calories and I know that a raw choice would be more beneficial nutritionally. I think it's best to focus on high nutrition but you can play around w/cal. on www.fitday.com and see where you fall if you are concerned. Avos are high cal, too, I think.

Personally, I cannot wait for some good ripe summer fruit to gorge on. Being pregnant during fall/winter w/o my favorite fruits was not fun and didn't help in my commitment to raw foods. Today has been one of the worst eating days in a loooong time and I feel like crap. I won't be doing this again.

Oh! Speaking of good nutrition, I made a pregnancy tea from a recipe in a book (can't remember which one) and I drink lots. Red rasberry leaf, oatstraw, alfalfa, nettles, spearmint, rose hips, I don't know what else. Everything does something different and it makes me feel like I'm doing a little "extra" to make sure I get those random vitamins:D

[whitelotus]

Thanks so much elfinbaby! How many calories did your mw recommend you eat on a daily basis? It just doesn't make sense to me to consume 2,200 SAD calories when I probably need far less if I'm eating mostly raw, you know? Maybe with the 2nd pregnancy I'll trust the raw way more, in terms of not counting calories but I think for my first one I'm going to end up being a calorie counter, just to ensure I'm getting everything.;)

[joyfulmama]

Resa, I am not pregnant. I do have 6 children- the youngest will be 2 next month. I have 1 daughter and 5 boys! We do want to have another baby or 2- whatever God will bless us with. I have 135 lbs to lose so I am working hard to get healthy before God blesses us with another.
I just wanted to tell you I have enjoyed your blog..

[The Raw Greek]

Hi All, here is my info before i delve into the details
Name: Gina Panayi - aka The Raw Greek
Age: 28 (soon to be 29 in 3 weeks)
Other Children?: None
Due Date: Who knows it is early days, some time in December i guess.
How long have you been raw?: 4 years on and off, but have now been 70-100% raw for the last 6 months or so, that works for me.
Any concerns? Too many right now to possibly list
A brief intro: Ok i hope you are ready for this; I recently found out i am pregnant (yesterday), iit is only 4 weeks (i think) but it wasn't planned and i am still in shock, it isn't that i never wanted to have a baby it is just that the timing isn't good and i wanted to be more prepared for it both physically and mentally. My partner is over the moon, whereas i am quite down about it seeing as it was through his error that it happened. Anyway i am working on getting over it because it has happened and i have to accept it and move on and do the best i can.
The reason it is bad timing is because i am getting married in 3 weeks, yay but the run up to the wedding included lots of nights out which would have meant drinking (i still like the odd drink here and there) and i really wanted to enjoy my wedding day, now i am worried that i will be too tired/sick and wont be able to drink and enjoy myself. Plus we had planned on going to Peru and doing the 3 day trek to Machu Picchu for our late honeymoon in September (it has been my dream for a long time), which with a baby in tow is probably inpractical, plus i am now worried about the high altitude affecting the baby and whether 3 days of trekking is a good idea even though i am fit and healthy.
There are so many what ifs and why's in my head right now that i am kind of freaking out. I have decided that i don't want anyone to know until after the wedding which is even harder because i have noone to talk to about it.
Anyway i am glad i found this forum if anything for the support because i would really like to stay raw during and after the pregnancy, so i may well be back with lots of questions. If anyone has a similar story i would love to hear it, or if you have any helpful tips or advice i would be very grateful.
Thanks for listening
lots of live
Gina
PS i am not normally this negative

[Raene]

Congrats, Gina! They do seem to come when we least expect it, it's true.

I found out something yesterday that I thought would be really helpful to this group. You mamas may have read this already on other threads, but Incan Golden Berries contain all the B vitamins including B-12! I'm a big fan of them already so I was doubly excited to see this on a thread. They're pretty sour which may appeal to the pregnant crowd here :) We have them at our HFS but I think Alissa may possibly sell them too?

[Theogirl]

Welcome to being a Mommy! Don't worry if all your feelings aren't 100% positive about this yet. It's a lot to absorb and you will have adjustments to make.
I have to tell you, I never planned to have children as I felt I didn't have any maternal instinct, or any sort of "nurturing" spirit. Well, after 9 years of marriage and getting into my 30th year, DH (who always wanted a family) managed to persuade me to consider it. 4 months later, we were expecting. I did have a rough pregnancy, lots of emotional issues to plow through. But WOW, once my beautiful 8 lb boy arrived, the nurturer in me just FLOWED and I'm totally an "attachment parent" now! Two years and 2 months later, along came a beautiful baby girl. They are both such unique little people, and now aged 2 and 4. We are home/unschooling and I love it! :)
Yeah, sometimes when I'm not taking care of myself, or letting my frustrations bottle up, I get cranky and resentful and impatient with the kids. DH is a sweetheart and when we finally connect, all my negative stuff evaporates.
Being a mom to these babies has filled a gaping hole in my heart that I never even knew was there. I didn't know how much love I had to give, and now it overflows to everyone around me. I hope you find being a mom a wonderful adventure. ;)

[The Raw Greek]

Thanks Theogirl,
I don't think i am very maternal either and really wanted to be ready for this, but i guess all things happen for a reason. I am slowly working through my emotions and trying to accept this but i think it will take a lot of time.
My partner is happy but he has no idea of what is to come. I don't think he even believes me when i tell him that i often feel nauseous etc. He has even been telling me to drink alcohol if i want to and that nothing will happen to the baby, he has never known anyone close to him to be pregnant which puts even more pressure on me because not only do i have to deal with my physical and emotional changes i also have to put up with his stupid comments. He is a typical Greek man (apologies to any greek men who might be offended by that) who doesn't help around the house and thinks he knows it all. But i guess he can't be all bad if i fell in love with him and am going to marry him in a few weeks.
I am sure that when the time comes we will both be very good parents and i will have nothing but love for this baby, but until then i am going to have to accept it and deal with it.
Thanks for your kind words it does help to know that i am not a bad person for not initially being happy about having a baby.
Gina

