Eat well to feel well

Julia being Julia

I can understand why Dave is concerned. Especially if Di experienced the maternal fatigue of early pregnancy due to hormonal influences. Not easy with a busy toddler to care for as well.

My advice to Dave is just to let nature take its course. There is no current research that says that tandem breastfeeding is harmful to mother, child and newborn. The need for physical nourishment is minimal for a child older than one year, when the newborn arrives. It is more for the security and psychologic benefits. (Lawrence 1999) Abrupt weaning with the arrival of a new baby who replaces Peter's place at the breast would not be good timing!

Di, because she is a vegan, and still breastfeeding Peter will have increased nutritional needs. A vegetarian or vegan diet can meet the increased demand for energy and protein during pregnancy, but there may be problems in trying to achieve the recommended intake of some vitamins and minerals, especially for vegans, due to dietary restrictions.

MOH Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women , 2006, pg117, gives some good practical advice for the vegetarian and vegan pregnant and breastfeeding women. It includes eating a variety of foods across the four major food groups. Iron status should be closely monitored, with medications used if required. Adequate sources of calcium from alternative food sources should be consumed if diet does not contain milk products. Vitamin B12 supplements are more likely to be required. Include more omega-3 LCPUFA rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. The MOH advises that if there is a family history of allergic disease peanuts and peanut products should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Lawrence, R.A. Breastfeeding A guide for the Medical Profession 5th Ed 1999 Mosby