![]() ![]() Since this is a wide range, you can imagine that someone with a ferritin of 7 ug/L would feel very different from someone with a ferritin level of 200 ug/L.Dr. The tricky part is that “normal” ferritin is defined as 5-272 ug/L. Ferritin is not reliable in the first six weeks postpartum, so it should be tested during pregnancy and repeated six to eight weeks postpartum. The best way to understand your iron status is by having a blood test to measure something called ferritin, which is our iron storage. ![]() Fatigue in breastfeeding women is significantly correlated with postpartum depression and early cessation of breastfeeding 8. Sleeplessness in new parenthood is normal, but iron deficiency is a separate and preventable cause of postpartum fatigue. This means mom preferentially gives iron to her baby trough the breastmilk, depletingher own stores. Interestingly, breastfed babies tend to receive the same amount of iron from mom, regardless of mom’s iron level 7. During breastfeeding, a baby requires high amounts of iron to continue healthy growth and development. There is significant blood loss during childbirth and in the following weeks, resulting in depletion of iron stores in new moms. Health Canada recommends supplementing 16 to 20mg of iron daily during pregnancy to reduce these risks 2. About 18% of pregnant women are iron deficient 3, and research shows that iron deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and infant mortality, premature birth, low birth weight and impaired cognitive and behavioural development 4-6. Our cells use this oxygen to make energy, and one of the highest demands for energy is growth of a baby in utero 2.Īccording to Health Canada, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency during pregnancy. Iron picks up oxygen from the lungs, loads it onto red blood cells, and transports it to every cell in the body, including the womb. Iron is a nutrient that essential for the delivery of oxygen to every cell in the body.ĭuring pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body requires significantly more iron to meet the demands for the growth and development of a child 1,2. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |