It's fair to assume you're not alone if you're uncertain about the use of iron supplements during breastfeeding: Anemia, or low iron levels, is reported by the World Health Organization to affect between 10 and 30 percent of parents after childbirth.
Anemia following childbirth can induce feelings of weakness, dizziness and fatigue according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. These symptoms can pose a challenge when caring for your newborn as well as yourself. Therefore it's crucial to address anemic conditions: This could involve intake of iron supplements on advice from your healthcare provider.
If uncertain you may be wondering—"Is it safe for me take iron tablets while I'm nursing?" You might be interested in understanding how such supplements would impact your baby or whether excessive consumption of them could have detrimental effects.
Additionally, questions regarding your baby's requirements for iron like— Is there any presence of this essential mineral in breastmilk? Or do I need additional supplements in my diet to augment the level found within my milk?, are likely part of your thought process.
The topic connecting Iron Supplements with their influence over new-borns is indeed complex. But we are here to guide you through these perplexing details. Connected experts have responded optimally addressing queries from worried parents around consuming Iron add-ons while they nurse their child.
Is it alright to consume iron supplements during breastfeeding?
Absolutely, you can partake in the use of iron supplements while nursing, but this is only necessary under particular circumstances.
Taking iron whilst nursing may be highly beneficial for individuals diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia," explains Dr. Kyle Graham, a board-certified ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in San Jose, California.
Anaemia is a recurrent issue among lactating individuals. As per an April 2015 research in BMJ Open, it's often triggered by depleted levels of iron due to pregnancy or postpartum blood loss.
Although breastfeeding itself isn't responsible for low iron levels, people who are breastfeeding might develop anaemia if they don't ingest sufficient nutrients during this period. If one finds themselves being anemic, then ensuring correct regimen of iron supplementation becomes essential.
Overdosing on Iron can occur and hence adhering to your doctor's prescription becomes necessary," warns Dr. Graham.
Ingesting excess amounts of Iron may bring about digestive system symptoms such as flatulence and constipation. "The bioavailability of Iron from breast milk exceeds that from any form of supplement like formula feedings; thus one should have no worries about their child receiving enough", he adds.
Can Iron Be Transmitted to Infants Through Breastmilk?
If you are pondering whether it is necessary for your own consumption of iron supplements to be important for the wellbeing of your baby, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine explains that your intake doesn't influence the amount present in your breastmilk.
"Maternal dietary or supplementary iron does not affect the composition of breast milk." This insight comes from Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC who is a registered dietician and holds an international certification as a breastfeeding consultant. To rephrase it, "Iron supplements do not transfer through human breastmilk."
However, be reassured that there is definitely some presence of iron in your breast milk. An internationally certified lactation expert confirms:
[Research](bioavailable has shown "The iron in mother's milk has greater bioavailability than what exists in most nutritional aids like formula foodstuffs." As such rest assured knowing their infant is receiving adequate nutrition."
Moreover infants accrue stores of this essential nutrient during pregnancy's third trimester which goes on to meet all their required iron needs for approximately half a year after childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ](https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/iron.html)(CDC) corroborates this information along with delaying cutting off umbilical cord supply by 30 seconds to a minute post birth can elevate these stored reserves say experts at American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Nonetheless, certain factors like premature birth, low baby weights or pregnancy complications such as diabetes may deplete these iron reserves state the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Hence, whether exclusively breastfed infants require extra iron intake remains a subjective answer.
The CDC appeals to parents for an open dialogue with their pediatricians regarding any necessitates for infantile supplements until they complete six months age where normally solid food consumption begins.
Suggestion
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that all infants should undergo screening for iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia at 12 months of age.
Do Iron Supplements Boost Milk Production?
Is there a connection between iron and milk production? Does having low iron levels impact the quantity of milk produced?
Currently, Scott mentions that there is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm this.
According to Scott, "As of now, we don't have definitive studies that establish if flatly becomes impaired in lactating mothers due to anemia or whether the signs of anemia such as weariness and exhaustion majorly contribute towards suboptimal milk output. This is a topic requiring additional study before authoritative advice could be established."
Does Iron Intake While Nursing Impact the Baby?
When you consume them, you might encounter uncomfortable side effects such as black stools and digestive issues.
