Hi everyone - there have been many threads over the last year that touched here and there on raw during pregnancy. It would be great to share that knowledge and other information we have here.

This is something Piers and I are thinking about more and more, and I got on the net last night and ordered about 8 books delivered to my sisters address in Canada (I'll pick them up in August). Until then she can enjoy them. I'll definitely share what I learn when I get those books.

Jinjee's ebook is another great place to start. There are some books she recommends, one of which is Primal Mothering (we have it - I really enjoyed it). I'll have a peak and see what other books in our library touch on this topic and see what information I can find.

DHA seems to be a supplement that many raw vegans take during pregnancy. It's one I'm looking into. Folate is another one that 'conventional' people feel the need to supplement, but for the average raw person seems to be at a high level anyway.

What other nutrients are needed more in pregnancy? And is it really about that? Maybe being wholistic and eating a good range, exercising, resting and sleeping more is ideal. Really for the  most part it's what makes us healthy as individuals that makes for a healthier pregnancy.

What do you think?

Have any of you done high raw pregnancies before? And advice or books you would recommend?

Cheers,
Sheryl

I admire your pre-pregnancy planning & preparations!  neither of my pregnancies were consciously planned timing & it was a challenge!  I would certainly do more nutritional prep if I were to do it again.

sounds like you've found all the books...dha & b12 are the only things I personally have concerns about vegan preg/breastfeeding - I don't have any answers though!  My last preg. I was low in iron for a while until the nettles came up & I had big nettle juices daily. Fixed that!  I don't think folate should be an issue for a raw person eating plenty of greens?
I personally never had an increase in appetite until I began breastfeeding.(and then when I did it was huge)  I have heard a quote - 'it makes sense for the baby to do most of its growing OUTSIDE rather than in - after all it has to get out!' - I forget who said that, but I think of it when I see statistics on birth weights being bigger these days and CPD  more frequent(diagnosed baby too big to fit through mother's pelvis); as well as women being told to eat huge amounts of protein to prevent toxaemia etc...just my feelings I don't know if there's a real link here but it does make some sense doesn't it?
sheryl I think you have the idea already 'it's what makes us healthy as individuals that makes for a healthier preg.'.   tend to your emotions & fitness & general digestion, and also to your intuitive nature - which will enable you to know what your body needs and communicate with the little one. 
what I'd like to have been more  aware of is the rollercoaster of the first trimester - for me was dominated by 24hr nausea, cravings for junk food, and aversion to greens.  Juicy fruits I could eat most days.  I suspect if you've done a lot of detoxification you may not experience this too bad if at all.  I feel that the body does a huge detox during this time, in preparation, hence the symptoms.  there are different opinions about this.
 
the best general books I found for birth prep. are the ones recommended in  'unassisted birth' circles - even if you're choosing attendants - if you wish to take responsibility for creating your own optimal experience....and not all are which is ok!

i am truly excited for you both, what an adventure.

Here are the books I bought (I'll get them from my sister in August):

"The Breastfeeding Cafe: Mothers Share the Joys, Challenges, & Secrets of Nursing"
Barbara L. Behrmann; Paperback
~ Sort of like a Chicken Soup for the Soup of Breastfeeding

"Birth Without Violence"
M. D. Leboyer; Paperback
 ~ Obvious from the title… on natural childbirth without unnatural medical intervention
 
"Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth"
Michel Odent; Paperback
 ~ He runs a natural birthing center in France and looks to be a world leader in giving control back to parents (and away from sterilized, impersonal medical model of birth (and he’s a doctor too))
 
"Farmer and the Obstetrician"
Michel Odent; Hardcover
  ~ A look comparead the modernization of childbirth to agri business… just wild
 
"Primal Health: Understanding the Critical Period Between Conception and the First Birthday"
Michel Odent; Paperback
~ That conception to age 1 is the most important marker for life long health 

"We Are All Water Babies"
Jessica Johnson; Hardcover
 Sold by:internationalbooks
~ A pretty photo book about babies, people and an affinity to water (with water birth photos too)

"Breastmilk Makes My Tummy Yummy"
Cecilia Moen; Board book
~ Kids book about breastfeeding (one of the board cover ones – looks really charming)
 
Looks like fun reading eh? I may have gone just a little overboard.... but I figured making a study of it was great idea!

