When I was pregnant with my first child, I did experience some negative judgements about the fact that I was vegan - nothing major, but definately enough to annoy me. But, I did my research and I knew that I could have a healthy vegan pregnancy. I knew that I wasn't damaging my unborn child. I have now had three healthy vegan pregnancies. My DD and DS1 are life vegans. They have never eaten meat or dairy (oh, except for my son, who once ate a couple of cat crunchies - yuck!).
I talk to my DD in an age appropriate way about the reasons that DH and I are vegans. I have not scared her with graphic images of factory farms of course. For eg, I have told her that baby cows are supposed to have the milk that their mum's make, that the mother cow makes it for her baby not us blah blah... She regards animals as friends, as creatures to be protected, not as a food source. Young children have such an affinity and interest in animals. Parents sing nursery rhymes and read books to them about animals. They have soft toy animals that they cuddle and sleep with, children love the family pets, but then parents serve animals for lunch! It is interesting that vegos always have to say 'I will let her choose when she is older whether she wants to abandon veganism/vegetarianism' (and I have said it myself too), but meat eaters don't feel the need to say 'I will let her choose whether she wants to be a meat eater or not when she is older'. As my DD doesn't regard animals as a food source, it will be easier for her to say 'no' to meat as she grows. It is normal for teenagers to question their parents values at some point and to seek to forge their own life path. This is a time when vego values may be challenged, and they may decide to 'experiment' with meat-eating. But hey, many teens experiment with drugs and don't become life long drug users, so teens who 'try' meat, will not necessarily turn their backs on veganism/vegetarinaism.
At DD's preschool, there are vegan patty cakes with icing in the freezer (that I baked) for occasions when someone brings a birthday cake. My DD is not the only one who has alternative treats in the freezer. She is the only vegan, but in this day of allergies there are several kids who can't eat certain foods. So, she is definately not the only one on a 'different' diet. I have found that being honest with people works well. If DD is invited to a party, I tell the parents that we are vegans (and I do it in an unapologetic and confident manner - I don't have anything to feel ashamed about). I offer to prepare something vegan for the party so that all the kids can enjoy it (and no i don't send carrot sticks LOL, I send party food). My daughter also takes an alternative to the b'day cake, ie. a piece of homemade cake or a muffin. DD knows to bring the lolly bag home (if there is one) before eating anything so that DH or I can check the contents.
We all take a B12 supplement daily (or every 2nd day if we forget). Then there is no question that we are getting enough. I put ground flaxseed in our smoothies and incorporate walnuts in to our diet for Omega 3. During preg and bf i take a vegan DHA capsule.
Nai- I am going to try your beans, they sound great.
HollyM - yes, I am lucky that DH is vegan. When we got together 13 years ago, I had recently become vegan and he was transitioning to vegetarianism. He pretty quickly transitioned to veganism!
Oh, sorry this is so long! But, I just wanted to tell you what I had for brekkie. DH made us all some banana oat pancakes with berries, maple syrup and non-dairy whipped cream! Yum!
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