[leela13]

I am 26 and this is my first child (A BOY!!!)
I am 29 weeks this week and am due July 21st.
I had been completely raw until about a month and a half ago. Financial strains have left me eating foods, I hadn't eaten in almost a year and it makes me sad. I'm happy you started this thread too. I am trying to get a little more stable so I can go back to my fruits and veggies-and feeling good. if you all have any suggestions on how to easily satisfy my diet while living on an extreme budget I would be deeply grateful. Thanks, Ashley

[klomasius]

Thanks Theogirl,
I don't think i am very maternal either and really wanted to be ready for this, but i guess all things happen for a reason. I am slowly working through my emotions and trying to accept this but i think it will take a lot of time.
My partner is happy but he has no idea of what is to come. I don't think he even believes me when i tell him that i often feel nauseous etc. He has even been telling me to drink alcohol if i want to and that nothing will happen to the baby, he has never known anyone close to him to be pregnant which puts even more pressure on me because not only do i have to deal with my physical and emotional changes i also have to put up with his stupid comments. He is a typical Greek man (apologies to any greek men who might be offended by that) who doesn't help around the house and thinks he knows it all. But i guess he can't be all bad if i fell in love with him and am going to marry him in a few weeks.
I am sure that when the time comes we will both be very good parents and i will have nothing but love for this baby, but until then i am going to have to accept it and deal with it.
Thanks for your kind words it does help to know that i am not a bad person for not initially being happy about having a baby.
Gina

Don't worry at all about any feelings you might have that are 'less than positive', you'll be joining the many of us who went through the same, me especially!

I now have a son I just love so much, but the first year for me was quite a downer as I'm not really a baby person. It brings a lot of guilt when you don't have all those intense, love and maternal emotions, and in the hormonally haywire first couple of months it can be worse. But SO MANY people feel the same, you are not alone in your reactions, believe me!

Good luck, there is so much support around, try to use it and to help yourself settle in.

Congrats to all the pregnant folk too! Wish I had have known about raw when I was pregnant... :(

[VeroP]

Congrats to all the moms to be. Let me add my own:

Name: Veronica (VeroP)
Age: 42 (Yikes!)
Other Children?: 2 stepsons ages 29 and 28, a 17 year-old daughter and a 4 year-old son
Due Date: 2/18/09 (yes, at this writing I'm only 6 weeks along)
How long have you been raw?: 99% - 100% since April, 2007
Any concerns? morning sickness, maternity leave, finances, living space, etc.
A brief intro: ie, partner, breastfeeding and birth choices, other things going on in life, work, school, etc.: I've been married to a wonderful Nicaraguan for almost 20 years. My first daughter was born in the hospital with a doctor. It was not the most pleasant of experiences and at that time one still had to be rolled to the delivery room during labor. It was induced - I had high blood pressure and was 2 weeks past my due date.

My son was born in the same hospital but with a re-done birthing center with the assistance of a nurse midwife. It was a much more pleasant experience, even though I was still induced. My daughter weighed 12 pounds and I had gestational diabetes with my son. They were concerned about his size and an ultrasound showed that he might already be at 11 lbs. So, we induced a couple of days before the due date and he weighed in at 9.5 lbs.

I'll be working with the same midwives this time as I had a positive experience with them last time, but I am hoping to discuss more options for a more natural birth experience under their guidance.

Both of my children have been breastfed - my daughter until 2 1/4 years and my son until 3 1/2 - especially since I assumed him to be my last. :o We also co-sleep with him though we have been trying to transition him to his own bed.

I am a Spanish teacher at a local high school and realize that I will have good support in the school system, but discussing maternity leave was not something I thought I would have to do. It also means that I have to stress ahead of time about lesson plans and organization for a long-term sub. This is only my third year teaching, so I am not as experienced as others might be in this area.

This pregnancy is a complete surprise and it does have me a bit aprehensive. However, so many times during the last few years I have done things with or for my son thinking it would be the last time - feeling the baby move inside or ending breastfeeding. Now I will have the experience again and with a whole different perspective on who I am as a person. It was special with my son being vegan and even more so now being raw. I am planning on embracing the experience.

It has been so cool reading through this thread and seeing the educated choices of so many women who have made up their own minds about their birthing and childrearing experiences, and who have had the courage to say "no" to the system. Very inspirational ladies.

[Radiantly Raw]

Congratulations Veronica!!! I can't wait to hear how you enjoy this pregnancy!
:D

[valligator]

Congrats to all the mommies!

Here is me...
Name: Valerie
Age: 35
Other children: 5 yr old daughter, 3 yr old son
Due Date: March 3, 2009 (5 wks along!)
How long have you been raw?: Off and on since Oct 2006
Any concerns?: Trying to stay raw for the entire pregnancy...

A brief intro: I am happily married to my husband of 9 years. With my other 2 children, I gained 50-60 pounds each time and had big babies (10 and 11 lbs). I am looking to have a different experience this time! I have recently had struggles staying on raw (even before I got pregnant) so I just pray that I can stay focused on my goal - a healthy baby and a healthy, comfortable pregnancy!

[BlessedMommy]

Hi!

Name: Ruth
Age: 26
Other children: Almost 2 year old daughter still avidly breastfeeding
Due Date: February 26, 2009 (6 1/2 weeks along)
How long have you been raw?: Have tried raw and done it off and on since May 2007. Would like to be at least 75-85% raw for this pregnancy.
Any concerns?: Getting all the protein, nutrients, and calories that I need while nursing and pregnant, and then later for possible tandem nursing.

