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How Does Breastfeeding Affect the Body?
Breastfeeding is not something passive; it is an active process that draws upon the mother's reserves on a daily basis. Breastfeeding demands:
- Significant calories, of about 400 to 500 extra per day.
- A consistent level of nutrients, including protein, iodine, and vitamins.
- Ample hydration.
- Hormones prolactin and oxytocin stimulate the body and cause milk to flow.
- If you are an anaemic mother, you are already working hard with low haemoglobin, and your tissues might not have sufficient oxygen delivered as it is.
Does Anaemia Directly Decrease Milk Supply?
This is a very common question anaemic breastfeeding women ask, and, honestly, the relationship between the two is not simple or direct. It is not the case that all women will produce less milk due to anaemia. The production of breast milk works on the principle of supply and demand; the more you breastfeed, the more your body will produce. However, the demands of being anaemic, particularly due to fatigue, can impact your milk supply indirectly.
Extreme fatigue and low energy levels may lead to less frequent feeding. The baby's effectiveness at feeding may decrease, too, leading to a less frequent demand on the mother's body. Studies suggest that anaemia may also impact prolactin production, and may reduce a mother's energy levels, making positioning, latching and feeding more demanding. The stress and worry that come with being anaemic can also impact the release of milk from your breasts, making milk delivery more difficult during breastfeeding.
How Does Breastfeeding Impact Maternal Iron Levels?
Breastfeeding actually has a protective effect in many women, for iron deficiency anaemia, due to the suppression of menstruation. Known as lactational amenorrhoea, breastfeeding typically inhibits the return of a mother's periods and when a woman is not having her periods, the body is not losing iron through blood.
If your iron reserves are in good condition, it might not have the effect you expect. However, breastfeeding does continue to demand iron from the mother's reserves. Without proper nutrition or supplementation, the risk of the woman still becoming anaemic or her levels declining further exists.
Breastfeeding and Iron Levels in Mothers
Compared with the requirements of pregnancy, breastfeeding actually uses less iron per day. However, if you are already anaemic, it is not enough simply to take enough to meet the basic requirement; it is about actively rebuilding what you have lost.
- Continue iron supplementation if you are already on it. Oral iron supplements can be safe in pregnancy and will not affect the flavour of your breast milk or the nutritional content for your baby.
- Try to get iron-rich foods in every day, like spinach, pulses, iron enriched cereals are good. Remember that it is better absorbed with vitamin C.
- Try to drink less tea and coffee, as tannic acid inhibits absorption.
- Add plenty of other iron-rich nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate.
Never stop supplementation without consulting your health care provider.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Whether or not you are breastfeeding, it can be tempting to ignore the signs of anaemia during the postpartum period. Watch out for any of these and talk to your doctor if you notice:
- Decreasing milk supply without any apparent reason, or if your supply has stopped altogether.
- Breathlessness or a racing heart during or after feeding.
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed upon standing or getting up.
- Overwhelming fatigue that does not get better with rest.
- Your baby is not appearing to be getting enough out of feeds, particularly if this is a new pattern.
- Pale lips or skin.
- Low mood and tearfulness that feels quite a lot more physical than emotional.
How Is Anaemia Treated in Breastfeeding Mothers?
The management of anaemia in the breastfeeding mother is the same as for any woman with postnatal anaemia, and the treatments are well-established and considered to be safe during breastfeeding.
- Oral Iron Supplements: These are safe, well-tolerated, the most convenient and the most usual form of iron therapy.
- Intravenous Iron: This is used when the mother does not tolerate oral iron or her needs are very significant. It is considered safe during breastfeeding.
- Optimisation of Diet: Important in the recovery process, and should accompany prescribed iron treatment based on your doctor's recommendation.
- Follow-up Blood Tests: Your doctor will monitor your blood haemoglobin levels to check they are recovering and adjust treatment accordingly.
When to See the Doctor
Do not wait for your routine postnatal visit if you are concerned. Consult your doctor without delay if:
- You had anaemia during pregnancy and have not had a blood test done since the birth.
- You had a very significant blood loss during or after your birth.
- You are breastfeeding and have noticed a reduction in milk supply, together with these symptoms.
- You have been taking iron and feel no benefit after many weeks.
- You feel that you are too ill to care for yourself and your baby appropriately.
You should feel good enough to enjoy this precious time with your baby, and you do not have to 'put up' with having a poor haemoglobin level-this is treatable and can get you feeling so much better.
Breastfeeding can and is done by the majority of anaemic women, with the right support, and you will still be making fantastic milk, you will still be an amazing mother, and your baby will still be gaining every possible benefit from your breast milk. What you need and deserve just as much as your baby is the very best of attention for yourself. Talk to your doctor and get on with your nutritional rehabilitation.
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FAQs on Can Anaemia Affect Breastfeeding? What New Mothers Should Know
- Should I stop breastfeeding if I have anaemia?
Most of the time, no. It alone is not considered a contraindication to breastfeeding. Most anaemic mothers continue to breastfeed successfully while being treated. If you are not sure, always discuss with your doctor before you make any change in your breastfeeding pattern. - Will my baby be iron-deficient if I have anaemia?
This is not necessarily the case. The level of iron in breast milk does not seem to change regardless of the mother's own anaemia, although the baby's iron stores must be monitored by his/her paediatrician, especially after 6 months, when solid foods are introduced. - Can the iron supplements change the taste of breast milk?
The taste and composition of breast milk are unlikely to change while you are on iron tablets. Most babies continue feeding just as before.