Nara Smith Faces Backlash for Raw Milk Consumption During Pregnancy

Social media personality Nara Smith has sparked controversy after promoting the consumption of raw milk while pregnant. The 23-year-old, who is expecting her fourth child, shared a video on social media showcasing a recipe for cookies. In a moment that raised eyebrows, she revealed that she was enjoying the cookies with a glass of raw milk, leading to a wave of criticism from viewers concerned about the health implications.

The backlash intensified as viewers expressed concerns about the safety of consuming raw milk, particularly during pregnancy. One viewer commented, “Raw milk while pregnant is actually unhinged,” while another stated, “Raw milk at any time is absolutely bonkers. Raw milk while you’re pregnant is borderline negligent.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long warned about the potential dangers of raw milk, highlighting that it can contain harmful bacteria that pose serious health risks to pregnant women and their unborn children.

Health Risks Associated with Raw Milk

The consumption of raw milk has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1985, due to the associated health risks. According to the FDA, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to illnesses caused by bacteria such as listeria, which can lead to severe complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns. The FDA cautioned, “If you are pregnant, drinking raw milk—or eating foods made from raw milk—can harm your baby even if you don’t feel sick.”

The dangers of raw milk are not merely theoretical. A review by Public Health England found that raw milk was responsible for 26 outbreaks of intestinal infectious disease in England and Wales between 1992 and 2017. These outbreaks involved 343 individuals and resulted in 41 hospitalizations. Although there were no reported outbreaks between 2003 and 2013, seven occurred between 2014 and 2017, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products.

Smith’s Rise to Fame and Lifestyle Choices

Nara Smith has garnered a significant following on social media for her “trad wife” lifestyle, sharing homemade recipes and showcasing her family life. Alongside her husband Lucky Smith, whom she married in 2020, Nara often posts content featuring her three children—Rumble, aged four, Slim Easy, aged three, and Whimsy Lou, aged one. Her videos frequently display her preparing elaborate meals from scratch, often dressed in designer clothing.

Despite her popularity, this latest incident has led to a considerable amount of scrutiny regarding her choices as a mother. Critics argue that promoting raw milk consumption, especially during pregnancy, is irresponsible and could endanger both her health and that of her unborn child. Many believe that influencers have a responsibility to provide safe and accurate information when it comes to health and nutrition, particularly for their followers who may look up to them for guidance.

As the debate continues, it highlights the broader conversation about health choices, social media influence, and the responsibilities that come with a public platform.