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Happy World Vegan day

Hey I’m Emily, a vegan and mum of 3 year old. I’ve been vegan for 5 years now and my son has been vegan since conception!

Whenever I meet someone new & the topic comes up… there is always lots of questions and it amazes me how fascinated, shocked and little people know about veganism. It’s really very simple… we don’t eat any food derived from animals. There are many reasons for this but our chosen ones are moral, health and environmental factors.

For the first 2.5 years of my son’s life, he was breastfed and for the first 6 months it was exclusively on my (vegan!) breast milk. I always knew I wanted to breastfed, as my mum did with me and I understood the many benefits. But also due to the lack of vegan alternatives and our views on this, breastfeeding was extra important to us; It was the only available choice of milk in our world so we knew we had to get it right.

Although breastfeeding is so natural, it doesn’t take away the fact it is not always easy, you need to both learn what works for you & that sometimes you can experience discomfort/pain (emotional or physical)- please seek support if this is you! We had support in the very early days and without this I don’t think we would have had the same positive experiences. Breastfeeding has definitely been a parenting tool for us; it gave me the freedom & confidence to take my baby around the world with me, on days out, long car journeys, festivals, weddings etc as I always knew I had breastfeeding to soothe him!

At 6 months old we introduced solid foods and alternative milks (oat and soya) in foods & at around 12 months we gave these milks alongside breast milk as a drink. We tried to give my son as many whole foods as possible and although people always ask ‘what do you even eat?!’, he had tried 100 different foods by the age of 9 months old, all 100% vegan!

Our breastfeeding journey ended earlier this year at 2.5 years old and I couldn’t be prouder. I have loved this journey with my boy so much – it has not just nourished & comforted him – it nourished & comforted me too.

My now nearly 4 year old takes veganism in his stride. We have always tried to teach him compassion when it comes to animals through real life experiences and books/ toys. We explain in a simple way that we ‘don’t eat animals’, that animals are ‘friends not food’ and ‘if it’s not your mum, it’s not your milk’ and from this he seems to understands the basic concept of being vegan. I do also feel it massively helps that we are all vegan and we only have vegan friendly food at home.

My son understands that sometimes he can’t have treats at parties but that mummy always has something else he can eat. Our friends have been great and usually arrange an alternative as well & most places are vegan friendly these days! On occasions he will ask me when shopping, ‘is this vegan mummy’ whilst looking at the label. As long as there’s an alternative for him, he has never really got upset for missing out, and considering this was something I worried about when raising a vegan child…I’m so relieved how he managed this.

Although we’ve mostly been met with curiosity for raising our son vegan, we did have the odd negative comment that our baby would be ‘small’ and suggestions of malnutrition before he was born, but anyone who’s met our boy can tell you otherwise

If you are considering being vegan, like everything – do your research. You can get ample protein, calcium and iron from a vegan diet but you will need to take some additional supplements to ensure you are getting enough vitamins (e.g b12, omega 3 which are only found in animal products due to what the animals are fed). Regardless of diet, nowadays most professionals will recommend you take a multivitamin anyway especially vitamin D given our climate!

I have found @theoriginalvegansociety a great source of information, if you’re looking to do your own research!

If you have any questions about veganism or raising a vegan child, I’m happy to try and help, I’m definitely no expert just a mum bumbling through

Emily x

International Women’s Day was on 8th March, and March was women’s history month, so we are profiling inspiring local mothers working to change the world where they are (we had so many we needed more than a month!). You can follow along with the series via the blog on our website.

Welcome to Myah, doula of The Re:Birth Space and peer support worker from Maternity Engagement Action. You can learn more about her services here: https://abueladoulas.co.uk/directory/myah-mayers/

✨ Please tell us a little about your work (or MEA, or both) and why you started it.

Since finding out about my pregnancy in Autumn 2021, I dived deep into birth activism after learning about the challenges associated with pregnancy, birth, and motherhood for modern parents in the UK. I feel grateful to share that my pregnancy and birth experience was positive, but sad to understand that my individual experience did very little to shift birthing outcomes for those who came after me. My work was far from over, and was only just beginning.

In Autumn 2023, I began my doula training with Abuela Doulas, and in June 2024, I founded my doula business, The ReBirth Space; A space for Reclaiming, Reimagining, and Remembering birth experiences. My focus within my doula journey is to promote a physiological birthing period, as well as equipping new parents with the knowledge and tools they need to obtain a safe birthing experience. This includes throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Another element of my doula journey is to centre the Black maternal experience.

In Autumn 2024, I began volunteering with Maternity Engagement Action, a Birmingham-based CIC organisation centering Black maternal wellbeing, and I soon adopted the role of Perinatal Mental Health, Peer Support Worker. This work focuses of cultivating relationships with the mums in our organisation by listening to their stories, and creating safe spaces for them to share these stories. In addition to this, the data we collect by engaging with our mums in this way is used to inform system change regarding Black maternal health.

