Are they sure this is necessarily iron-def anemia?  Iron is breastmilk is
fairly stable and more easily absorbed than iron in any other form.  Is mom
vegetarian?  Or possibly B-12 deficient for some other reason?  That could
cause anemia in baby also.
Becky Saenz, MD, IBCLC


At 11:31 PM 04/23/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>Greetings all.  I've been lurking for a while, but I have a first time Mom
>who is concerned after being told that her chubby 4 month old is a "bit"
>anemic and should be given Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron.  His Hgb was tested at 4
>months of age along with a few other blood tests because he had a fever and
>had been exposed to RSV in daycare.  The result of the hgb was 9.3.  My
>research found the BAB citing a normal hgb of 9.5 and above for a
>breastfed baby at 3 months of age (article is at work so I don't have the
>range of normal at this desk).  This baby is alert and healthy, growing very
>well, and Mom doesn't want to start iron if it isn't absolutely necessary.
>Baby has had only breastmilk since birth. I read Mom the stats in the  BAB
>re: breastfed babies and anemia.  She asked if I would "ask the Experts" on
>Lactnet for their opinions on whether or not she needs to intervene at this
>time.  My suggestions include : Look at your baby.  TIA for you input.
>
>Susan Wirtjes RN IBCLC in Waterloo Iowa
>"What you permit, you promote."
>
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