breastfeeding and folate

[tenar]

I'm breastfeeding DD at the moment, and taking the Blackmores PG and BF multivitamins.

Does anyone know whether these provide sufficient folate to make sure I am stocked up on that before beginning to TTC #2? Even if I'm still breastfeeding when we start TTC again? (I'm not so young that we want to wait for years in between - better to start earlier...).

I read that there is folate in the milk. Presumably DD still needs it. I'm not sure whether that means I should be taking additional folate supplements, or whether the normal ones would do?

[Arcadia]

Good question. I'm subbing to this thread.

[Liz]

Never thought about it.. I am just taking normal pg vitamins. And took them when TTC DD as well.

Breastfeeding doesn't really diminish our vitamin supplies unless we have a terribly unheathly diet, so I wouldn't think the milk is going to steal all the folate out of the vitamins.

I don't take any vitamins tho whilst breastfeeding.. only when TTC.

[MantaRay]

My ob recommended that I continue talking folate during bfing. I know it's not needed for bfing, so my guess is that she suggests it in case of falling pg again before weaning. And it certainly doesn't hurt.

Most of the time pg vitamins aren't needed - they are one of those things where the ads would have you believe that you can't have a normal baby without them, but in truth most mums to be wee most of the ingredients out as their diets are sufficient anyway. Much cheaper just to take folate on it's own, and for those who have low iron, an iron supplement as well.

[Tegam]

I am bFeeding and we are ttc at the moment and i have be either pregnant or BF now for 6years, no gap (I know, nice on one hand, insane on the other. LOL) I asked my dr about suppliments and my levels.....Had a blood test and all was ok. Dr said to just take iron and folate TTC and during pregnancy.... Dont know if that really answers your question.....