Resources for Fertility, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Early Childhood

The oldest and largest association of nutrition professionals in the world affirms that healthy vegetarian and vegan diets not only meet nutritional requirements but also offer potential health benefits in disease prevention and treatment throughout life: “It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.” Note a regular, reliable source of vitamin B12 is critically important. See our Vitamin B12 Infographic. 

Explore some of our videos on fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children:

• Fertility
  • Male Fertility and Diet
  • The Effects of Obesity on Dementia, Brain Function, and Fertility
  • Dairy Estrogen and Male Fertility
  • The Effects of Hormones in Milk on Infertility in Women
  • Does Laptop Wi-Fi Lower Sperm Counts?
  • Do Cell Phones Lower Sperm Counts?
  • Yellow Bell Peppers for Male Infertility and Lead Poisoning?

• Pregnancy
  • Should Vegan Women Supplement with DHA during Pregnancy?
  • The Optimal Vitamin B12 Dosage for Kids, Pregnancy, and Seniors
  • Plant-Based Pregnancy Outcomes and Breast Milk
  • Best Food for Late Pregnancy
  • Best Food for Labor and Delivery
  • Natural Treatments for Morning Sickness
  • Iodine Supplements Before, During, and After Pregnancy
  • Should Pregnant Women Take Calcium Supplements to Lower Lead Levels
  • The Rise in Blood Lead Levels at Pregnancy and Menopause
  • Diet Soda and Preterm Birth
  • DDT in Umbilical Cord Blood
  • Heart Disease May Start in the Womb
  • Bacon, Eggs, and Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy
  • How Long to Detox from Fish Before Pregnancy?
  • The Effects of Marijuana on Fertility and Pregnancy
  • The Effect of Animal Protein on Stress Hormones, Testosterone, and Pregnancy

• Breastfeeding
  • Treating Infant Colic by Changing Mom’s Diet
  • Infant Seizures Linked to Mother’s Spirulina Use
  • Treating Reflux in Babies with Diet
  • Exclusion Diets for Eczema

• Children
  • Flame-Retardant Pollutants and Childhood Development
  • Arsenic in Rice Milk, Rice Krispies, and Brown Rice Syrup
  • Animal Protein, Pregnancy, and Childhood Obesity
  • Tricks to Get Kids to Eat Healthier at Home

Recognizing the importance of these stages of life, we encourage you to explore dedicated and reputable resources that specialize on these topics. You may find valuable insights, guidance, and support on prenatal, breastfeeding, and childhood nutrition from these organizations: 

• Online Resources
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 
  • Vegetarian Resource Group
  • Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine 
  • Jack Norris, RD
  • Plant-Based Juniors

• Books
  • Nourish by Reshma Shah, MD, MPH and Brenda Davis, RD
  • Your Complete Vegan Pregnancy by Reed Mangels PhD, RD

It’s never too late to implement positive lifestyle and nutrition changes into your life, regardless of your age. Check out Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen for a simple list of foods to include in each day.