The Vegan View

Do vegans breastfeed their children? If so, how is it that breastmilk is okay but cow's milk is not? What about mother's who don't breastfeed and their children are allergic to soy? What are they supposed give their babies?

Article continues below

VegFamily readers reply:

Deb:
That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of!!!! It doesn't jive with the principles of veganism from a spiritual standpoint, and from a nutritional standpoint the argument simply has no merit.

Jen:
Human breast milk is meant for human babies, just as cow's milk is meant for baby cows. This is why human breast milk is OK where cow's milk is not.

Ann:
Of the vegans I know, every single one supports breastfeeding. The difference between human milk and cow milk is that one is made for human babies and the other for baby cows. This pretty much sums up why a vegan would breastfeed as far as health issues go. The reason for breastfeeding vs cow's milk is simple: the human mother chooses to feed her own child, the cow is forced to feed the human child at the expense of her calf. For those who are allergic to soy, they still choose to breastfeed. Why would they refuse? For those who can't and are allergic to soy, there are "human milk banks".

Amber:
I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian and have been raising both children as such for the last 3 1/2 years. I've breastfed both of my children and plan to nurse my son until he's at least 2. Cow's milk is made for baby cows. Human breastmilk is made for human babies. Nature designed each type of milk very specifically for different things - cows are supposed to double their size in around 8 week's time after birth, but human babies are supposed to grow much slower and therefore have much different nutritional requirements. Human milk has much less protein than cow's milk and less fat and calories, too.

Ben:
Yes, vegans can feed their newborns breast milk. That's the purpose of breast milk. It provides all the nutrition a growing newborn needs and it's given freely from the mother to the child. Cow's milk, on the other hand, is meant for new born cows and is taken from the cow and given to humans, missing many nutritional elements present in human milk. Additionally, breast feeding moms are not kept in cramped quarters and forced into pregnancy over and over again or given hormonal treatment to stimulate milk production. Finally, for children that are allergic to soy and can't receive breast milk (for what ever reason), you do the best you can to raise a healthy child, even if that means compromising on your vegan principals. Life is rarely presents you with black and white choices.

Shannon:
Cow milk is breast milk for baby cows, not for humans. The reason vegans do not consume dairy products is due to the results of the dairy industry - slaughter of male calves for veal and female cows who no longer produce babies or milk. Much of the dairy industry also keeps its cows perpetually pregnant in order to continue milk production, which is very hard on the cow. The fact that vegans do not consume dairy has nothing to do with whether or not to breastfeed your own child. We think breastfeeding is great, and think mother cows should be able to breastfeed their own children, too (instead of feeding ours). In response to the question of what to do about formulas, I would say that it is always most important to provide your child with proper nutrition. If you are unable to breastfeed (for whatever reason), then formula is necessary. Unfortunately, even soy formula is not vegan, b/c it has vitamin D3 in it. So as far as providing vegan food for your baby, neither soy or dairy formulas are vegan. However, I once heard a vegan say that what it really means to be vegan is to live by the philosophy "do no harm...whenever possible." Obviously, in the case of providing nutrition for your own child, there are limited options. I would liken this to taking medication when we are ill. No doubt, most of the medication on the shelf or behind the counter is not vegan, but we take it when we have to, b/c the other option is to be ill. My family is vegan, and I gave my own daughter soy formula as a supplement to breastmilk when we were running low on breastmilk or as my milk supply began to diminish. I did it because I did not have another choice in the matter. She was not yet 1 year old, so she still needed the nutrition provided by either breastmilk or formula. Yet, I would still say that we are vegan and that my daughter has always been vegan. One thing to check on in your area is to see if there is a breastmilk bank, where breastfeeding mom's can donate breastmilk to those who are unable to produce milk for their babies. This is another possible option if you would rather not use formula. However, I should add that if the reason for choosing banked breastmilk over formula is to be truly vegan, then you will have to find out if the woman who donated the breastmilk is also vegan, b/c if not, then it is not necessarily anymore vegan than the soy formula.

Susan:
Most vegans I know do breastfeed their children. Breastfeeding is something natural to all mammals. What makes human milk different than cow's milk is that humans make milk that is perfectly designed nourishment for humans, and cow's milk is perfect for baby cows. They are in no way to be used interchangeably. If for some reason a vegan mother was unable to breastfeed or for some reason chose not to breastfeed, I would imagine that they would choose a soy formula - even though soy formula in the US is not vegan - all at this time have D3 from animal sources. There is a better chance the baby will be allergic to dairy than to soy, but if the baby was allergic to soy, and the mother was unable to breastfeed, then her only choices are to find a milk bank of donated human milk, or switch to an animal based formula. I don't know of any mother who would put her veganism above what her baby needs to survive. If breastmilk or soy formula are not options, a baby must have formula for the first year so the baby would most likely have a dairy based formula.

