questions about iron absorbtion/iron rich foods (x-posted from nutrition)

[*mama moose*]

I had my DD a week ago and had a PPH, two days later my MWs drew my blood and my iron level was 6.4. They sent me to the hospital thinking I'd get a blood transfusion but the OB on call decided it "wasn't worth the risks". So I'm taking triple doses of floradix and on strict bedrest (example, I fainted today from digging in the bottom drawer of my bathroom and standing up too fast, literally all I'm allowed and capable of doing is getting out of bed to pee and my DH helps me take a shower every other day.) I'm feeling better each day but basically I feel REALLY crummy.
So there's the back story, but here's my question for you guys: I'm a vegetarian (for 7 years) and my MW really wants me to try eating red meat to help get my iron up. At this point I'm considering it seriously because I just cannot continue to feel this awful, you know? I'm wondering though, how much would that really help, compared to eating a lot of lentils and leafy greens? And does it really matter what kind of meat I eat in terms how how much iron I'm going to get from it?? Cows are one of my favorite animals and every time I get close to sending DH out for a take out burger I see the poor cows face and back out at the last minute! Would ground turkey be comparable at all? That probably makes me a bad moral veggie but I can somehow sleep better at night with the turkey.....
I've tried google a little bit but I'm having trouble understanding what the best ACTUAL sources of iron are because some things have the same content but don't absorb as well, from what I can gather. I need someone to point out to me "eat this, not this"

Thanks! I posted this in nutrition at first but maybe this is a better place for it since it's more health related than food related??

[momto4plus4]

I'm SO sorry you're going through this. I had Mild anemia at my ds's birth, 9.5, and still 9.5 at 6 weeks. On iron supplements I'm back up to 13 but not sure what happens if I stop taking them.

Dr had suggested broccoli, leafy greens. She didn't mention meat at all but then again, mine wasn't severe like yours. I can say I've been craving, and I'm sorry for you, red meat. My understanding is that red meat (unfortunately, cow) contains the most iron. I've been mostly craving ground beef.

So sorry. How often are they going to check your levels? Maybe your levels will come up fast enough that vegies and the floradix is all you need?

My ds was anemic at 6 months, 6.5, and we just supplemented iron and he was ecbf. Hope that's encouraging???

[deditus]

Don't know but here's a few things you may or may not be doing, just want to throw them out there:
Are you having something with vit c with your greens?
Do you cook in cast iron?
Are you making sure not to drink milk with your iron containing meals and take Floradix away from milk/other calcium sources?
What about buffalo or venison? I certainly wouldn't send dh out for a take out burger, I have ethical issues with factory farmed meat, most especially cows! I would make sure you got red meat from a local farmer, preferably organic and grass fed. Eat Wild has a directory.
It looks like shrimp is another decent source. Is that an option for you?

[Punchy Kaby]

Ionic iron is a great source for iron. I use Wateroz brand. Try taking small doses several times a day with a bit of vitamin c and away from all food. When I am low in iron, I get a warm feeling right away from taking the iron.

Red meat is the best source for iron, liver would probably be excellent for you as it has tons of vitamins, take a look here: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?t...spice&dbid=129

leafy green foods that have iron also have something called oxalic acid that binds the iron and renders most of it unusable by the body.

[SandyMom]

I was in a similar situation pp and I brought my iron levels up very quickly w/ spirulina. Also I drank nettle leaf infusions which is very high in highly assimilable iron. I put rosehips in it as vit c enhances iron absorption.
I encourage you to listen to your body. If it wants/needs red meat right now then perhaps you should honor that.
Good luck mama!