Cheers,
Sheryl

Interesting about that mother child bonding right after birth. Hormones designed to bond for life are produced, and ready to do their job. I know many people who gave birth in hospitals, but had birth plans in place (for literally every step) to make sure this was allowed to happpen.

They covered things like:

* no talking above a whisper by staff
* no immediate cutting of cord
* lights dimmed
* No slapping baby's bum to make it cry (do they still do this? It always seems to be in movies)
* Baby put immediately on mothers chest after birth, no taking away to clean up

and more... I think there are hospitals now that 'allow' this, but it's still a far cry from a more natural childbirth. If anyone here is thinking of having a baby, or know people that are Jinjee's ebook is just AMAZING... her experience is one I would love to emulate (going with the flow, lots of movement, and pleasure). It's an inspiration!

Back to work... talk to you all later!
Sheryl

I had no idea what was going to happen and the first thing they did was to shave off my pubic hair. The nurse used a horrible soapy liquid for this and I can still feel how uncomfortable this was. I was totally unprepared for this and the hospital system took over and removed all rights from me. We we only allowed to see our babies at feeding time and I was not even shown how to breatfeed my baby. Luckily none of this happens today, but it did in 1963.

Its your right to tell the midwife what you want to happen. I would have lovely music playing and a beautiful oil on hand to massage your baby with as soon as possible. Also have lovely soft clothing as they must find any clothes uncomfortable after  nine months in a watery environment.

Babies do not need a lot of stuff, but they do need a lot of love and attention. Kisses and cuddles go a long way to heal hurts and are much better than icecreams and lollies.


Joss

When I decided to write a birth plan for my recent babe's birth I simply photocopied a passage written by Michel Odent (from the book Lotus Birth).  I would be interested in reading his books too. Enjoy!

Not only do mother-child bond right after birth, but the labour hormones create bonding between mother & whoever is with her during labour & birth & after.  So consider who will be present! 

I haven't heard of slapping occurring here anymore, but cords are often cut prematurely for the convenience of whisking babe to a nearby table for procedures (eg  rescusitation which can be done fine with cord still attached).  Plus other unneccessaries such as weighing on cold hard scales!  Women of course may choose to decline such practises but at such a vulnerable time you need someone to do this for you (private midwife or doula)

Yes I enjoyed Jinjee's book too.

Joss - 5!  I envy you, I would dearly love 5 pregnancies, births & babes, but I don't feel as though I could manage such a big family!  The jump to 2 has been a huge challenge for me. 

I didn't clothe our new babe for the first 2 weeks, we had a babymoon right in the room where he was born. Kept the house warm + stayed naked,  So much easier than messing around with baby clothes, easier access to milk & skin contact for him.  Lotus Birth is becoming more common now around here, which facilitates a slower pace of life in these early days.

Merridy is a wealth of natural mothering knowledge (imho).  When we met up a little while ago, I was fascinated speaking to her about her intuitive raising of her kids.  And beautiful they are, as the SA picnic folk will attest.

I was a bit besotted with her son - but he's at that age where you just want to hold, cuddle, sniff and squeeze.  Beautiful.

We almost needed 'the jaws of life' to remove him from me, but not quite! 

miss g

Interesting thread as I have just found out I am about 5 weeks pregnant with my second child. I have of late been binging on chocolate and really want to get back on track and do this pregnancy - any the rest of my life at least 80% raw.

My first child is high raw when with me but when others feed her they giver her food I would not dream of - such as meat. The next day though she always asks for lots of fruit thank goodness.

Anyway just saying hi again. I am dedicating myself to staying in touch more so as to help keep me accountable to my raw path as I have strayed way too much.

I have some intersting birthing / parenting books at home that I have used first time round which I will list when i get home and get their exact titles. I am a strong believer in attachment parenting - wearing your baby in a sling (could not have lived without a sling), breast feeding until they naturally wean (my daughter did so at 2) , co-sleeping (if everyone is happy to) etc. Anything from Dr Sears is good in this area.

Anyway will get some book names for you when I get a chance at home.

Bronnie