Jenny Morris posts on a pregnant woman whose hemoglobin is 6 and who has
been advised not to BF because it would be too draining for her.

Without knowing why she has such a low hemoglobin, and why they are already
now planning on transfusing her postpartum, it's hard to know  why the
doctors are recommending not breastfeeding.

To me it sounds like advice, based on their opinion.  No one can forbid her
to breastfeed (assuming she is not in Sweden and her anemia is not from
HIV!).  She can make her own decision based on their advice and on what she
wants.  If it turns out breastfeeding is too draining, she can reduce it or
stop, like anyone else.

It sounds, from Jenny's post, like her anemia is not treatable by dietary
modification or oral supplements.  Whether they are giving her parenteral
iron isn't mentioned, and it may be that would not help either, if there is
some underlying disease causing her low hemoglobin.

Jenny, you mention she was just 'released' from the hospital, a word I
associate more with jail than with treatment of medical problems.  Does that
mindset characterize her dealings with her health care providers?  If so,
she needs reminding that they are only advising her, not ordering, or
sentencing, her not to breastfeed.

respectfully
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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