A brief intro: I had a very challenging first pregnancy with a debilitating skin rash through the last 6 1/2 months and then for quite a long time after the birth. That got me interested in trying raw foods and now my rash is gone. I'm hoping to have a completely rash free pregnancy this time.

[Vegan Princess]

Me too! :-)

Name: Cindy
Age: Turning the big 3-0 later this month
Other children: this is my first
Due Date: February 12th (8-9 weeks now depending how you count)

How long have you been raw?: I've been raw on and off for 1.5 yrs. It's been a while since I was 100% raw though, unfortunately.

Any concerns?: I am having trouble eating raw foods right now. I have a lot of food aversions and some nauseau (though thankfully not bad and I have yet to throw up). The idea of greens and most vegetables makes me sick and eating some of them makes my stomach cramp up. I can eat some fruit but mostly I can only handle bready carby foods. I want to eat more raw foods but I guess I might have to wait another month until I hit my 2nd trimester and then hopefully I can eat everything again! I also still have a worry in my mind about getting enough protein by eating only raw.

[Raene]

Wanted to check in and see how everyone's pregnancies are going. I'm getting closer and closer to being ready to conceive...hopefully we'll start at the end of August. :)
By the way, I talked to a midwife who I've used to acupuncture in the past. She's one of two midwives here who does homebirths. I am planning on having an unassisted birth, but didn't tell her that b/c I have several questions for her. Anyway, she called me back last night and we talked and I ended up telling her I'm eating raw foods. My partner looked at me like I was a nut for mentioning that, but the midwife was actually okay! Only the protein question really worried her...she felt like even though I don't supplement I'm getting everything I need. She was only concerned about protein b/c nuts don't do very well in my body and I mentioned that. She seemed not to believe that greens and fruit/veggies have enough for me. Anyway, I was surprised that she was okay with the diet in general as most health care professionals aren't. She said "well how do you feel" and I told her better than ever and she said that's the best way to tell if something's working for you. Whoa.
How's everyone feeling?

[Vegan Princess]

Just checking in. I'm 12-13 weeks now. Most of my nausea is gone and my food aversions are gone! I can now eat salads and veggies again. So I am back to eating a lot more raw foods. Not 100% raw but I feel like I am eating much more balanced and healthy. I am feeling pretty good so far except for almost daily hormonal headaches - those are no fun!!

Cindy

[SisterMckay]

I am so excited to be reading all your positive comments!! It is so uplifting and encouraging! We are working on a baby! Perhaps I will be ready in September. I have decided to have an unassisted home birth and was glad to read that Raene is as well. Do you have any good books to recommend? Have you done that before? I have been searching on the internet and found that the best place is word of mouth.

[Vegan Princess]

A great blog to check out is pullingdaisies.blogspot.com. Annalise just gave birth to a baby girl last week via unassisted birth at home and she was mostly raw through out her pregnancy. Very inspiring! Good luck.

[coco]

meh, there isn't any such thing as a midwife anymore. they are as regulated as doctor and their hands are tied about so many "natural" things they can't do. for example ~ twins or breech babies = automatic c-section. crazy. still, better than the hospital and at least with a midwife you have the option of not calling them until you are actually pushing so you get very little interferance from them.

[Raene]

I love Anneliese's blog too. I recommend the unassisted yahoo group and Laura Shanley's site. There are great videos on Youtube. I'm ovulating today but it looks like we're not going to be able to try this time around. Bummed.

[jrose_lee]

Hey!

We are very excited to be about 1 month pregnant here! Yay! I have one 2.5 year old son as well.

I am going to read the whole thread tonight but I just wanted to post first. I am having trouble finding things that sound good to eat. I especially cannot stomach the idea of raw veggies/salads/etc. The marinara that I used to like sounds disgusting now.

I am craving the old comfort foods.....mashed potatoes, bread etc etc. I actually broke down today and had some bread because I was so frustrated that nothing sounded good.

So....I would like to eat raw during this pregnancy. The food aversions will probably end (I hope) but in the meantime....how can I make things seem more palatable? It's so weird that the thought of a cucumber cut up or a raw tomatoe sound so gross to me.

Congratulations everyone!

[jrose_lee]

Name: Jessica
Age: 27

Other Children?: one 2.5 year old

Due Date: 4/27/09

How long have you been raw?:10 months

Any concerns?
Staying raw, getting all the good nutrients I need, introducing our little boy to a sibling smoothly

I have been married for 4 years. We co-sleep, baby wear, no circ, no vax, breastfeed (still breastfeeding 2 year old through this pregnancy)....all that good stuff. We had a homebirth with our first and we are planning another one for this baby. We are very excited! I'm a little worried about how it will be with two and hoping my son will love this baby (at least for the most part)!

[okorolina40]

hi everyone --

Name: rawnaija
Age: 33
Other Children?:none - this is my FIRST
Due Date: April 3
How long have you been raw?: 6-9 months high raw
Any concerns? -- safety of ultrasounds, gum/teeth issues, interested in natural birth in WI..

Hi everyone! I am only 9 wks into my new baby journey, but it has been a blessing to be high raw beforehand, because cooked foods and dairy all give me morning sickness! Anyways, I had my first prenatal visit today and it was neat, but i feel that the tech was so excited that she spent way too much time trying to find the babys heartbeat with the fetoscope... And I was feeling a little weird on the way home.. unsettled even.. I am scheduled to have an ultrasound in a month and I really dont want to have one done because there are way more risks than i ever knew about using it.. and I am really nervous about it -- the dang device produces a lot of heat and I dont want my baby getting unregulated and unnecessary exposuren that can harm her fetal development (somehow we think its a girl already!)

Also i am in the middle of writing my masters thesis and hubby is up for tenure next year, so we have quite a bit on our plate in addition to the baby -- any ideas on ways to alleviate stress at the end of a school/workday?

Blessings!

