Low low iron, revisited

[GinaRae]

Sooooo I have pretty bad anemia still. When the MW checked me at 4 days PP it said 7.5 and she didn't believe it.

But I am only registering as 8.5 or so on a different machine at 3 weeks post. So I need to increase my efforts.

Suggestions?? This could be a part of the major fatigue I thought was just sleep deprivation.

[Curlita]

OMG, if that's right then I am surprised you are upright! Is that your hematocrit or something else (I can't remember the other thing they measure)? Are you taking iron supplements? I have monster supplements that I have been taking. My hematocrit dropped from 33 to 24 and they actually offered me a blood transfusion. I asked my SIL (an OB/GYN) if I could get away with not taking the supplements (constipating) if I was taking a regular supplement and eating iron rich foods - she said that I should take the supplements and mentioned that it could impact my milk production.

What does your MW say?

I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but I'd say definitely supplement if your iron is that low. HOw are you feeling? Tired and droopy or okay?

[GinaRae]

Is it the hematocrit? Oh.. I just read "hemoglobin levels." You know, when they poke your finger to get a few drops and stick it in the machine? She totally didn't believe the 7.5 .. said I was still alive so it must not be true. But then today I am 8.5 on a different machine.

I was running about 12-14 during the pregnancy I think. I think 11 is considered low???? But I saw online that others are still alive at upright at an 8, so it can't be THAT bad, but it's probably why I am extra droopy.

I was just trying to look up the PP anemia thing and apparently low levels can be linked to PPD:
http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=691
http://www.rebuild-from-depression.c...he_postpa.html

[Danielle69]

My friend was also anemic while pregnant and I had a naturopath back in Cali who used standard process whole food supplements. They have a great natural source of iron pills that do not upset your tummy. It's the synthetic forms that cause upset. Anyway, it's great. If you google standard process-there are a couple of websites that sell it. You normally have to get it from a nat doc-but you can find it online. It is called ferrofood. But check the ingredients if your veg or vegan-it's not for you. Good luck!