Full term babies whose cords are quickly clamped also are at risk for chronic iron-deficient anemia. The placenta pumps a lot of blood into the newborn, and as this blood breaks down, it creates iron stores in the liver. Eventually, the body uses this iron. But, if the iron is not there, the body becomes iron-deficient, creating anemia. 

When red blood cells (RBCs) break down in the newborn, it can create an increase in the bilirubin levels, creating jaundice. The yellow is the pigment released from the broken down RBCs. Many doctors/nurses like to see the cord immediately clamped to prevent jaundice, but many people do not see (understand) the connection between immediate cord clamping and later anemia. 

Amazing how the whole body works!

Best wishes,
Sam

---- Pat Young <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 
> 1. No, feeding more iron to mom, doesn't make more iron  in her milk.  It 
> does prevent mom from becoming anemic tho. (BF Ans Bk)
> 2. Full term baby needs iron rich foods (egg yolk is one) and possibly a 
> supplement.
> 3. 34 weeker didn't get all of his/her iron reserves because of the 
> shortened pregnancy so definitely needs supplement.
> Pat in SNJ
> 
>    

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