[Vegan Princess]

Welcome rawnaija & congratulations! My midwife believes in avoiding unnecessary ultrasounds too but I did have one last week. I really don't think there is much harm in 1, I would just try to avoid repeated, unnecessary ones. As for relaxation, have you tried a gentle pregnancy yoga dvd? Or how about a warm bath (not hot)? I wonder if you are really having a girl - will be interesting to see. I was convinced I was carrying a boy but I found it it's a little girl. :p Good luck!

Cindy

[Raene]

hi everyone --

Name: rawnaija
Age: 33
Other Children?:none - this is my FIRST
Due Date: April 3
How long have you been raw?: 6-9 months high raw
Any concerns? -- safety of ultrasounds, gum/teeth issues, interested in natural birth in WI..

Hi everyone! I am only 9 wks into my new baby journey, but it has been a blessing to be high raw beforehand, because cooked foods and dairy all give me morning sickness! Anyways, I had my first prenatal visit today and it was neat, but i feel that the tech was so excited that she spent way too much time trying to find the babys heartbeat with the fetoscope... And I was feeling a little weird on the way home.. unsettled even.. I am scheduled to have an ultrasound in a month and I really dont want to have one done because there are way more risks than i ever knew about using it.. and I am really nervous about it -- the dang device produces a lot of heat and I dont want my baby getting unregulated and unnecessary exposuren that can harm her fetal development (somehow we think its a girl already!)

Also i am in the middle of writing my masters thesis and hubby is up for tenure next year, so we have quite a bit on our plate in addition to the baby -- any ideas on ways to alleviate stress at the end of a school/workday?

Blessings!

Have you ever heard of HypnoBirthing? Even if you don't want to do it for labor, it's great techniques to relax and de-stress.

[coco]

hi everyone --
I had my first prenatal visit today and ... I was feeling a little weird on the way home.. unsettled even.. I am scheduled to have an ultrasound in a month and I really dont want to have one done ... I am really nervous about it .

have you taken a look at laura kaplan shanley's website? it's very empowering and inspirational. i think it was there that i read something about how those prenatal tests can interfer with your developing emotional relationship with your baby. i didn't go for any, no doctor's visits except to check my iron levels with baby #1 (i usually have low iron) and none at all with baby #2. i had both of them at home without a midwife or doctor and they were both perfectly lovely births. gotta say, i didn't do much aside from let those babies be born in their own way. there were amazing guides those two.

[okorolina40]

Thanks so much coco and everyone who has responded to my post! I was about 90% raw for the 1st trimester -- gained 3 lbs. Ive started exercising, doing prenatal yoga, light weights and lots of walking. so far I've gained 12 lbs in the the 2nd trimester.. partly because I started having a strange craving for pizza (of all SAD foods--ughh!) I just bought a vitamixer and am painfully waiting for it to get here so I can go crazy with green smoothies -- but right now, just making fruit ones and adding spirulina, romaine lettuce, or spinach.. Back to high raw I go -- feeling too hormonally unsteady lately, I think I def need more greens -- on the plus side, my teeth/gum issues have resolved, except for 2 areas where I have deep fillings/crowns.. the bone loss there is more extensive and they want to do surgery after the baby is born--- NOT!

I plan to stay as raw as possible (and pray fervently!) and see if maybe my gums and bone will rebuild in those areas...

I am planning to have a homebirth, and just went to a homebirth discussion group where i met a hypnobirthing teacher -- thank you!!!! I plan to start that up in the new year -- I am 5 months along now and seems Im hiding a little soccer ball :) THought it was a girl, but now find out its a boy... now i need to discuss the pros and cons of circumcision... any threads on that?

Blessings,

Rawnaija

[jrose_lee]

[QUOTE=
THought it was a girl, but now find out its a boy... now i need to discuss the pros and cons of circumcision... any threads on that?

Blessings,

Rawnaija[/QUOTE]


Hey! Check out on mothering.com/discussions

They have an entire forum dedicated to Circumcision. We have one little boy and personally chose not to.

Good luck!

[Raene]

There's not a single pro to circumcision.

It's a myth that it's cleaner to circumcise. God/Spirit/Mother Earth made us perfect...why would we need to cut off a part of a body? We're perfect!

And not to be graphic here, but my last fiance was not circumcised and it provided much more pleasure for both of us than a circumcised one ever has.

There's a link somewhere with botched circumcisions and it's frightening. I can't imagine doing it. There's also a video that shows how it's done...maybe it's on youtube. They strap the baby's arms and legs down, while he's screaming, and cut him, often without any pain medication.

[RawSun]

Name: Sunflower
Age: 29
Other Children? This is my first
Due Date: June 30th.
How long have you been raw?: Nearly 3 years.

My first trimester has been mostly rough. Today is the last day of it and tomorrow I begin my second trimester. I experienced all day nausea more often than not. I was just starting to feel better 2 weeks ago and had a few good days then was hit with a flu (my first in several years!) Anyways, finally starting to feel good over the last few days. I've even been able to enjoy raw food again (had an enormous aversion to nearly all raw foods since before about 1 month pregnant). I was down to only handling raisins, xmas oranges, pineapples and grapes and feeling so hungry and unsatisfied and sick. I started eating cooked whole food vegan items and was able to get through it. I was so shocked that I couldn't stomach the idea of raw foods as normally am very committed to 100%. Anyways, feel much better now, and hope to get more and more back on raw as the days progress.

I'm trying to decide between a birthing center, home birth with a midwife, or unassisted homebirth... I'm a little wary of doing unassisted for my first. If anyone has experience with this I'd love to hear it.

All the best to all the other mommy's to be (o;

[Raene]

Yes!! I can finally post about myself here!