✨What was the biggest challenge to making this happen?

The biggest challenge I have found on this journey is juggling my passion for positive birth outcomes, and new motherhood. There is no doubt that having my Sonshine was the best thing that has ever happened to me(it was him, after all, that catapulted me on this journey), but my time spent engaging in the birth community has been somewhat limited due to parenting commitments. In contrast to this, I consider raising my Sonshine to be the most important job I have given, yet, there seems to be not enough time in the world to give to him and the work I am most passionate about. I have learnt to be patient with my journey and trust that I am on the right path for me, no matter how long this may take.

✨ What tip do you have for moms coming out of the newborn stage ?

Let go of comparison. Your baby is on their own journey and it is not necessary for them to meet all the milestones according to timelines. They will roll over. They will laugh. They will crawl, walk, jump, run…in their own time. Enjoy them at the pace they’re taking. Cherish the moment, as it will soon be gone.

✨ What is your favourite local service supporting moms other than the one you are involved in?

I enjoy The Parakeet Studio, a collective of play-workers who are reinventing our ideas of play for parents with small children. I especially enjoy The Parakeet Playgroup where parents with children 0-5 come together to explore different methods of play. I have found this to be an inclusive space, and have experienced some cherished moments here with my son.

✨ Give us 1 non-parent fact about yourself

I love to cook and share food. In the past I have catered for events up to 150 people, and even started up my own food business, and I’d love to align this passion with my budding doula journey.

✨ What 1 thing would you most want to be known for by your great granddaughters?

I would like to be known as the Ancestor who broke the generational curses; Who changed the narrative for her descendants; Whose loving action moved and changed communities. Ultimately, I would like my descendants to discover this through my writing.

International Women’s Day was on 8th March, and this month is women’s history month, so we are profiling inspiring local mothers working to change the world where they are. You can follow along with the series via the blog on our website.

Welcome to Becki from Bluebell and Boo:
🦋Sound Therapist
🌸Mama
🌈Nurse
🌿Herbalist

✨ Please tell us a little about Bluebell and Boo and how you got started.
Bluebell and Boo feels like it’s been around for ages but after 2 babies I feel like I’m finally getting my feet and understanding its direction (which is super exciting). Whilst on mat leave with my first I decided as a lot of us seem to do that something has to give and started a sound therapy qualification, first to help myself and my family but this led to a longer 18 month course so I can help the public, I guess that’s the nurse in me. I ended up in a very very dark place when son was a toddler, starting to realise I’m neurodivergent, going back to work, being a mom and all of the changes and challenges that come with it took hold with postpartum depression that I somehow rode out for a year using things I had learnt on my “wellness” journey that luckily started a few years before and the techniques I was learning. Luckily I also found some amazing groups of moms like yours and realised I wasn’t actually on my own and what I felt at its core was experienced by so many moms which is one of the key things that I believe helped me get better.

I remember speaking to a mom friend who was also struggling and just thought this cant be it for us! There aren’t however many “wellness” events for moms or that fit into our schedules or price ranges, for example mamas with clingy babies, no childcare, mat leave pay, etc and things seem to be blooming from there! When an amazing friend told me about mother nature circles I got so excited and signed up just after my second baby was born. Connection, calm, creativity, love, nature and a sprinkle of magic is at the heart of everything I do. There is so much more but I’ve rambled enough 🙈

✨ What was the biggest challenge to making it successful?

Time! Like time in the day when I have a fresh head to focus or time by myself to practice.
(for reference I’m filling this out at 11:30 after spending my evening planning, emailing and sorting paperwork haha)

✨What tip do you have for mom’s coming out of the newborn stage?

Ermmm, chimes and bells (or any music baby likes) can be amazing to calm babies. Similar to the youtube videos i guess but with less fish, fruit & bunnies hehe (we use those btw I’m not judging). It’s great when they won’t latch/ take their bottle because they’re over overtired or over hungry, it’s just enough distraction and is calming too ☺️
Also the phrase “it’s just a phase”, things like disturbed sleep won’t last forever, you’ll both settle into a new pattern and things should settle again for a while.

✨What is your favourite local service supporting mom’s other than one you are involved in?

There’s you guys, New Baby Network, Moms Mindful Hub, Real Mama Tribe, The Mamahood Space and Green Moon Community

✨Give us 1 non parent fact about yourself.

I still believe in fairies hehe

✨What 2 things would you most want to be known for by your great granddaughters?

That I was a bit weird & whimsical but embraced it.
That I helped people💗

International Women’s Day was on 8th March, and this month is women’s history month, so we are profiling inspiring local mothers working to change the world where they are. You can follow along with the series via the blog on our website.

Welcome to Esme from Real Mama Tribe – a not-for-profit community group run by mamas for mamas, for Dudley and Surrounding areas. They strive to combat social isolation in motherhood by offering peer support online and at our weekly groups.

you can find all their events by following their Eventbrite page: https://tr.ee/s_TLA_f1o2

or your can joined their closed Facebook community here: https://tr.ee/QI4VofM0NC

✨ Please tell us a little about the Real Mama Tribe and why you started it.

