Nutrition, Dieting & Breastfeeding Questions Answered

How can I boost my baby's iron?

My son currently has borderline anemia (hemoglobin 10.6).  He was born at 41 weeks gestation.  I took prenatal vitamins for the first 4 months, but finally associated them with my morning sickness. My doctor then had me take a regular multi-vitamin and 1000 mcg of folic acid and Tums for calcium.

He was exclusively breastfed for 8 months.  He was slow to start solids and mostly ate veggies and fruits and breastmilk until about 11 months.  At that point he started to eat a lot of table foods. At 13 months he started on cow's milk during the day, but continues to breastfeed at night and in the morning.  We now have him on an iron supplement.

My hemoglobin is usually borderline (in the high 10's or low 11's), but I did not become anemic during pregnancy.  I don't seem to have any clinical signs of anemia.  This borderline status seems to run in the family.

My question is actually as much about any future babies as it is about Lars.  Is there anything I can do during my next pregnancy, at the birth (I read that perhaps leaving the cord attached longer may help later hemoglobin for the baby, but have not been able to find any actual research) or while breastfeeding that will help the baby's iron status as they get older?





Certainly, you can ask that your obstetrician or midwife delay ligation of the cord until it stops pulsating.  This does get more blood into the baby, and can help with hemoglobin status.  I'm not aware of specific research on this, but it is the baby's blood in the cord, and it makes sound physiological sense to allow the blood to go back into the baby's body before the cord is cut.

Larger babies generally have a larger iron mass at birth - which can be protective.  In addition, it would be helpful to know about your serum iron status and total iron binding capacity - and the same for your baby.  You may, in fact, not be iron deficient, even if your hemoglobin is borderline. Hemoglobin levels provide information about iron in the red blood cells.  It is really a reflection of the iron status 2-3 months before you measure it. So, you may want to check with your physician to obtain more specific information about your iron status.

In terms of other things that you can do to make sure that you and future babies that you have aren't anemic.  First, you should know that there are other nutrients involved red blood cell formation - including iron, folic acid, Vitamin B-6, ascorbic acid, and copper - so a varied diet is important.  Also, it is important that your weight is optimal. Underweight mothers tend to have lower hemoglobin.  Good idea - starting soft cooked red meats about 6 months of age.  I would also suggest some discussion about iron supplementation before and during pregnancy.  I think you might find it helpful to consult with a Perinatal Nutritionist who could help you more personally as you prepare for your next pregnancy.



 

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