Name: Raene
Age: 24
Other Children?: 5 yr old daughter
Due Date: 8/23/09
How long have you been raw?: almost 1 year this time around
Any concerns? not getting enough calcium actually worries me more than protein; not getting enough calories; fear of miscarriage after having one a few months ago; fear of stressing too much about everything in life
A brief intro: ie, partner, breastfeeding and birth choices, other things going on in life, work, school, etc. Let's see, I'm very pro-breastfeeding, plan on having an unassisted birth (this is the only part that I feel so calm and peaceful about, actually. with all the worries i have about miscarriage and nutrition, the birth plan feels really good). I work part time, but will be quitting when the baby comes...and I'll start homeschooling my daughter at the same time.

[Raene]

Sunflower, have you read unassisted books? I found these helpful but I know what you mean...I never would have felt comfortable having an unassisted the first time around. I didn't even feel good about a homebirth the first time so I had my daughter in a birthing center run by midwives.

[KaitAnne]

I'm not pregnant yet but we've just started trying.

Name: Michelle
Age:26
Other Children?: Two girls, 4 1/2 yrs and 9 months
Due Date: none yet
How long have you been raw?: high raw for a few months?
Any concerns? I need some good reliable info on vaccinations. Both of my kids have been kept up-to-date with vaccinations and if I'm gonna put a stop to it, I need to know that it's definitely the right thing!
A brief intro: ie, partner, breastfeeding and birth choices, other things going on in life, work, school, etc.
I graduated from UConn with a degree in Economics. I am a stay-at-home mom right now.
I had both my daughters vaginally in the hospital..the first time I was totally uneducated about natural childbirth and went into it completely unprepared..I used some sorta drug which didn't work and left me so groggy I couldn't keep my eyes open. Not a very good experience at all.
During my second pregnancy I did my research and got super angry about obgyn's and how they take all the "natural" out of childbirth, and how pregnant women become medical emergencies. I switched then and there to a midwife who was so much more understanding and accomodating to my birth choices. It made for a very positive experience. I gave birth with no pain meds at all, no episiotomy either, and this time I wasn't flat on my back, I actually participated and had an active birth!
I breastfed my oldest til she was 15 months (I totally woulda kept going if I'd known how important it is!) and I plan to nurse my 9 month old til she doesn't want to anymore. She doesn't even eat any solid food yet, she's been doing fine on milk alone! Despite what some family members may think *sigh*
They are also not very supportive of this vegan way of life, they think I'm starving my 4 year old..

[oceanluv]

I used to work in the nursery, and assist the docs with the circumcisions.
it is a brutal and unnecessary ritual that is continued only by ignorance.
interesting, that FGM is against the law here in the US, but male circumcision is not. just my 2 cents.

[JuanaV]

I have found my way back here after being away for many months and eating in such an unhealthy way. I know that being raw is the healthiest way to live. I want to live for a long time - and I want to be healthy at the same time - I know that in order to do both the SAD will not get me there - but eating raw will.

Our 8th child was born on November 8th. She is just the sweetest little girl. :) It was love at first sight for all the members of our family. She was 2 weeks early as the docs induced me b/c my blood pressure readings were very high. She is a healthy content baby. God has truly blessed us!

I am bf her as well as supplementing with formula. Does anyone have any experience with a homemade formula instead of the store bought ones?

[twinyoga]

I'm 24 weeks pregnant. I have boy/girl twins that will be five in March. I'm due in April. This pregnancy was a pleasant surprise. I had to work hard on it with the twins.

I began just before the twin pregnancy and then right after that pregnancy. I've been great following the raw diet except it turned obsessive and orthorexic (about 800 calories of 8/1/1 a day) about two years ago and my dh turned me over to an eating disorder clinic. I had to give up all raw foods. Though I have found my way back to it in an acceptable way. My practice now is to eat high raw, high vegan but not a completely black/white outlook on food. For example, I had dark chocolate today and noticed it had milk as the last ingredient. Instead of freaking out I just said "oops". Phew!

Anyway, carrying a singleton is much different that twins. Though I am scared of delivering early (my twins were delivered at 34.5 weeks, though very healthy!). I was also on bedrest with the twins after 30 weeks.

I've gained about 18lbs. already, though all in my tummy. And I got the "glow" and my skin is so clear. I bath and coat myself in almond oil or coconut oil day and night.

I'm 36 years old.

[Yoga Star]

Name: Yoga Star

Age: Just turned 30 on Jan. 21st

Other children: No other kids

Due date: September 3, 2009

How long have you been raw?: On and Off since 2006, 80% raw for few months now, conceived while 100% raw. Goal is to stay high raw through my pregnancy and aim for 100% most of the time.

Any concerns?: I live in Canada and water birth is not allowed in the hospitals, you can labour in the pool but not give birth. I'd love water birth and home birth but DH and the rest of the family are all for hospital birth. (They are mostly scared something will go wrong and are encouraging me to have natural but hospital birth just in case) Also I teach hot yoga 3 times a week and there is a lot of controversy about being in the heated room while pregnant. I have thought for few years now and my body is used to it. Having said that I will probably stop teaching my hot classes when I am further along.

Brief info: I am a first time mother to be 8 weeks pregnant. I went off the pill in summer and my DH and I TTC for 5 months. I went 100% raw in November and conceived few weeks later. I am a full time yoga teacher and my classes include Hatha, Yin, Flow, and Prenatal yoga. I am married for 4 years to a wonderful husband who has became vegetarian and high raw with me few years ago. We want to bring up our child high raw as well. My first midwife appointment is next week so I look forward to discussing my birth choices with her. So far I have no negative symptoms, I have tons of energy, and vivid and wonderful dreams. After I give birth I am planning to stay home for 2-3 months and resume teaching yoga classes in the evening when DH gets home from work. I have no maternity leave so that is part of the reason and the other is that if I teach it only takes 2-3 hours max.


