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Hello all, my wife and I are expecting our baby boy "Taiyo" in October. I want to brainstorm about as many things as possible to consider once our boy is born, specific to paleo/primal living.

Problems/issue to be aware of, breastfeeding, postpartum, mother's nutrition, allergies, whatever. Any warnings? Trip ups? Experiences with others ie Docs, Nurses, Family?

Please consider that we are both RN's, and that she's a postpartum nurse on her 3rd child. So, what I'm looking for here are "Paleo specific" issues to look out for, and not general health considerations. (A good example of this was how recently Angelo Coppola mentioned that his hospital had a policy against banked breast milk.)

Any paleo parents please chime in, as we want to be as prepared as possible.

Thanks in advance all!

---The Japsican

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This is the most inspiring post I've ever read on the subject of Paleo Babies! hawaiianlibertarian.blogspot.com/2011/05/… – BrianGM Jul 24 2011 at 21:08
That is a great post -- it matches my Paleo babby almost exactly. – Patrik Jul 25 2011 at 6:37
Thank you for sharing that link, BriamGM. My wife is currently pregnant with twins and due end of Jan/early Feb. We've both been 95% (or more) paleo since this past February and have seen tremendous results. We plan on raising our children paleo as well. I've just started doing some research and this really helps! – Nate Aug 8 2011 at 19:05

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Look into all the information you can get on attachment parenting. It's actually how I came to the Paleo lifestyle, getting in touch with our evolution, and realizing how far we've strayed from the path. Most of our modern child-raising principals are the equivalent of a SAD diet for the soul. http://www.attachmentparenting.org/principles/principles.php

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Very interesting site! We're perusing it at this very moment. – The Japsican Jul 24 2011 at 20:54
Absolutely! Paleo parents (ok, probably mom in those days) would have been carrying their young babies & children, sleeping with them, nursing for long periods, and always close to hand as the little ones begin to explore. No paleo videos sadly, but here's another great ape mom. youtube.com/… – Karen Jul 24 2011 at 21:00
Glad to help. I was actually logging back in to apologize for not really answering your question. This is the parenting blog where I first read about paleo. She also runs a busy Facebook page and could probably point you in the direction of more AP/paleo info. authenticparenting.info – Rhi Jul 25 2011 at 0:05
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I can only give personal experience here. I was low carb my first pregnancy almost 3 years ago and my pregnancy, delivery and postpartum were all low key and uncomplicated. Then my husband and I got more into the paleo lifestyle and eating. Got pregnant again. This pregnancy and delivery was even more low key and uncomplicated. I am actually 6 weeks postpartum today and I have never felt better. Recovery was much easier this time around and I didn't gain much weight with either pregnancies. 11 lbs with the first and 12 with this second one. Which made it easier to get back into pre pregnancy shape and my energy is a lot more as well. Breastfeeding is coming along well. I had to supplement a little with my first baby but this round I haven't had to supplement at all. Baby is thriving wonderfully and is incredibly healthy and happy. I highly recommend the paleo lifestyle to all my mommy friends. My first doctor was over concerned with everything so I found a different one this time around who never batted an eye when I told her how we ate. I got really lucky I think. I know a lot of doctors will tell you you need to eat grains to be healthy. But my babies, husband and myself are living proof you can have a healthy pregnancy/postpartum paleo life. Good luck to you and Congratulations as well!!

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Thanks for sharing! – The Japsican Jul 24 2011 at 20:54
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Check out Deep Nutrition - http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Nutrition-Your-Genes-Traditional/dp/0615228380 - lots of good stuff relating to babies there.

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Thanks! Will look in to this. – The Japsican Jul 24 2011 at 20:55
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I agree - you should read Cate Shanahan's Deep Nutrition!

And Kris Kresser who just became a father has fantastic ressources for growing a healthy baby Paleo style:

http://thehealthyskeptic.org/

http://healthybabycode.com/signup

Here is Kresser's podcast about pregnancy. Very interesting.

http://thehealthyskeptic.org/the-healthy-skeptic-podcast-episode-7

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I breastfeed and my baby is less gassy when I am strict paleo and I am not as hungry when I am strict. When I am eating more carbs I am ALWAYS hungry all day!

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I appreciate all of the links, and shall put them to good use! But were there any things that popped up in your personal experiences that you all didn't consider?

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Here's my guest blog post on Primal Pregnancy nutrition.

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I suggest looking into cloth diapers, babywesaring (we like the Beco Gemini), making baby food, co-sleeping and non-grain based ways to increase milk supply.

Also, find a very pro-breastfeeding doctor.

Happy to share our war stories!

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