IAGTBF, no worries! I've already ordered (and received!) the book, and I haven't even given birth yet!
As such, can't really answer your questions yet about what we do re parties, though my thoughts are that we will advise all party hosts of our children's dietary requirements, and provide food ourselves as necessary.
I don't suppose any of you are local to me (SW London!) - we could have vegan parties for our children together so they don't feel so unusual.
There is also vegan summer camp which sounds like a nice idea (www.vegancamp.co.uk/) - haven't been yet, but saving it as an idea for future reference.
We also have quite a few vegan friends already, one of whom is nearby and just had their second baby, so I am hoping our children will not feel like the odd ones out very much (not that there is anything wrong with being different!).
We aren't planning on sending our children to nursery, so not concerned about that. I guess you send them with a packed lunch?
Re imposition of views. Well, I see our views (and impositions thereof) as no different to omnivores imposing their views/diets on to their children. We will raise our children to understand health and nutrition, and to understand animal welfare/cruelty and where meat/dairy comes from. When they are old enough to choose for themselves, then so be it. But we will have no meat or dairy in the house - "whilst under our roof", as my mother applied rules to us, so be it for our children! To me, it's no different to telling our children they can't smoke cigarettes in our home - but if they choose to do so when out, there's not a great deal we can do about it.
We intend to lead by example rather than make a real issue of things. And to be quite involved with vegan groups so our children feel they aren't the only ones in the world living like this.
anya, thanks re kind website comments! I am constantly adding new recipes, so do keep checking back! And please feel free to send me any recipes too!
Why would you get it in the neck for breastfeeding? As long as you are eating well, your baby will be too. Luckily, both my mother and MIL are fully supportive of our lifestyles (my mum was even vegan when I lived at home with her for a while when my brothers moved out, though since I've left, she eats mainstream - but she isn't opposed to veganism - she knows I've done my research and I am an educated, careful person, who would never jeopardise my child's health). Send your mum to my website, or copy and paste any relevant info re the nutrition you are getting, and the negative aspects of meat/dairy-eating.
Afaiaa, there isn't a vegan formula here in the UK, so I am hoping I can BF. Am very determined on that point. Hey, are you aware of these: Silveretter Nipple Shields - if you get cracked nipples, all the cream I've seen to combat cracked or sore nipples contains sheep grease (aka lanolin - therefore not vegan), so these silver nipple things are great for us as they do the job (and are a one-off payment, as opposed to having to replenish stocks of Lansinoh). I've already got mine.