My raw pregnancy blog: http://dominique-joyistheway.blogspot.com/

[Azaria]

Hi all,
Just perusing this thread out of curiosity and wanting to learn more about raw pregnancy. I'm not pregnant but I am a midwife:)


I'd love water birth and home birth but DH and the rest of the family are all for hospital birth. (They are mostly scared something will go wrong and are encouraging me to have natural but hospital birth just in case)

This just jumped out at me and I have to comment....I would STRONGLY encourage you to look further into whether hospital is truly the safest place to be for normal, low risk pregnancy and birth. I am quite positive you will find that evidence-based info and statstics (not to mention overwhelming anecdotal evidence) will show that planned homebirth is actually safer. Acute complications such of respiratory distress of a baby or excessive bleeding of the mom can be handled extremely efficiently and safely at home. About 50% of the people I work with said the above quote themselves during their first pregnancies, and afterwards every single one of them sad they wished they had actually educated themselves first.

The documentary mentioned earlier would be a fantastic place to start as well (Rikki Lake's 'The Business of Being Born'). If nothing else it will educate you on the way you will be expected to birth in the hospital system.

Not sure if I can post links here, but if anyone is interested please let me know. Sorry to hijack this thread...I just want to make sure people have some decent information on birthing options!

[Yoga Star]

Hi Azaria

Thank you for your input! I have always wanted a natural home water birth and can't imagine birthing in the same way in the hospital. I seem to be getting a lot of resistance from others when I mantion home birth. I am looking into all the info I can get so that I can educate myself and them that it is indeed just as safe hospital birth. I just met my midwife the other day and she was very encouraging and informative like you. I got a few books as well "Gentle birth choices" and "Birthing from within" to start with. I feel I am on the right track. I will watch the documentary as soon as I can! Thanks again.

[MelanieM]

Dominique, congratulations on your pregnancy! Whereabouts in Canada are you? I'm pregnant with my third and planning my second homebirt, living in Ontario (Mississauga).

With my second baby we didn't start off for sure wanting a homebirth, but I was curious. My husband was resistant, and concerned about the what-ifs. One of the things that reasured both of us was a comment by my midwife about what actually happens in an emergency. She said they would call the hospital to request an ambulance and report on what's happening and while in transit, the hospital would be preparing in the same way they would if we were actually on-site. Because there's a 30 minute window they aim for to get you in for an emergency c-section (the worse case scenario) when you're actually in hospital, and the ambulance time for pick-up and arrival from where we were was 7 minutes, the risk of being home wasn't actually much of an issue at all - we'd still be in there being attended to in the same amount of time. Sharing in case your family also gains some peace of mind if a similar standard applies where you are.

Whatever happens, I'm sure it will be the perfect situation for you and your baby! :D

[IamLoved]

Hello everyone!

I am not pregnant, but I do have six children and I just wanted to pop in on the homebirth/hospital birth/birthing center issue.

I had my first child in a hospital, strapped to a bed, in labor for 36 hours, drugged up, ridiculed, made to feel fat, ugly and stupid and then not allowed to feed or hold my child. It was horrid to say the least.

Second child born at a hospital, but not the one we planned on. He came very quickly and we had to make an emergency run to the nearest hospital to deliver. Ended up with an intern who knew nothing about delivering babies. He told me I was not dilated at all (I had been at 3-4 for a week prior) got in my face and told me that it was going to be a long time before the baby came and to get over it and stop screaming and then left me (and hubby)alone in the room for an hour. When he came back in, surprise, gee she's fully dilated and ready to go. Then I had to tell him what to do to deliver my baby.

Babies 3,4 &5 were deliverd by a midwife but still in the hospital. It was better than a doctor, but still had a lot of interference with nurses, blood pressure people, blood taking people, cleaning staff, other patients, ect.

Ahh, baby #6. Baby #6 was born AT HOME and it was the most relaxing, peaceful, fulfilling and amazing experience ever. I HIGHLY recommend home birth. There is no comparison, it is like day and night. Apples and oranges. With my home birth everything just felt so right and natural. It was so calm and peaceful and serene. And our daughter came when she was ready, not according to some doctors schedule. It was just wonderful!

I wish all of you raw mamas happy and healthy pregnancies.

[luna99]

I'd just like to say good luck to all you beautiful mommies! I'm not pregnant yet but my hubby and I are going to start trying in April! I'm a little worried about how my raw food eating will go then. I'm definitely not 100% right now.. I'd say I'm like 90% most of the time.. but I know once I get pregnant my mother and family will be watching me like a hawk to make sure I eat properly! LOL.....

and trust me, it's not like I"m some skinny girl that they have to worry about food issues with... I actually need to lose weight.. lol.

anyway.. just wonder if any of you get family or friends on your case about being raw while pregnant?

thanks!

[RawSun]

Hi Raene,

I have read unassisted books. They are so motivating and comforting and make me feel I could do it easily! But then other peoples fears bring me back down (my husband, my mother, etc.).

I bought a birthing pool in anticipation of a home water birth, and deciding on going the midwife route... unfortunately midwifes have just started to be funded so there is a major shortage of them here in Alberta (Canada), and I can't find an available one.

My options now are:
Unassisted home waterbirth (I love this option, although with it being my first have to admit I still have some fear).
Traditional hospital 20mins away, (I hate this option, reading unassisted books and forums has made me fearful of a traditional hospital birth).
There is a birthing center an hour away, with an MD who is into natural birth and water births. The catch is that I would need to pay for a Doula, while the doctor is covered by health care. The Doula is $800. Use of the birth pool is nearly $100 more. (I'm not sure if I can come up with the $ or justify this expense right now). I'd hate to spend all this money if I end up having an experience similar to a traditional hospital.

Any thoughts are appreciated!!