Christy:
People actually asked me this when I was pregnant and vegan, whether I would breastfeed or not and if that was vegan! I think anyone who would ask this question is stupip and ignorant, but I'll answer anyway. Of course vegans breastfeed! That milk is okay because it is made specifically for that baby!!! Cow's milk is not okay because it was made specifically for a baby cow.

Katrina:
Cow's milk is specifically designed for baby cows that need to gain a tremendous amount of weight in a short amount of time. Human milk is the perfect food for baby humans, for many reasons. Breastmilk contains the exact amount of everything needed to meet the baby's nutritional needs. It also acts as a medium for the mother to pass on certain immunities to the baby. It changes according to the baby's needs. It has been found to have cancer fighting properties, and probably has more great things about it that science has yet to find out. Breastfeeding is also very important for bonding between mother and child, which can decrease the risk of post-partum depression. Formula will never be able to replace all these aspects of breastfeeding, especially the weight loss benefits for the mother! If formula is the only choice due to the extremely low chance of a mother being unable to breastfeed, then obviously use cow milk formula rather than let your child starve. Soy formula is preferred but if the child is allergic, then the choice is made for you. The child can transition to being vegan when it weans and you can try rice milk or almond milk. Breastmilk is the best thing you can do, if it doesn't work at first see a lactation consultant, go to a La Leche League meeting, do whatever it takes!!!

Rachel:
I am an ethical vegan, meaning I don't use anything from an animal and I will not harm any living being. Technically, we are animals as well as cows, but it was my free choice to breastfeed my two healthy daughters for 7 years. I was not harming anyone, in fact, I was actually improving their health. I am not sure I really understand why a vegan would refuse to breastfeed their own children, other than a convoluted thought of not taking in any animal product. It is absolutely the best thing to do for your babies and if you are unable to do it, that's one thing, but if you choose not to do it because it is not vegan, I think that's a little odd. As a vegan, nursing is not harming any animal. Cow's milk is for baby cows, goats milk for baby goats, cats milk for kittens, human milk for human babies, get the picture?

Autumn:
first of all, a baby that drinks their mother's milk man or cow is natural. Humans sucking milk from a cow is, i believe, not. as for vegan mother's who do not breastfeed... your baby is not vegan. there is no formula that is 100% animal free. but i dont think you should feel horrible about it either, do what you can to help but dont put your baby in jepordy.

Paul:
Breastmilk is produced as a result of pregnancy and is ideal for your baby, cows milk was produced by a cow and was meant for its calf. The human species is the only species which continues to drink milk after weaning and on throughout adult life, even though there is no need. The dairy industry is as cruel as the meat industry and animals are used and abused in the process. Of course its good to breast feed your baby as your milk will contain all the hormones, vitamins and minerals it needs and was meant to have.I would think most vegans would agree with me.

Carol:
Breast milk was intended for babies. Cows milk was intended for baby cows. As far as what to do if your baby is allergic to soy - check in with Eden foods. They sell rice milk, almond milk and a combination of others. To continue with the aversion to milk - we are the only species that has any kind of milk past the weaning stage and the fact that the dairy industry has pushed cows milk on us is disgusting. Would you suckle a cow?

Michelle:
Human Breast milk is for human babies. Cow's milk is for baby cows. Just like humans, a lactating cow is producing that milk because she was pregnant (and her baby was taken away within days of birth). I was fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed my baby for a long time. If my child had an allergy to soy, I would look into a human milk bank...modern day alternative to the Wet Nurse?

Gillian:
Breastfeeding is best, even your doctor will tell you this. But for some medical conditions of mother or baby, formula is the better option. As for babies drinking cow's milk, young babies should not be drinking straight cow's milk anyway. Formulas may be based in the proteins found in cow's milk, but they contain many other ingredients which mimic the components of breastmilk. So drinking formula is not like drinking a glass of cow's milk. As for giving a vegan/vegetarian child breastmilk vs cow's milk formula. It all depends on the baby, but remember that breastmilk first of all is organic (you are not adding any hormones, etc to it), no animals are harmed in the production of breastmilk, no animals are tested on in the production of breastmilk, breastmilk is constantly available without using resources for transport ( no need to use diesel to transport). All in all breastmilk is environmentally friendly and the sensible choice for most babies and mommas. So if you're looking for a choice that compliments your vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, breast is best!

