post partum anemia

[2boyzmama]

I am pretty anemic, my hemoglobin was 8.2 after delivery, and actually has dropped a little more to 8.0 at 24 hours post delivery. I felt like DEATH for a few hours after delivery, but I'm feeling MUCH better now. I was surprised that it's still so low since I feel so much better.

Of course the dr wants me to stay on my prenatal and take an iron supplement in addition, but I'm very hesitant to take it regularly until I have more...uh...confidence in my bowels I had poop issues with both my other boys, which sucked, and I really want to avoid that this time. I also have stitches, although most of them are internal I believe (I haven't exactly gotten a mirror out yet!).

SO...of course I know about food sources of iron, and I know that combining it with Vit C will aide in absorption. I've heard about floradix, I'm going to go buy some today (where can I get it? Anywhere? Health food stores only?) But what else? I read some of you talking about chlorophyll...would that be a good idea too??

[acemama]

I know I already replied in the other thread, but I'm doing Floradix still. They carry it at Health Foods Unlimited. I was able to quickly raise my numbers in less than 2 weeks. My MW said this liquid form is easily absorbed and works fast. I was taking 70 mg daily. And it's formulated to be non-constipating. Like I said I was worried about that, but I didn't have any isses I had MAJOR issues with iron pills! Good luck to you! I hope you are able to get your numbers up. Oh, are you talking Colace for bowels? I always did with my first 3 kids, but it wasn't needed this time

[Dmitrizmom]

I'm still taking chlorophyll - it helps with absorption of iron/conversion to heme for red blood cells (at least from the info I can find). The chlorophyll also isn't binding. I am also taking colace - with a 2nd degree tear, I didn't want to risk any straining.

[MyZoeJane]

Wondering what other similarities we might share apart from this and birthweight.... lol

My count was also 8 when I left the hospital... I have been taking the prescribed iron pills and am beginning to feel the constipating side effect... Guess I will be looking for Floradix too! Thanks for the thread!

[Guinevere]

Yes to Floradix and liquid chlorophyll, preferably taken in juice to aid absorption -- due in large part to these two supplements, I was able to bring my hemoglobin up from below 6 to 9.8 in two weeks (had a severe PP hemorrhage.)

Other things I did that helped were:
1. Placenta smoothies -- don't know if that's an option for you, but this helped me a ton in terms of anemia
2. Nuts like walnuts and pecans are a decent source of iron, as are dried fruits like apricots and raisins (and are high in fiber to help with the constipating aspects of traditional iron supplements.)
3. Fortified breakfast cereals are high in iron, as are hot cereals like oatmeal and cream of wheat, and I found them more appealing in the early PP days than trying to down a huge steak, lol (then again, if you're a big red meat lover, go for it!)
4. Homemade Molasses cookies with blackstrap molasses -- by far the tastiest way I obtained iron Let me know if you need a recipe.
5. I'm not a personal fan of seafood or organ meats, but if you are, then eat up, b/c both are very high in iron (shellfish like oysters, and chicken or goose livers, for example)

Congrats on your beautiful, big boy and I hope you feel better (and more iron-rich) soon!

Guin

[robbins611]

Your local health/herbs food store will have floradix. It can do amazing things! I had it bring my hem from 10.2 to 12.1 in 2 weeks. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen the lab results myself.. I drank it by itself immediately followed by 4oz of oj and my tummy always did fine. I also ate like 4 arby's giant roast beef sandwiches a week LOL

Much Love,
Gini

[hipmummy]

If my crit was that low I would have sucked it up and made a placenta smoothie or had it freeze dried along with taking the rec. dose of Floradix.

[2boyzmama]

I made myself a placenta smoothie this morning I couldn't tell it was in there at all. And man, I just have to brag about my placenta for a minute...not only is it HUGE (even the OB commented on how big it was!) but it's BEAUTIFUL!! It's color is perfect, the cord was THICK, I really appreciate that organ!!

My husband bought me some spinach leaves and I've been munching on them raw throughout the day today. I also had some beef and brocolli for dinner last night. So far my bowels are doing great so if that continues for a few more days, then I'll feel better about taking iron supplements.

[hipmummy]

Originally Posted by 2boyzmama

I made myself a placenta smoothie this morning I couldn't tell it was in there at all. And man, I just have to brag about my placenta for a minute...not only is it HUGE (even the OB commented on how big it was!) but it's BEAUTIFUL!! It's color is perfect, the cord was THICK, I really appreciate that organ!!

My husband bought me some spinach leaves and I've been munching on them raw throughout the day today. I also had some beef and brocolli for dinner last night. So far my bowels are doing great so if that continues for a few more days, then I'll feel better about taking iron supplements.

You probably already know this but you should be eating orange slices when you consume your iron rich foods. The extra fiber will also help move "things" along. Otherwise you could take the Vit c but the oranges get two jobs done at one time.

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

i was anemic for the first time in my life after my last delivery. it was 8.2, where mine has never been below 12.