[RawSun]

Hi Luna,

I've had no pressure to eat cooked from family or friends, although some had initially asked if I still planned to stay raw.

I was 100% raw and pretty dedicated before the pregnancy. I had all sorts of aversions to nearly all that I love (raw food), especially in the early parts of my pregnancy (the first few months). I had to eat a lot of cooked vegan. Now I'm eating both raw and cooked vegan and feeling pretty good. Too much raw and I feel starved, unsatisfied, and a need to eat pretty much constantly. Too much cooked and I feel tired, less energy, and other negative pregnancy symptoms that go away when I increase the raw.

All the best to you conceiving your baby!!

[Azaria]

RawSun,, are you sure there are no available midwives for supporting you in a homebirth? Sometimes a person's determination can sway even the busiest midwife ;)
Do you know what the waterbirth / non-augmented or medicated labour / c-section rates and stats of this birth center is?
Please think about how little money a grand is compared to a sub-optimal birth experience!

I'd hate to spend all this money if I end up having an experience similar to a traditional hospital.
Well, you won't know unless you try, will you?

[MelanieM]

RawSun, I had an OB attended hospital birth with my first and midwife attended homebirth with my second. While I loved the homebirth experience for all the comfort and familiarity (among other things) and plan another homebirth this time around, I also adored my hospital experience. I had the most amazing OB and nurse there supporting me. I couldn't have asked for better birth attendants or a more caring atmosphere. And actually, I would say I prefered the support of the people at my hospital birth over those at my homebirth!

All that to say... if you feel like hospital birth is the easiest choice for you right now, for whatever reason, it can still be a magical and wonderful experience. I would focus on having a birth experience that is perfect for you and your baby, and trust that you will be in the best possible place for that to happen - wherever that is. Hold the vision of what you want, and feel your way around it. It will be lovely whatever you decide! :D

[IamLoved]

Hello RawSun-

When I had baby #5 I got aa free doula. In order for a doula to be certified they have to attend 3 births free of charge. Do a search for doulas in your area and call them to see if there are any "doulas in training" that can attend you for free. Thats how I found mine and she was awesome! And don't worry about feeling like you are mouching or anything, they have to do the free births so they are looking for people to work with so that they can get certified and they will be glad to work with you. :)

I am curious as to why you "have" to have a doula at the center. That is strange to me.

And just to put things into perspective a bit too, we opted for a home birth for our last child and paid $2500 for it. A hospital birth would have been totally covered by our insurance and would not have cost us a dime. We are not rich, but this was very important to me and worth every penny.

When are you due?

[Raene]

Hi Raene,

I have read unassisted books. They are so motivating and comforting and make me feel I could do it easily! But then other peoples fears bring me back down (my husband, my mother, etc.).

I bought a birthing pool in anticipation of a home water birth, and deciding on going the midwife route... unfortunately midwifes have just started to be funded so there is a major shortage of them here in Alberta (Canada), and I can't find an available one.

My options now are:
Unassisted home waterbirth (I love this option, although with it being my first have to admit I still have some fear).
Traditional hospital 20mins away, (I hate this option, reading unassisted books and forums has made me fearful of a traditional hospital birth).
There is a birthing center an hour away, with an MD who is into natural birth and water births. The catch is that I would need to pay for a Doula, while the doctor is covered by health care. The Doula is $800. Use of the birth pool is nearly $100 more. (I'm not sure if I can come up with the $ or justify this expense right now). I'd hate to spend all this money if I end up having an experience similar to a traditional hospital.

Any thoughts are appreciated!!


I can't really help you make a decision...you will know in your heart what feels right. That said, if you WANT an unassisted birth but you still have fears, you can do a fear release. I teach HypnoBirthing and a lot of what we work with is fear release surrounding birth. Maybe google it and see what comes up.

I know that our bodies were perfectly designed to give birth. When you're not nervous or tense, you can have a beautiful birth. But if you go into an unassisted birth (or any birth) feeling doubt or fear, things might not all go the way you'd like. So if you feel more comfortable in the hospital, then go with what you feel. It does make a difference.

You'll know what's right! Blessings :)

[Raene]

I'd just like to say good luck to all you beautiful mommies! I'm not pregnant yet but my hubby and I are going to start trying in April! I'm a little worried about how my raw food eating will go then. I'm definitely not 100% right now.. I'd say I'm like 90% most of the time.. but I know once I get pregnant my mother and family will be watching me like a hawk to make sure I eat properly! LOL.....

and trust me, it's not like I"m some skinny girl that they have to worry about food issues with... I actually need to lose weight.. lol.

anyway.. just wonder if any of you get family or friends on your case about being raw while pregnant?

thanks!

Actually, this was hard to believe, but my dad read one of my blogs and saw that I'm not raw anymore and freaked out. He's like "well, what ARE you eating?" and I told him I wasn't eating very healthy anymore, b/c my body won't accept things that are healthy (ugh, it's so hard!) and he gasped and said "but nothing fried, right?" and I said "umm...well, some french fries occasionally" and he was very disappointed.
Just some background...my dad isn't raw at all, but he did find (on his own) "Green for Life" and after dealing with some health problems, he started making green smoothies daily before I ever did. He knew about raw b/c I'd been raw before, but he has never desired to be raw or vegan/vegetarian. I thought he would be happy that I wasn't raw anymore. You just never know how people will react.

On a different note, I am almost into the 2nd trimester now, morning sickness is much better (but not gone) and I'm starting to crave raw foods again. Thank goodness!! I was one to think I'd stay 100% raw no matter what through my pregnancy and it just didn't work out that way. Even now, nuts and seeds, nut butters, and heavy fats are really disgusting sounding to me. But raw fruits and veggies are once again becoming appealing. I'm hoping to get back to at least 50% raw for the rest of the pregnancy.

