Iron Supplements for Breastfed Babies Over 6 Months?

[Jemima]

Does anyone know if breastfed babies over 6 months should be given an iron supplement?

I seem to remember reading something about the fact that their iron stores from birth diminish around this age and it's unlikely that solid food contains enough iron for them.

Thanks.

 

[Mervs Mum]

My HV mentioned it to me ages ago. I wonder if she'll mention it when she comes for my 7 month home visit.....

 

[XKatX]

I was going to ask the HV this tomorrow! Will let you know if no-one else comes up with it! Although I'm sure they will by tomorrow x x

 

[Jemima]

Thanks Kat. x

 

[Jemima]

My HV mentioned it to me ages ago. I wonder if she'll mention it when she comes for my 7 month home visit.....

7 month home visit?

 

[mommyof3co]

Some drs say they need it, others don't. I personally don't think they do, if they are eating a healthy diet they are fine. Hayden never took any vitamin supplements and was never low on anything. And he didn't even start eating solids until 9mo..only breastfeeding

 

[Bec L]

I have heard this too, and a friend of mine with a baby the same age as Poppy was also told by her h/v that b/fed babies should be having vitamins (inc iron) from 6 months old and that b/feeding mothers should also take a mulitvitamin if they continue to b/feed after 6 months?!

Poppy has been on an iron supplement since birth as she was prem, and I have to give her these until she is 1.

 

[Mervs Mum]

I have heard this too, and a friend of mine with a baby the same age as Poppy was also told by her h/v that b/fed babies should be having vitamins (inc iron) from 6 months old and that b/feeding mothers should also take a mulitvitamin if they continue to b/feed after 6 months?!

Poppy has been on an iron supplement since birth as she was prem, and I have to give her these until she is 1.

Bec - if I take iron would that be sufficient do you know?? I've bloody uggins of iron tablets left from just after she was born....

7 month home visit?

Yeah! It was news to me too!! I went to weigh in clinic last tues and the HV said we needed to book it in......I had no idea they did one......there's a thread to start in Baby and Toddler!!

 

[Bec L]

Hmm, not sure but I can ask. I think she actually specified a multi vitamin as opposed to just iron...When she told me, I had just started on the Pregnacare breastfeeding vitamins as my hair loss was getting so bad and I thought a multivitamin might help. And I think it has a bit to be honest.

 

[Mervs Mum]

That's good to know.

 

[XKatX]

Hmm, not sure but I can ask. I think she actually specified a multi vitamin as opposed to just iron...When she told me, I had just started on the Pregnacare breastfeeding vitamins as my hair loss was getting so bad and I thought a multivitamin might help. And I think it has a bit to be honest.

Oh God, glad I've been on a multivitamins all along then. My hair loss is getting silly. can't imagine what it would have been like without vitamins, if that helps!!!

 

[ryder]

Im not sure about vitamins...

But at 6 months babies should be weaned, and a big part of their diet is iron fortified cereals etc... that is why its important to stick to baby cereals (instead of reg cereals). And lots of fruit and veggies include lots of iron. In canada the recommendation is to start with cereal or meat at 6 months for the extra iron, but when I spoke to a HV she said either or is fine, and as long as they get some every day its ok.

 

[Jemima]

Kat, did you ever get any more info from the HV about this? I keep forgetting to ask!