Can a mother be iron-deficient while breastfeeding?

This is an automatically translated article.

Iron plays an important role in maintaining health, especially iron helps transport oxygen in the body. Postpartum women are very susceptible to iron deficiency. This long-term condition will cause dangerous diseases, especially anemia. This is a phenomenon in which red blood cells are not able to supply enough oxygen to the body, making the mother feel tired, dizzy and heart palpitations. So, what causes mothers after giving birth to have a high risk of iron deficiency and whether it is because the baby is breastfed or not?

1. Does the baby get enough iron while breastfeeding?

Most babies have adequate iron stores in their bodies for at least the first 4 months of life. Breast milk contains very little iron; therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants who are exclusively breastfed (exclusively breastfed) need a daily iron supplement at a dose of 1 milligram of iron per kilogram of body weight; Infant iron supplementation should begin at 4 months of age.
When babies receive both breast milk and formula, their iron needs will depend on how much breast milk and how much formula they consume. Parents should talk to their doctor about whether their child is getting enough iron.
If the baby is only fed iron-fortified formula (during the time before complementary feeding) no iron supplement is needed.
At around 6 months of age, an infant's iron needs can be met through feeding iron-rich foods, iron-fortified cereals or iron supplements.

Studies show that babies can increase their own iron absorption from breast milk if breastfed babies are iron deficient and thereby increase their iron stores. Studies have also shown that breastfed babies 6 months or younger are not able to regulate their iron absorption, leading to too much absorption, causing iron overload. Until 9 months old, the baby is able to readjust itself when the body shows signs of excess iron. Therefore, for children under 6 months of age, mothers should not arbitrarily give iron supplements to their babies, which will be dangerous.

2. Can the mother's body be iron deficient while breastfeeding?

Having very low iron levels can affect your mood and this can make it harder for you to bond with your baby. Iron deficiency can make you more likely to become irritable, irritable and prone to postpartum depression. Besides, being tired also makes breastfeeding more difficult.
However, breast milk actually takes very little iron from your body, only about 0.3 milligrams per day. Therefore, iron deficiency in postpartum mothers is not caused by breastfeeding.
Most women consume about 14 mg of iron per day. This iron loss is similar to what your body loses during your period. Since most breastfeeding moms don't get their period for at least the first few months of breastfeeding, you shouldn't worry too much. However, you should maintain a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. And if you have a history of iron-deficiency anemia, talk to your doctor about taking the right supplement.

After giving birth, you often feel tired and depressed, which can be a sign that your body is not getting enough iron. Childbirth and vaginal bleeding occur during the first 6 weeks, leaving most new mothers with lower iron levels but not because babies are breastfed.
However, iron levels in the body are likely to return to normal as the mother's body recovers from childbirth with a balanced diet with iron-rich foods.
Iron supplements are completely safe while you are breastfeeding. For breastfeeding women, the recommended dietary allowance for iron is 9 milligrams (mg) per day.
Eating plenty of iron-rich foods will help you rebuild your body's iron stores. There are two types of iron-rich foods, including:
Red meat, fish and poultry contain iron, which is easily used by the body Beans, dried fruit, bran whole grains and green vegetables Foods like kale, turnips, watercress and broccoli are good sources of plant-based iron. This supplement will be harder to absorb.

Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plants better during meals. Therefore, mothers should drink orange juice or eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as chili, kiwi fruit at meals to help the body absorb iron better.
Avoid drinking coffee and tea with meals because they contain polyphenols, which make it difficult for the body to absorb iron from foods. Antacids that relieve heartburn also limit the absorption of iron from foods. If you are breastfeeding, you can supplement iron pills for postpartum women with iron-containing vitamins.
You may not get a blood test after giving birth, unless you have had a cesarean section, lost a lot of blood during labor, or have other problems, such as dizziness.
If your iron level is significantly lower than it should be, causing severe anemia with accompanying symptoms such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, paler skin than usual, or you may If you cough more, you need to go to medical centers for examination and treatment.
After giving birth, the mother's body changes, the mother can suffer from many diseases such as postpartum hemorrhage, urinary incontinence, digestive disorders, bowel and urinary disorders, rectal prolapse,... Especially, If you don't supplement with the right amount of iron, it can make the mother tired, dizzy, and exhausted because of the lack of iron in the blood. Therefore, after giving birth, the mother can perform a general health examination at Vinmec International General Hospital. Mothers will have the opportunity to visit with leading specialists, combine with many other specialties to give advice, care, and help improve their health, and at the same time advise on nutrition. Supplement the appropriate amount of iron, effectively

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: babycenter.com, cdc.gov