[Yoga Star]

MelanieM I am also in Ontario and very close to you as I live in Burlington. I live 10min from a hospital so if I needed to transfer it wouldn't be a problem. You have eased my mind with what you said about how quickly they prepare for emergancies. It puts everything in a perspective. When are you due? Would love to hear about how your waterbirth went so please do share.

Raene a question about hypnobirthing...does it work for everyone? Do I have to take classes or can I learn on my own?

[phytomama]

hey mamas! i am 8 wks and due september 15th. i am finding that as with my last pregancy, that i am having a hard time with eating all raw. however, i conceived both times being high raw. at the moment, i am having a hard time with raw veggies. salads are not quite palatable at the moment. however, fruit tastes wonderful and it helps the morning sickness. so, i am digging lots of smoothies (with greens, green powders, chia seeds and hemp oil added) and i have been making popsicles, which hit the spot when the nausea hits.

you never know what will come with each pregnancy, but you can try to keep on top of what you know and remember, you should listen to your body and it will all work out in the end. treat your body well and it will treat you well.

oh, we had a homebirth with our first and planning on another with this one. we had an awesome birth and now we have a beautiful 22 mo girl, who is wild and crazy and loves good food. all blessings!

[Amy Bass]

I am not pregnant YET, but currently trying to conceive. I really want to be at least 90% raw throughout the entire pregnancy.

I was reading a Herbert Shelton book and he talks about morning sickness. I had really bad morning sickness with my past pregnancies which turned me into a junk food junkie for 3 months each time.

He said to fast until the nausea subsided. Yes it will make you feel worse in the short term, but you will find your hunger for healthy foods soon returning usually within a week.

I plan to try this route when I get pregnant this time around.

[Raene]

Raene a question about hypnobirthing...does it work for everyone? Do I have to take classes or can I learn on my own?

It works for everyone who practices it daily so that you really know what you're doing. It's not something you can read the book for and then forget about until the birth. You have to really commit to daily practice.

About the classes being necessary...I myself am on a tight budget. I would probably (hope I don't get into trouble for saying this) buy the book and the Rainbow CD from the HypnoBirthing website (http://www.hypnobirthing.com) and read it and listen to the CD on my own if I didn't teach the class. The classes definitely help, but with a budget as tight as mine, I can understand other people not paying for the class. By the way, the Rainbow CD is not the CD that comes with the book, so if you find the book on Amazon and you see that it comes with a CD, it's a different one.

[Raene]

I was reading a Herbert Shelton book and he talks about morning sickness. I had really bad morning sickness with my past pregnancies which turned me into a junk food junkie for 3 months each time.

He said to fast until the nausea subsided. Yes it will make you feel worse in the short term, but you will find your hunger for healthy foods soon returning usually within a week.
.

I read this too. Unfortunately I'm underweight and I'd be dead if I fasted while NOT pregnant...I can't imagine fasting while pregnant. I once fasted for almost 24 hours and almost fainted, lol. I definitely wouldn't recommend doing so myself...and I always have trouble with males who think they know the female body better than we do. I don't know, that's just how I feel about it.

[abby07]

Name: Abigail
Age: 20
Other Children?: Yes, a daughter named Sophia (1 year old)
Due Date: September 22, 2009
How long have you been raw?: I have not started yet
Any concerns? I found this site, while searching for articles of any kind that explain the pros and cons of eating only raw foods, while pregnant. I have not started eating all raw just yet, but am still researching it. I am 7 weeks pregnant and deeply considering going 100% raw. I would greatly appreciate any feedback or tips that would help me to get started. And is going 100% raw during pregnancy completely healthy? Some doctors say it is not, surprisingly.
A brief intro: I have been married for a year and a half now. I gave birth to my daughter on February 22nd of 2008. We decided that we wanted to try to conceive again a little more than a month ago. I am a Stay-At-Home mom and feel totally blessed to be able to stay at home and raise my daughter. I have no plans for school or a career. I believe women who are mothers should be at home with their children, to watch over the home. I am a Christian. I am also a piano player and a singer (not professionally, of course). I am happy to be making such wise choices at a young age, and wish to live a positive, healthy, enriching life!

Again, I would like any feedback on the basics of eating raw while pregnant. I eat raw fruits and vegetable all the time, but probably not organic raw vegetables. I have a health food mart in my town, and will be checking it out very soon.

[MelanieM]

abby07... I'm currently 20 weeks pregnant, and have been working on integrating more raw foods for the past month. For me, I decided not to immediately jump to 100% because I didn't want to chance a heavy detox while carrying this baby. I also didn't want to feel stuck with some percentage rules I'd assigned myself which might lead to me eating in a way that didn't feel great and/or giving myself a guilt trip over doing something I didn't think I should be doing. It works well for me to follow my body's lead, and to eat what feels good. Most days that's very high raw. Some days it involves more cooked foods.

I think you should decide what feels best for you and your baby (and consider your toddler if you're nursing, as you detox through your milk as well), and use that as your guideline. So I'd say whatever you decide, let how you feel carry more weight than any raw 'rule book'.

[enrgtcsoul]

Faith4 u,
My docs are concerned about protein eating raw. I eat nuts, seeds, raw hummus, etc - but they want me to include soy and cheese. What means did you use to ensure you had enough protein pre and during pregnancy? Thanks - e

[c'estlaviebelle]

Hey mamas! Just chiming in here- I'm 20 weeks- trying to get back 100% raw for the duration of the prenancy. I'm so glad to read that I'm not the only one having trouble being raw for the first trimester. Since the 2nd trimester I've been incorporating a lot more raw in, and now I feel ready to go back 100% for the rest of it...

I'm doing a homebirth with a midwife. I haven't picked a doula yet (not sure if I really want/need one). So glad to read everyone's experiences so far! Its a wild ride! It seems so many people are expecting right now- what an exciting time for us all!

:)