Hi Ann,

I respectfully disagree with your post on iron in breastmilk.  If the blood
from the cord is not cut too soon, the baby will gain plenty of iron
reserves.  This store in conjuction with breastmilk should be enough for the
full-term, healthy breastfed baby for the first 6 months.  I believe this to
be sufficient even for the first year as the experiences with my own children
have shown.  My oldest did not start solids until 11 months, and my other two
started around 6-9 months.  No vitamin nor iron supplements were given.
 Periodic blood tests showed their iron levels to be wnl (usually on the high
side).  I have already posted earlier about the difference in iron absorption
from breastmilk vs. other sources.  Once a baby starts solids, I feel
sufficient iron can be received from dietary sources.  The Breastfeeding
Answer Book and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding have information on this
subject that you may wish to check.

Aloha,
Gloria Thai  LLLLeader Hawai'i