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Subject:
From:
"PHYLLIS J. ADAMSON" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 1 May 1995 01:13:50 EDT
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I have been anemic since pre-school days and I'm now 50+, but I had no trouble
producing enough milk.  I even tandem-nursed for a while.  All deliveries were
uneventful.  My hemoglobin level has always been below normal, occasionally
pushed to low normal by stuffing iron.  What I did get were the unpleasant side
effects of iron.  No apparent ill effects on my 3 kids and they are all grown
now.  My daughter is also anemic but no determination has been made as to the
cause.  I had several tests to search for reasons and they led the dr to suspect
thalassemia.  It is a hereditary form of anemia characteristic of people coming
from southern Europe.  As I understand it, there are sufficient numbers of red
cells produced, but some are malformed and most do not live as long as they
should.  Therefore, insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity & chronic tiredness.
I backed off from absolute proof when the dr started talking about bone marrow
tests.  Several years later, I met cousins from another branch of the family &
found 3 who were diagnosed with thalassemia.  We are all descended from a great
grandfather who came from Greece.  These cousins told me that, from their
experience, there is nothing that can be done to correct the situation.  Good
nutrition, iron pills & Vit.C have little effect.  It amounts to a lifestyle
nuisance.  Blood banks won't accept me because of the hemoglobin levels.  I
never had the chance to ask if thalassemia is a factor for blood banks.  This
discussion is of personal interest, obviously, & I will try to learn what I can
about any relationship between low hemoglobin & low milk supply.  Thanks all.
Phyllis Adamson, IBCLC

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