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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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