'I'm planning to raise my newborn baby as a vegan'

One mum is sticking firm to raising her child vegan, clapping back at the haters who tell her to give up the diet.

You may not know her name but reality TV star Lucy Watson is making waves across social media.

The former Made in Chelsea star and her husband, James Dunmore, shared their excitement about expecting their first child.

But what truly made headlines was Lucy's revelation during a Q&A session with her followers: she's planning to raise her baby as a vegan.

The TV personality also revealed that she has been grilled by her followers over links between her fertility struggles and veganism.

"I've had many people along this journey tell me you need to give up the vegan diet, it's stopping you getting pregnant. That is not the case. There are people who are crack addicts and get pregnant, being vegan is not going to stop you," she wrote.

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A lamb to the slaughter

The 32-year-old's journey into veganism began long before the baby bump came into the picture. Her commitment to a plant-based lifestyle stemmed from a childhood memory where she witnessed a lamb being slaughtered on her family farm, an experience that reshaped her dietary choices forever.

Since then, she's championed the cause of animal welfare and plant-based living, and her passion led to the creation of two bestselling cookbooks catering to plant-based diets.

As Lucy embarks on motherhood, she's determined to instill the values she holds dear into her child's upbringing. For her, veganism isn't merely a dietary choice; it's a promise to the animals and a commitment to a compassionate way of life.

Raising children vegan

The decision to raise a child as a vegan sparks curiosity and debate.

As a diet, veganism abstains from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, and relies heavily on plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Advocates argue that a well-balanced vegan diet can provide all the essential nutrients for a child's healthy growth, including protein, calcium, and vitamins.

It can also teach children about empathy for animals and sustainable living.

Based on early data from the National Nutrition Survey, it is estimated that about 2% of Australians are vegan. Source: iStock

RELATED: My wife ‘brainwashed’ our daughter to become vegan

It's not so simple

However, like any dietary choice, there are considerations to keep in mind.

A vegan diet may require careful planning to ensure that children receive adequate nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, typically found in animal-derived foods.

Parents raising vegan children must pay special attention to nutrition and may need to supplement their diets accordingly.

Will plant-based parenting be the next big thing?

Lucy's decision to raise her baby as a vegan shines a spotlight on the broader conversation around plant-based parenting.

It underscores the importance of informed choices, balanced nutrition, and a commitment to values that resonate with each family.

@imlucywatson

vegan 4 lyf

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While the vegan diet offers numerous potential benefits, it's crucial for parents to educate themselves and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure their child's well-being.

In the end, Watson's choice to raise her child as a vegan isn't just about food; it's about instilling a love for animals, the environment, and a compassionate way of life.

Her journey inspires a new generation of parents who wish to raise their children with both a love for plant-based living and an awareness of the world around them.

Originally published as 'I'm planning to raise my newborn baby as a vegan'