Question 1

can i continue taking ferrimed iron supplements after birth? i'm breastfeeding

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is safe to continue taking iron supplements for you and the baby while breastfeeding.  Your body will absorb the iron most efficiently if you take it on an empty stomach (with some vitamin C).   Iron can cause constipation, so sometimes we prescribe it with a stool softener.  If you are not anemic, and you eat a healthy and balanced diet, the supplement is not needed.

Question 2

can i take iron supplements while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You should definitely continue to take iron supplements while breastfeeding. Breast milk has tremendous nutritional and immunologic value for infants, but the iron content may be insufficient as the infant grows. To make sure that both your baby and you have adequate iron for health blood production, you should typically continue your prenatal vitamins while lactating.

Question 3

my iron levels keep falling low despite taking iron supplements since having baby 7 months ago. not breast feeding anymore, eat healthy and trying to exercise but makes me feel so tired. i'm bruising easily and have dark circles under eyes which is unusua

Accepted Answer

Yes: Probably not that unusual but not normal.  If your iron keeps dropping, that would indicate you are losing it somewhere, meaning bleeding.  So a source of blood loss should be investigated.  

Also, taking vitamin c with the iron supplement and taking the iron on an empty stomach helps it get absorbed better.  If your just can't build up with oral iron, you might need to get the iron intravenously.

Question 4

started taking iron supplements. was put on augmentin for bronchitis. started to have really bad gas. then was put on flagyl for bv. gas stopped. now gas is back again. ever since the iron. i have never had this before. please advise asap ?

Accepted Answer

GI disorder: Antibiotics can alter the intestinal bacteria ("flora") and cause digestive abnormalities, causing your "gas symptoms".  If you have stopped taking antibiotics, obtain some over-the-counter (non-prescription) "probiotics" (consult your pharmacist for his/her recommendation).  This will help you return to normal.

Question 5

9 mo old mostly breastfed infant (started solids at 6 mo) had a 10.2 hemoglobin reading. does he need iron supplements, or can he get it from food? how much iron should be given and for how long? could an iron supplement have any negative effect?

Accepted Answer

: Iron can be found in many baby foods which can help but at a hemoglobin level as listed suggests the need for an iron supplement, often as drops added to feeds. The amount is based on the babies weight. The duration is based on response to the iron, often monitored by a repeat test after a month or two. Most need supplements for a few months. Discuss this with the kids doc.

Question 6

i am taking iron supplements with a prenatal everyday can i also take calcium with vitamin d? currently breastfeeding my 5 week old daughter

Accepted Answer

Baby needs vitamin D: Your infant needs 400 IU vitamin D daily as a supplement as she is breastfeeding.  You have adequate vitamin and mineral intake if you are still taking your prenatals.  Additional calcium and vitamin D for you is not necessary.

Question 7

what are treatments for idiopathic anemia sideroblastica when iron supplements do not work?still no cause found but possible absorption problem.thanks

Accepted Answer

Transfusion?: In sideroblastic anemia, the body has iron available but can not incorporate it into hemoglobin which is needed to transport oxygen. It can be genetic (likely not in your case), acquired as a type of myelodysplastic syndrome, or the result of alcohol overuse, pyridoxine/B6 deficiency, lead poisoning, etc. Transfusion may be necessary; high dose B6 may be tried. Severe: bone marrow transplant.

Question 8

will iron supplements cause an appetite increase?

Accepted Answer

Iron supplement: Iron is not known to increase appetite. Instead, it  may cause dyspepsia, bloating thereby decreased appetite. Good for you bcoz you will not quit taking it. It can also cause constipation or sometimes diarrhea.

Question 9

can iron supplements cause insomnia?

Accepted Answer

No it will not: Iron supplement will not cause insomnia.

Question 10

do iron supplements cause sleeplessness?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: The main side effect of iron supplement is constipation.

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Doctor answers about:

Iron supplements cause gas breastfeeding baby

A member asked:

Can i continue taking ferrimed iron supplements after birth? i'm breastfeeding

A member asked:

Can i take iron supplements while breastfeeding?

A member asked:

My iron levels keep falling low despite taking iron supplements since having baby 7 months ago. not breast feeding anymore, eat healthy and trying to exercise but makes me feel so tired. i'm bruising easily and have dark circles under eyes which is unusua

A member asked:

Started taking iron supplements. was put on augmentin for bronchitis. started to have really bad gas. then was put on flagyl for bv. gas stopped. now gas is back again. ever since the iron. i have never had this before. please advise asap ?

A member asked:

9 mo old mostly breastfed infant (started solids at 6 mo) had a 10.2 hemoglobin reading. does he need iron supplements, or can he get it from food? how much iron should be given and for how long? could an iron supplement have any negative effect?

A member asked:

I am taking iron supplements with a prenatal everyday can i also take calcium with vitamin d? currently breastfeeding my 5 week old daughter

A member asked:

What are treatments for idiopathic anemia sideroblastica when iron supplements do not work?still no cause found but possible absorption problem.thanks

A member asked:

Will iron supplements cause an appetite increase?

A member asked:

Can iron supplements cause insomnia?

A member asked:

Do iron supplements cause sleeplessness?

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