Also from the LLLI website:

 

Iron According to THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, published by LLLI, the iron
in human milk is better absorbed by your baby than is the iron in cow's milk
or iron-fortified formula. This means that the quantity of iron in human
milk is appropriate for baby instead of the larger quantity in cow's milk.
The full-term healthy baby usually has no need of additional iron until
about the middle of his first year, around the time he starts taking solids.
The high lactose ad vitamin C levels in human milk aid the absorption of
iron, and breastfed babies do not lose iron through their bowels.

If there is concern about the baby's iron levels, a simple hemoglobin test
can be done in the doctor's office. If necessary, it is easy to offer the
baby foods which are naturally rich in iron. However, iron drops and
iron-fortified foods sometimes cause digestive upsets when given to babies
and can actually reduce the efficiency of iron absorption.

Women are often advised to continue to take prenatal vitamins as long as
they are breastfeeding and these vitamins often include a large dose of
iron. The iron levels in a mother's milk are not affected by the amount of
iron in her diet or by iron supplements she may take.

 


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