Homebirth in jeopardy

[Shy0717]

Along with a whole list of other complications I've been dealing with this pregnancy (premature labor and 2 hospitalizations) I've now been told that I'm severely anemic. As in if I can't get my levels up in the next 4 weeks I'm not safe to homebirth. So what I'm doing in the next 4 weeks to work on this is taking SlowFe twice a day, taking my Floradix, and just added some alfafa capsules to the mix. I'm also planning on bulking up on my leafy greens as well as red meats (which I'm not a fan of). I'm pretty much up for eating anything that'll help so long as it works fast. Has anyone had issues with severe anemia and what worked best for you as far as getting your levels up in a timely manner?? After just being in the hospital for premature labor I'm 100% I DON'T want to birth there....I just can't. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[prettyflwrs]

eating foods with Vit C helps your body absorb the iron better, so an orange with some red meat and leafy veggies is good.

Dairy on the other hand hurts the bodys absorbtion of iron so I would avoid dairy as much as possible.

[jecombs]

I'm not an HBer (yet!), but I had a friend who successfully treated her DD's anemia by cooking almost all their food in a cast-iron skillet or pot. Apparently some of the iron from the pot transfers to the food!

[Shy0717]

Originally Posted by jecombs

I'm not an HBer (yet!), but I had a friend who successfully treated her DD's anemia by cooking almost all their food in a cast-iron skillet or pot. Apparently some of the iron from the pot transfers to the food!

Thanks so much!! I think I will give that a shot too.

[Talula Fairie]

The herb yellow dock is great for getting up your iron in pregnancy.

[ShwarmaQueen]

I know a MW who has 'rescued' moms from OB transfer with Floradix Iron:
http://www.florahealth.com/flora/hom...cts/R64771.htm

She swears by it!

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by ShwarmaQueen

I know a MW who has 'rescued' moms from OB transfer with Floradix Iron:
http://www.florahealth.com/flora/hom...cts/R64771.htm

She swears by it!

The OP mentioned she's been taking that daily

[ShwarmaQueen]

Originally Posted by Talula Fairie

The OP mentioned she's been taking that daily

Wow...pregnant brain much???

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by ShwarmaQueen

Wow...pregnant brain much???

well Floradix is the best iron out there

[Shy0717]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'm going to try everything I possibly can.

[Full Heart]

Have you had your thyroid checked? I only ask because my mother was severly anemic, and what was causing it was her thyroid levels were totally out of whack. She got them straightened out and she was able to get her iron up again.

Becareful not to eat foods high in calcium like dairy with your iron because it can bind to it and it won't get absorbed.

You said you were doing alfalfa capsules, have you tried Chlorofresh? They have a mint one, I add it to water, actually tastes good, granted a bit like grass lol.

[Shy0717]

Originally Posted by Full Heart

Have you had your thyroid checked? I only ask because my mother was severly anemic, and what was causing it was her thyroid levels were totally out of whack. She got them straightened out and she was able to get her iron up again.

Becareful not to eat foods high in calcium like dairy with your iron because it can bind to it and it won't get absorbed.

You said you were doing alfalfa capsules, have you tried Chlorofresh? They have a mint one, I add it to water, actually tastes good, granted a bit like grass lol.

I saw the Chlorofresh (I think) at the NFS but just grabbed the alfafa. I might try that as well. Also now that I'm thinking about it my thyroid hormone levels were off slightly (but nothing to worry about my mw said) in the beginning of my pregnancy. Perhaps that could be playing a role then. Thanks for the ideas!!