A question that may arise is: "Does iron consumption while nursing cause gastrointestinal discomfort or constipation in my child?"
Though not extensively explored, some studies suggest infants can experience upset stomachs when their breastfeeding mothers ingest iron supplements, Peluso confirms.
Peluso further relates that iron pills indeed have a likelihood of inducing gastric discomfort in infants.
Although this might be disconcerting, being anemic doesn't warrant halting your consumption of iron altogether.
"If signs indicative of gastric discomfort or constipation show on your baby following your intake of an Iron supplement, it's advisable to look for alternative sources", recommends Peluso.
Top Iron Supplements for Breastfeeding
Remember, it's only necessary to utilise iron supplements while breastfeeding if you have been diagnosed with anemia. This should be conducted under the professional guidance of your healthcare consultant who can suggest some suitable options.
"As a suggestion to patients, I always advocate for the selection of an iron supplement which carries the USP Verified Badge," states Dr. Graham. "Products with this certification ensure their manufacture adhered to FDA's Quality Manufacturing Protocols."
Notably, consuming iron supplements often niggles as they may induce several uncomfortable digestive problems like gas formation, bloating sensation, stomach ache and chronic constipation. To counteract this issue many consumers opt for alternatives.
Bethany Ferguson, RD, IBCLC is a Registered Dietician plus a globally certified lactation advisor at Nourishing Babes. She believes one practical solution might be sticking to what worked during pregnancy especially if those seemed agreeable enough.
She also suggests exploring other brands that are tested by third-party labs and contain Vitamin C - which aids in absorption. Particularly mentioning about 'Thorne Iron Bisglycinate ($14 from Thorne) she relates how her clients found its gentle action comforting on their bellies.
For those suffering significant GI effects due to most iron tablets she recommends looking into iron infusions as worthy alternatives- Peluso opines.
Peluso adds "Iron infusion requires physician prescriptions and these are typically delivered at oncology centres where IVs therapies are given." These sessions are relatively short but tend not cause any gastrointestinal side-effects giving dramatic improvements in overall feelings thereafter."
Lastly Peluso shares personal experience of immensely benefitting from an infusion therapy after enduring multiple ineffective iron supplements that only resulted in abdominal aches.
She terms this alternative "a game-changer, as my health began to improve just after two sessions."
Iron-Rich Foods Ideal for Breastfeeding
Ensuring an adequate intake of iron, both during pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding stage is crucial, as pointed out by Scott.
"Having nutrient reserves that are ample would provide us with sufficient energy even in those exhausting days when caring for a newborn," he underscores.
Scott advises to target equilibrium in your diet covering all food groups. He emphasizes on inclusion of foods like beef, chicken, eggs, liver, pork and seafood.
Equally vital to consider are the two categories of iron-rich foods: heme iron sources and non-heme iron sources.
Ferguson explains further - "Heme iron derives from animal produce such as meat and fish and is highly absorbable while Non-heme variations derive from vegetative matter like grains, veggies, fruits as well as nuts."
Non-heme rich meals offer ample amount of dietary iron but it's absorption level within our body may not be optimal. Hence coupling non heme based nutrients with Vitamin C loaded items (such citrus fruits along with tomatoes or bell peppers) could potentially deliver better results
As per the National Institutes of Health's Office Of Dietary Supplements, most generous quantities of Heme-based Iron can be derived mostly from sea-food & lean meats; however there also exist numerous viable substitutes:
- Beans - white beans, lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, tofu etc.
- Veggies - spinach, tomato & green peas
- Nuts including cashews & pistachios
- Furthermore fortified grain products such some breads or breakfast cereals also act great source for dietary supplementation
Final Thoughts
The subject of iron intake during breastfeeding and its potential impact on your baby is multifaceted. In summary, if you're anemic, it's necessary to take iron supplements while nursing.
If however, you must consume these supplements, rest assured that they are harmless for your infant. Regardless of the situation, until about six months old, your breastmilk should sufficiently supply all the required iron for your baby.
For any further queries in relation to taking iron whilst nursing a baby, do not hesitate to consult with a lactation specialist or contact your health care provider. They can also advise you on the optimal iron supplement tailored specifically for you.
