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The Nursing Baby - Q&A

One handy rule of thumb is that your new baby will get nutrients first, then your nursing baby, and you'll get what's leftover! From what I understand, it's important not to double up on any supplement, and your obstetrician is giving you good advice. But since there is some indication that anemic mothers may shortchange their babies on iron, it is doubly important that you work to correct any deficiencies. Therefore, you may want to concentrate on nutritional sources. Try eating a hearty meat meal with a glass of orange juice. Citrus has been shown to increase iron consumption. You may also want to avoid drinking milk products with your iron pills. Milk products, or calcium in general, decreases iron absorbability. In fact you might consider limiting your dairy intake, and getting more protein from meat (assuming you are a meat-eater).

Also, caffeine seems to cause a decrease in the amount of iron in your breastmilk, so it may be best to limit this substance - for that and other reasons.

Be aware that breastmilk iron levels naturally decline for babies over 6 months, so you are not losing as much iron feeding your toddler as if you were feeding a newborn. However, few studies have been done examining the breastmilk of pregnant, lactating women to declare this definitively. However, as your baby grows, your milk supply will most likely decrease. In fact, when your colostrum comes in, your toddler may decide to wean whether you are ready or not! Two-thirds of all nursing children wean during their mothers pregnancies, for a variety of reasons.

I urge you to develop a good working relationship with your obstetrician concerning your pregnancy. She can let you know if your iron drops low enough to increase iron supplements or shots.

I wish you all the best growing your family.


These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.