Dear Dr. Sears,
My 16 month old son recently had a hemogloben test, the result came back that he is anemic. His Hemogloben was 9.6. While I understand that is not extremely low I do have some concerns. Though very healthy my son has been very slow to start solid food. He was actually just about a year old when he got the hang of eating, but he is VERY finicky about what and when he eats (some days he eats lots, others nearly nothing). I cannot predict what he will like one day and turn away the next. Because of this we have relied on his nursing to make up for the lack. But my understanding is that while iron is more readily absorbed in breastmilk at this point in time it is probably not enough.
His doctor has perscribed Ferrous Sulfate in a dose of 1.67ml twice daily. I want to do the best thing for him but I am concerned about this supplement being too hard on his system. I wonder can I achieve the same results by just feeding more iron rich foods? What do you reccomend? And is there a way to enrich my milk so that he can be boosted through nursing as well???
Thank you,
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