>I have a client who has been recommended to discontinue breastfeeding (by
her >provider)  her two month old due to her poor calcium levels.  She is
>experiencing heart palpitations and leg cramps.  What do you all recommend?

I recommend a good calcium/magnesium supplement.  If she eats meat, she
needs 1500mg of calcium and 750mg of magnesium a day. Combined supplements
usually come in this 2/1 ratio. Tums are not an adequate calcium supplement
because of the missing magnesuim and because it is antacid.  Calcium (and
many other nutrients) need an acid stomach to aid absorption.

Speaking personally, whenever I forget to take my ca/mg supplements, I am
reminded by my leg cramps.  Her symptoms will probably resolve quickly with
the supplement.

Pat Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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