People with beta thalassemia trait have one 'broken' gene for the beta 
chain of hemoglobin (functioning hemoglobin A or adult hemoglobin 
requires two alpha and two beta chains). They may have a special sort of 
anemia (microcyctic anemia) caused by the lower availability of beta 
chains, but may not have symptoms at all if the working gene is able to 
keep up (it's a little more complicated than this, but this will do for 
our purposes).

If mom is anemic, she can be given a blood transfusion. Over time, 
repeated transfusions can overload the body with iron, which can then be 
deposited in the heart and liver and other organs, doing damage, so one 
doesn't want to give transfusions lightly.

If she has no symptoms, then breastfeeding through pregnancy is unlikely 
to endanger her or the children. The only thing studies of nursing 
during pregnancy have found is the potential for the new baby to be born 
very slightly lighter. If she's already anemic, she may need a 
transfusion to supply sufficient oxygen to her own body and that of the 
developing baby.

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  www.cwgenna.com

On 9/21/2014 12:23 PM, Cassidy Hotz wrote:
> PTP. "I recently found out that I have beta thalassemia
> trait and that I am pregnant. I am still nursing my almost 2 year old. I was told by a nurse that I may need to wean him to ensure my baby is
> getting enough nutrients"
>
> I have no experience with this. Any advice or resources to share with this mom would be appreciated! Thank you!
>
> Cassidy Hotz, IBCLC
> Nurtured Touch Lactation Services
> Tulsa, OK, USA
>
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