I received a call from a mom whose infant was tested as anemic at birth. Baby
is now 8 weeks old. This mom was bedridden prior to delivery for bleeding
and began hemmoraging during labor. The infant was transfused on day one.
Hospitalized for 2 weeks and still anemic at discharge.
She was told to give iron supplements for the first few weeks but that she
wouldn't need to continue forever. She supplemented for two weeks at home
but quit because the infant became so fussy. She feels comfortable only
nursing but I'm feeling concerned the infant may not be able to utilize the
iron in her milk fully because of the early supplements.
I recommended that she have her health care provider do follow up on the
anemia . She casually mentioned that she'd think about it.
My research talks about poor absorbtion of iron after receiving fortified
formula or iron supplements. Does anyone have different information?