Help, vegan mama

How would you feel about vegetarian? Just add eggs? But maybe high quality organic grass fed chickens? Also do your kids drink coconut milk? Coconut oil coconut sugar and coconut meat is really good…maybe your kids don’t have all of the gut bacteria to absorb all of the nutrients? Also what about adding fish? Fish oils?

Have they always been in the 8th percentile for their ages?

Hi! Not a vegan mom and Both my sons are in the 13% percentile for bmi. They’re both tall and slim build. they barely gain any weight, but they are HUGE eaters (my 7yo eats adult sized meals and my 2yo eats enough for a 10yr old). For me, I believe it is genetics. As I was of a similar build as a child (always less than 5% for BMI even when I was a teenager). So as long as you’re working with a nutritionist and you’re feeding them well (as it seems you are) then you are totally fine and your children are well taken care of! Don’t cave to others trying to convince you otherwise, you’re a great and caring mom! 💜

There's also kids in low percentile having "normal" diet. Maybe it's just how they are ? If they are healthy and the have everything they need I don't see any problem.
The point is that LOTS of meds, pediatrician,... Are not well informed for it and are just ignorant. Would you have any opportunity to go with a more updated pediatrician?

Up their caloric intake if you’re worried! Kids need 40 calories per inch of height per day just for their basic bodily functioning.

One of my friends has a baby in the low percentile and she's not vegetarian. He's just small. So is she so I think it's not about the food but just their size. My friend goes above and beyond with nutrition and her son is still in the low percentile and they aren't vegan.

It really could be genetic, I was always small and slight, and not vegan.

I've never dictated to my own kids about their diet, I don't know though. I think giving them some eggs or cheese now and then won't be critical to your own veganism, they're separate people from you and they may have different needs at this time , that is, if you have to go that route.

We eat plant based at home. My 18 month old has always been above 50% for weight. We do however give her a serving of meat/fish, eggs and dairy once a week for allergen exposure. Its important for me to set her up to have options in life and don’t expect her to follow my eating habits. We are super fortunate to find a pediatrician who is supportive of our family’s eating habits. It really makes all the difference to have that support. Sounds like you are being really attentive and thoughtful of your kids diets.

Look I am not a vegan mom but truly believe in that life choice I have MNAY MANY friends who live this way. I'm going to say this as softly as possible please stop letting a profession that's merely in a state of consistent practicing affect your mind and heart baby girl. My child is TINY he prefers plant based meats he is lactose intolerant so milks a no go and eggs he will get mad kinda offended behind.he LOVES birds and at 18 months old kindly told me bird bird baby awwe nope to eggs so yeah is he little sure is do I care sure don't I'm 4 11 and 120lbs full grown his dad is 5 6 and 195 full grown he's supposed to be little he eats great and everything he is supposed too. Tell your doctor that your kids are eating healthy foods they love in appropriate quantities and if they don't stop emotional gaslighting you and guilt tripping you over your lifestyle choices you will find a new doctor who understands and agrees to help your children grown into the beautiful healthy adults they will become. Good luck ...

Sorry for the small rant these kinda posts really piss me tf off because I know exactly what you are going through and them doctors can fuck off. They go to school for all this time to learn the macanics and proper names for the body glorified diagnostic machines learning as they go. To proud of a price paper to admit when they could be wrong fuck them.

Hey mama, sending you hugs. My husband’s been vegan 13 years and we’ve decided to keep our LO vegetarian while at home once we introduce solids. We will be exposing him to allergens as well, but in very limited quantities. I have a lot of food allergies myself, so I’m a little concerned about it happening to my baby. I haven’t figured out how to expose him to shellfish though as it closes up my throat.

Anyways, it’s absolutely possible that your children would be small regardless. It’s very common. Your children have most likely a much healthier diet than other 3 year olds that eat animal byproducts. Also, if they are super active, it could be adding to their size.

So, size is largely determined by genetics. The babies in my family are all large (even though we end up on the shorter size LOLOL). We are not intentionally vegan, BUT we are Brazilian. Our babies grow up eating rice and beans and bread mostly 🤣

If the blood tests are coming back good, then don’t worry! Just make sure they’re eating enough calories as well and you’re fine.

Also, if your baby has a healthy gut, then that minimizes the likelihood of allergies in the future. I know people who never had meat until they became adults!

Thank you mamas for making me feel seen and heard!! Today’s pediatric visit went much better! Our youngest went up double percentile! After talking with the pediatrician, she doesn’t seemed concerned at all and is no longer recommending dairy. And said he’s doing well with what we’re doing now, he’s advanced for his age. I felt your support in there 💗 Having read all of your comments, I’m actually thinking it might be helpful to introduce eggs. Ive never asked or expected my kids to be vegan later in life. I agree they are their own person and this is their journey. I’ll be more open to changes. It’s been to find support within my own family as I’m the only adult who doesn’t eat meat or dairy. Thanks again for not being judgy and providing different perspectives 🙏🏼

my family is South American and we love our beans and rice! Our pediatrician said its not likely he’ll be allergic to meat but if we wanted to introduce eggs we can

super proud you were able to confidently go in there & get the reassurance from a professional that you are doing great momma 🫶🏼🥰

thank you Karin! Whoa, I can def understand the shellfish concern. They are super active, I think lol. I like the idea about setting their gut up to tolerate food like eggs dairy should they decide to eat that when they’re older

no sorry!! I agree that nutrition is not their specialty that’s why we have 2 nutritionists. One that’s plant based and another who isn’t to eliminate personal bias. My husband and are both short so that why I was hoping it’s more genetic. I think we came to an understanding today. And if I ever feel gaslit again. We’re def changing

that’s great Ann! That feels reassuring for sure. We try our best to stay on top of their diets. I don’t understand how people think anyone who eats plant based or even predominantly plant based would deprive their children. I care more about them than any idea I may have, even if it means introducing other foods.

a friend reached out to me about her kid yesterday, saying he’s in the 2% and eats meats, dairy etc. I just want to make sure we’re setting them up successfully and health, you know.

my kids are 3 and 1.5. They’ll sometimes eat 2-3 servings so I get so confused how they gain weight so slowly. I’ve been trying not to cave, hoping what our nutritionists and research say are true so we feel empowered in our choice.

no, it fluctuates. Sometimes it’ll go up to 25%. I was told it’s not unusual to see a dip in their growth chart. I was just wondering if maybe there s a correlation between plant based diets and low percentiles. When I first when vegan 10 years ago, I did it mainly for ethical reasons and it made my body feel better. I just want what’s best for them really.

def heavy on the coconut in our house haha!! I’ll have to look into gut health a little deeper. Thank you

hell yeah! So your baby is already getting a lot of iron and protein, bean style. 😜😜

I think eggs would just make life a lot easier for you, when feeding your baby. I was going to do only vegetables and fruit this first year, but I’m going to add eggs too. 😜

I wouldn't be too worried to be honest as it sounds like it's genetic from what you've been saying. I know a child who is under the first percentile and he eats absolutely everything. He gets checked regularly but has no issues, his parents are both small in size and stature so they aren't concerned. Keep doing what your doing 😉