Stephanie:
I have breastfed all my children, the last two since becoming competely strict vegetarian. I would have to say that breast-milk is not only ok, but ideal, it is the food meant for mammals to give their off-spring. cow milk is for cow babies, as much as human milk is for human babies. I'm not a doctor but I have read that in truth 98% of mothers can breastfeed, it is sad that our culture currently does so little to support it. I think that milk banks should be more prevelant, as donated breast milk is by far a better choice for those few whose mothers can't breastfeed. Formula ought to be an absolute last resort and was originally meant only for those babies for whom no other source of nutrition was available.

Lindsay:
I believe breastfeeding is vegan because a) it's the way that all mammals feed their young, and b)I'm consenting to feed my child. Cows' milk is for feeding calves, not human babies. A mother whose child is allergic to soy should definitely breastfeed (and be prepared to seek out any and all support that she may need). I'm sure I'll get the formula crowd up in arms with this, but remember that they're defensive for a reason. Milk supply issues generally arise because of a lack of education and support. I can explain further if anyone wants. Approximately 3% of women cannot physically breastfeed (i.e. hypoplastic tubular breasts), and some mothers have emotional reasons that preclude breastfeeding. There are a few rare conditions that prevent children from being able to take in their mother's milk either from the breast or a bottle (i.e. galactosemia). A mother who cannot physically/emotionally breastfeed her child who has a soy allergy (and these cases would be very few and far between) should feed her child cow's milk formula. To suggest that she allow her baby to starve would be even more contrary to vegan principles.

April:
For me the difference is that cow's milk comes from cows, and is only intended for baby cows. Human breast milk is intended for the sole purpose of feeding a human infant. Whether a woman chooses to breast feed or not is up to her, and her level of comfort. If she chooses not to, dairy alternatives are the only option, and even soy alternatives are not completely dairy free. In nature it is not unheard of to for an animal to foster another species, and I find it acceptable in this case, until non-dairy (and even non-soy) formulae make it to the market. (Let's not forget that once ANY mammal is weaned, it no longer requires milk for the rest of its adult life.)

Carrie:
Human breast milk is for baby humans. Cow breast milk is for baby COWS! Would you as an adult drink human milk? Most would say no. Breast feeding is one of the most basic and natural things a mother can do for her young regardless of species. And yes it is vegan for a human mother to give her infant human breast milk. Drinking the mammary secretions of another species is not natural or vegan.

Kim:
I am a vegan and I breastfeed my children. There is a HUGE difference between cow's milk and mother's milk. Children are designed to drink milk from their mother, just like animals drink from their respective mother. Children are not designed to drink milk from a cow, especially milk that is full of chemicals and is pasturized. I've never heard of a vegan not breastfeeding your child because you don't want them to have milk, that is so sad!!! If you are a vegan and are breastfeeding your child, then they still aren't eating any animal products because you aren't eating them. When calfs drink milk from their mother does that then mean that they are not herbivores anymore?? The logic in the question is almost infuriating. Please think of the health of your child and breastfeed!!! - Peace & Love, Kim (vegan mother of 3)

Cassandra:
I'm currently pregnant and intend to breastfeed my baby. It's alright to breastfeed because being vegan is about avoiding the exploitation of animals for their labor/products/pain. A cow's milk isn't "bad", in and of itself. It just is not intended for human consumption any more than breastmilk is for my breakfast cereal or coffee creamer. Its the best and most appropriate form of food for my baby.

Danielle:
Veganism, for me and my family, is a moral decision we've made to reduce suffering, and to not take what doesn't belong to us. As mammals we lactate after giving birth. The milk you produce is yours, and made by you just for your new baby. The same way a calf would nurses from its mother. Breastfeeding is different than consuming dairy products because the mother has a voice in the matter. Human mothers are not being forced to nurse or having their milk stolen from them. Breastfeeding is the only vegan option. All of the soy formulas I have seen contain a dairy derived D vitamin, and they will never be as good for your baby as breast milk. If your having a baby or just want to read more about the benefits of breastfeeding, here is a link to La Leche League: http://www.llli.org/ and Breastfeeding.com: http://www.breastfeeding.com/ As a mother of two I am really great full to have been able to nurse my children, it was an opportunity for us to bond, and provide them unmatchable nutrition.

Su:
Cows are cows. People are people. Baby people should drink people milk. Baby cows should drink cow milk. Even milk drinkers are advised not to introduce cow's milk until six months of age, and then only sparingly - one year is safer. For non-breastfeeders who want to avoid soy, there are baby formulas without it, though they're probably relatively pricey.

For more information on this topic, read:
Breastfeeding Your Vegan Baby

Have a question you'd like to ask and get responses from the VegFamily community? Submit your question here.

Sponsors: