Low iron (bfing)

[onthefly]

My iron levels have been dropping steadily since I was pregnant. I'm not aneamic yet, but borderline now.... Dr says I'm losing iron through breast milk - that right? I'm eating heaps of red meat (at least 1 meal per day!) and taking supplements (though only sporadically). Is there a good supplement or other food source that can help?
TIA

[Visitor7]

I have been going through the exact thing, and yes, all the iron is going straight to bub.
Make sure you have plenty of vitamin c in your diet, add salt to your food, green vegetables. Which Iron Supplement do you take?
If it gets too bad, then you can have an iron fusion, or iron injections from your gp. This is the stage I'm at now.

[onthefly]

Thanks Jodi - was just thinking maybe I should try more Vit C.
The one i was taking is FAB iron, which also contains Vit C & B.

Gosh, iron injections...!! How's that? Hope it's working for you

[Visitor7]

I'm going for my first one next week, eek! I did have to give up breastfeeding though, as I got sick a few weeks ago and I got really run down, and it took me a long time to recover.
So I'll let you know how I go.

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

Your doctor is misinformed. Breastmilk is very low in iron (this is perfect, because what is there is very readily absorbed by the baby, and that, together with his natural stores from birth will be plenty until he is able to take solids at 6 mnths.) Also, generally, breastfeeding mothers get an extended "holiday" from their periods, meaning they don't lose iron that way. Formula feeding mums are at much greater risk of anaemia than breastfeeding mothers, so please don't let anyone suggest you should stop breastfeeding! While breastfeeding, your body utilises nutrients from food more effectively, so you don't even have to eat much more.
I would get a second opinion from a doctor who will look into your history thoroughly and investigate thoroughly why you are bordering on aneamic. A dietitian can help you with adjusting your diet to maximise iron

[Aussiegirl777]

Marcellus - Vitamin C helps the iron to absorb more efficiently into your body. So it's a good idea when you eat your steak to have it with a glass of orange juice. (freshly squeezed is best).

Also all green leafy veges are great sources of iron but on their own they don't absorb as well into the body as say red meat. So again eat green leafy veges with OJ.

If you can get your hands on fresh Kale (organic stores seem to have better supplies than most fruit stores) this is an excellent sourse of iron from a vegetable. I blend mine with bannana and water and parsley and flax seeds and make a smoothy. I know it sounds gross but it doesn't taste too bad.

I am always conscious of getting enough iron because I don't eat animal products therefore it's easy for my levels to drop lower than the normal meat eating persons.

[onthefly]

Good luck with that Jodi!

Thanks Barb - that's what I thought, about the low iron levels. Sadly for my waistline, my body does seem to think I need lots more food.... I have no intention of giving up bfing any time soon. I will look into seeing a dietician also

Cheers Aussiegirl. Kale, huh...? That seaweed?

[Aussiegirl777]

Kale, huh...? That seaweed?

I think you might be thinking of kelp.

Kale is actually a type of cabbage. It's like a wild cabbage but doesn't grow into a head. It's leafy and very dark green. You should try it.........you might just like it.

I just realised it's offical - I'm a geek.

[onthefly]

Yah, I realised after posting that I was thinking of kelp
DH would be happy if I ate more green stuff

[Powelly]

I am also borderline anaemic. I went to the doctor after feeling like garbage for 3 months (but is now 6 months). We did a blood test and I was told I was borderline anaemic. You certainly don't have to give up breastfeeding. I was put on tablets called FEROS-GRADUMENT C. They are high iron tablets with vitamin c and they come in a one month supply for around $15 at your chemist. Another girl at my mothers group is the same and taking the same ones and we are feeling much better. You need to take them for around 3 months and I called Mothersafe and they said they are completely fine to take and will not harm (or constipate) bubs. (Eating meat and veges etc is great but if you are almost anaemic you will need a bigger iron supplement than your diet can give you).

Good luck!