Iron supplement for breastfeeding 6 month old?

My son is now eating three meals a day and still breastfeeding often (and growing FAST!). My question is does he need an iron supplement? My doctor says that as long as I am still taking my prenatal vitamins he should get plenty of iron, but I recently read that a baby who receives no formula should be taking a vitamin. He already takes a fluoride supplement that contains vitamins A,C,&D, but no iron. Any information you could give me would be GREATLY appreciated. I know breastfeeding is best and I plan to continue until he weans himself, but I also know that iron deficiency is very dangerous to babies.

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Dear Roberta,

I am writing to you about your question on iron supplements for breastfed babies. Your doctor is right. As long as you are not anemic, your baby can make better use of the iron in your milk than he can get from extra iron. In fact, extra iron will upset the delicate iron utilization pathway that exists in exclusively breastfed babies. La Leche League International suggests offering 6 month old babies meats as a first food rather than veggies and fruits, probably because if the child needs iron, his body can get it from the meats that are offered. 

The WIC program will do a toe stick to check Trevor's iron level if you live in the USA. Many county health departments will do that too. (Another concern that goes with iron levels is lead. You may want to have his lead level checked when it is offered in your area. Lead will act like iron in a baby's system and have a bad effect on the brain.) You are lucky to have an enlightened doctor! Enjoy your sweet baby and happy nursing!

Elaine Matheny, BS, IBCLC, LLL Leader





 

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