Parenthood is a transformative journey that reshapes every aspect of life, from dietary habits to daily routines and emotional landscapes. It often prompts a profound re-evaluation of one’s lifestyle, especially concerning the impact of personal choices on future generations. For many women, the experience of motherhood brings a newfound understanding of the dairy industry and the hardships endured by mothers of other species. This realization has inspired a significant number of new mothers to embrace veganism.
In this article, we delve into the stories of three women who participated in Veganuary and found their path to veganism through the lens of motherhood and breastfeeding. Laura Williams from Shropshire discovered her son’s cows’ milk allergy, which led her to explore veganism after a chance encounter in a café and a life-changing documentary. Amy Collier from Vale of Glamorgan, a long-time vegetarian, found the final push to transition to veganism through the intimate experience of breastfeeding, which deepened her empathy for farmed animals. Jasmine Harman from Surrey also shares her journey, highlighting how the early days of motherhood spurred her to make compassionate choices for herself and her family.
These personal narratives illustrate how the bond between mother and child can extend beyond human relationships, fostering a broader sense of empathy and leading to life-altering dietary changes.
There is no doubt that parenthood changes everything – from what you eat to when you sleep to how you feel – and it all comes with a side order of a thousand new things to worry about.
Many new parents find they re-evaluate the way they live on this fragile earth and consider how the choices they make today will impact future generations.
For many women, there is an additional psychological upheaval, and it’s one that hits close to home: they start to understand for the first time exactly how the dairy industry works. They realise what mothers from other species endure.
Here, three former Veganuary participants talk about their experiences as a new mother, and how breastfeeding led them to become vegan.
Laura Williams, Shropshire
Laura’s son was born in September 2017, and it quickly became apparent that he had a cows’ milk allergy. She was advised to cut out dairy and the problem was quickly resolved.
That could have been the end of the matter but, in a café, when asking about dairy-free hot chocolate, the owner mentioned to Laura that she was vegan.
“I didn’t know much about it” admits Laura, “so I went home and Googled ‘vegan’. By the next day, I had found Veganuary, and decided I would give it a try.”
But before January even came around, fate stepped in once again.
Laura came across a film on Netflix called Cowspiracy. “I watched it with my mouth wide open,” she told us.
”Amongst other things, I found that cows only produce milk for their babies, not for us. It had honestly never entered my mind! As a breastfeeding mum, I was mortified. I vowed to go vegan there and then. And I did.”
Amy Collier, Vale of Glamorgan
Amy had been vegetarian since she was 11 years old but had struggled to make the transition to veganism, even though she says she knew it was the right thing to do.
After having a baby, her resolve strengthened, and breastfeeding was the key. It made her connect instantly to the experience of cows used for milk, and from there to all other farmed animals.
“It was only when I was breastfeeding that I felt more strongly than ever that dairy milk is not ours to take, and nor are eggs or honey. When Veganuary came around, I decided it was the right time to commit to it.”
And commit she did! Amy was in the Veganuary Class of 2017 and has been vegan ever since.
Her daughter, raised a happy, healthy vegan, is also convinced. She tells friends that “animals want to be with their mummies and daddies just like we do”.
Jasmine Harman, Surrey
For Jasmine, the days after giving birth to her daughter brought some practical challenges.
“I was having a real struggle breastfeeding, and I really wanted to,” she says, “and I just thought how can it be so difficult? Why do cows just find it so easy to make milk for no reason? And I had this sudden dawning that cows don’t make milk for no reason.”
That moment changed everything.
“The thought of being a new mum, having your child snatched away from you soon after birth, and then having somebody else take your milk for their own consumption, and then probably eat your baby. Ah! That was it! I didn’t stop crying for about three days. And I’ve never touched dairy products ever again since then.”
This was no small change for Jasmine, a self-confessed cheese addict who even had a cheese-themed wedding!
Jasmine took part in the first-ever Veganuary in 2014, and as that first month came to an end there, she says there was no question that she would stick with it. Jasmine remains an intrepid vegan and a proud Veganuary Ambassador.
Are you ready to follow Laura, Amy and Jasmine and leave dairy behind? Try vegan for 31 days with us and we’ll help you every step of the way. It’s free!
Notice: This content was initially published on Veganuary.com and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Humane Foundation.