I created Real Mama Tribe from a place of loneliness when I had my first baby. We were just coming out of the pandemic and many of the existing groups and services weren’t operating. I did a weekly baby class, but felt I needed something that was for ME as a mama, not just focused on my little one. I didn’t have any friends that had babies, and I desperately craved ‘mom friends’ to grab a coffee or go on a play date with.

✨ What was the biggest challenge to making it successful?

There’s been lots of challenges along the way, since creating our group. The biggest challenge is allowing other people to help and support me. It doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve learnt that teamwork is how you grow- we now have an incredible team of 18 volunteer mamas!

✨ What tip do you have for mom’s coming out of the newborn stage?

Coming out of the newborn stage can feel exciting but also nerve-wracking. It can be such a great time to bond and grow with your baby- so getting out and about can be so fun for the both of you. Whether it’s a ten minute walk and something more adventurous, getting out of the house and into the fresh air works wonders.

✨ What is your favourite local service supporting mom’s other than one you are involved in?

I owe my life to the Perinatal Mental Health team, as i truly believe that without them my story would be very different. Becoming a mama, can affect your mental health in ways that you didn’t think was possible. The perinatal team scooped me up, and helped me understand my brain and rebuild me block by block. I will never ever shy away from sharing my mental health journey- as being REAL and showing the unfiltered side of motherhood is how we normalise getting support.

✨ Give us 1 non parent fact about yourself.

Pre-Tribe life, I was a GP Nurse- I loved my nursing career and hope to one day return.

✨ What 2 thing would you most want to be known for by your great granddaughters?

If there were two things I would you most want to be known for by your great granddaughters, is for being creative and for being kind.

International Women’s Day was on 8th March, and this month is women’s history month, so we are profiling inspiring local mothers working to change the world where they are. You can follow along with the series via the blog on our website.

Welcome to Lottie at Lott’s Holistic Tots! She provides Baby Massage, Baby Yoga and Storytelling sessions.

Classes are bookable via Pebble, and you can follow Lottie on Facebook or Instagram.

✨ Please tell us a little about Lotts Holistic Tots and why you started it.

Lott’s Holistic Tots is all about baby and momma wellness. It’s centred around giving babies the best start to life and moms the opportunity to protect their motherhood by incorporating positive wellbeing into everything they do. I create a safe, welcoming and calm space where moms feel heard, seen and supported, not like they have to be the “perfect” parent and also that they are valued and appreciated! I want to truly empower mom’s by teaching them life-long skills; baby massage, baby yoga and positive coping strategies that guide them to overcome the overwhelm, emotionally regulate and practice self-kindness; leading to calm, peaceful parenting, which will then enrich their little one’s childhood. My vision for Lott’s Holistic Tots began to evolve when I decided to resign as a primary school teacher after having my last baby; the workload had become to heavy and I found myself having to pick between being a present, happy and calm mom or a “good” teacher. I have 3 children; Indy, Isiah and Micah and just like every mom, they’re my world. I have always been passionate about mental health and well-being and as a mom I realised how important this really was! As I navigated juggling the mental load and being everything to everyone, I felt lucky that I had the knowledge and skills from my background to manage my emotions and practice techniques that helped me to reduce stress and anxiety; without this and my amazing support network I honestly don’t know how I would of coped. I know that lots of moms aren’t this fortunate!! From this I found my calling to merge my background within education and child development, with my background in psychology, counselling and mental health, so that I can be the support that other moms need!

✨ What was the biggest challenge to making it successful?
My biggest challenge was irradiating the impost syndrome that I initially felt… questioning by my expertise, skills and knowledge. Once I’d overcome this, I was then able to take my business seriously, realising how much my services were needed by moms and their babies, and how positively impactful it could be.

✨ What tip do you have for mom’s coming out of the newborn stage?
My number 1 tip for all mommas is to remember to look after themselves too… If we as moms can keep refilling our “cups”, making sure we protect our own wellbeing (even if this only starts as a few minutes of self-care each day); then we are in the best position to support, love and protect our little ones! We’ll also be modelling to them how important it is to love yourself 🤎

✨ What is your favourite local service supporting mom’s other than one you
B Major CIC – they’re a community group advocating for the mental health and wellbeing of mothers, lone-families and children.

✨Give us 1 non parent fact about yourself.
That I’m actually pretty smart 😏🤣 with 2 degrees in Psychology.

✨What 2 thing would you most want to be known for by your great granddaughters?
…That I always showed compassion towards all others regardless of our differences and that I led my life accepting others for who they are, celebrating their authenticity and spreading kindness.
…That family always came first for me, that I loved their grandparents unconditionally, supported them always; and that I hope this love has been passed down through the generations 🥰

Welcome to Jenny from Bear Bookshop: a welcoming, engaging and children’s bookshop in the heart of Bearwood.