Can I take iron while BF?

[Stingyshark]

I know I can google, but, google is a crazy place. 

I think I might have low iron. I don't eat any beef, and based on what I read yesterday, I'm killing any chance of non-heme products sticking bc i drink so much coffee AND use fiber supplements. Both of those are known to kill the ability of non-heme to absorb. 

(FYI: I have a physical next week, so of course I will ask my PCP, but, I want some anecdotes, or something) 

anyways. 

Can I take iron pills while nursing? 

[smock]

Definitely! Most doctors prescribe them postpartum to help recover from blood loss.

[Susie]

I'm sure you can, but obviously you want to make sure you really are low first, and talk to your doctor about how much is appropriate to take.

[kams]

Yes, for sure. I was on an rx for awhile pp due to blood loss. Your pcp can check your levels and write you an rx.

[Stingyshark]

I will have labs done with my physical.. I honestly can't wait to have labs done. omg. i feel like shit 99% of the time.

[chw57]

Yep I had to, too.

[Stingyshark]

Sept 21, 2014 10:15:39 GMT -5 Susie said:

I'm sure you can, but obviously you want to make sure you really are low first, and talk to your doctor about how much is appropriate to take.

I def will.
I have a family hx of over producing iron (hemochromatosis) ... Though it's most prevalent in men. My dad & papa (RIP) have/had it. My dad had to give blood 3x/wk for 5 eks bc his iron was astronomically high.

[Stingyshark]

Interesting. Well now I'm really anxious to get my labs done. I really hope this is what's happening. It's more than just new mom exhaustion.

[foundmylazybum]

If you get on iron try taking it at night with dinner, and have a glass of OJ with the iron. That way you are hopefully at least a few hours away from your last cup of joe and pairing with OJ that has the vitamin c will help with uptake.

You might also try this type of iron: www.walgreens.com/store/c/spatone-pur-absorb-liquid-iron-supplement-28-pack/ID=prod6098034-product

It's gentle and has a high absorption rate.

[hannahb]

I'd wait until your physical. Having too much iron can cause issues (I think). I too was certain I was anemic recently (DS is 11 months) however my lab work came back ok. I had to sit down and really look at my diet and add more animal protein in. It's helped.
That being said, you can take iron when BF. I was supplements immediately after because I was anemic at the time

[kams]

Sept 21, 2014 11:37:19 GMT -5 Stingyshark said:

Interesting. Well now I'm really anxious to get my labs done. I really hope this is what's happening. It's more than just new mom exhaustion.

Yeah - I couldn't tell if it was new mom or something more. I was really thankful to get labs done and hear them say that iron would help. It did - hope it does for you, too.

[Susie]

Sept 21, 2014 11:36:32 GMT -5 Stingyshark said:

Sept 21, 2014 10:15:39 GMT -5 Susie said:

I'm sure you can, but obviously you want to make sure you really are low first, and talk to your doctor about how much is appropriate to take.

I def will.
I have a family hx of over producing iron (hemochromatosis) ... Though it's most prevalent in men. My dad & papa (RIP) have/had it. My dad had to give blood 3x/wk for 5 eks bc his iron was astronomically high.

oh my gosh.  Staying hydrated must have been a full time job for him.

[ktzmoh]

I would wait for your labs. You might be surprised and I think too much iron is problematic, right?

. I was convinced I was anemic earlier this year . I was pleasantly surprised to see that my levels are perfect. Turns out I just need more sleep (wish they made a sleep supplement in pill form)!

Anyway, they sell home test kits on amazon that are pretty accurate, so you can monitor yourself.

Hope you get some answers! Bfing is so incredibly taxing on your body.