Low Iron?

ohiodoxiemama08

At DD's 12 month appointment they did an iron test and it was low so they did an actual draw and it came back at the lowest number for normal (which I believe was 10). They told us not to do a supplement yet, that we'd re-check it at 15 months.

Fast forward to today, they checked it again via toe prick at it was 9.6 I believe. They didn't do a draw, which made me happy for DD, because she was already hysterical, but also kinda wish they would have because last time the toe prick number was quite inaccurate.

They want me to give her poly vi sol drops, which I already have so I can do that. My question is does anyone else have a low iron LO? What do you feed them? She likes the Earth's Best Sunny Days bars which are iron and zinc fortified--she gets at least one a day. I know leafy greens and eggs are iron rich but she doesn't like either of those very well.

Also, she has never been a fan of cows milk. Occasionally she'll take almond milk but typically not. She still nurses 2-3 times a day. I'm wondering what I'm going to mix these drops in, as I don't think water is a good option. I've always been anemic (had to take iron during her pregnancy) so I wonder if that's not part of the problem.

Anyways, this got long. Just looking for answers. Poor thing was not happy after all the sticks and shots she got today

KateC1029

DS has been low in iron for about 6 months now. We did the poly vi sol drops and it brought his level up to normal, but it was on the low end of normal also. After his 15 mo. appt. they did the blood draw and the pedi told us to get Fer In Sol drops from the pharmacist (not a prescription, but kept behind the counter) and to give it to him twice a day and they will recheck at his 18 month appt. I am really hoping they do the trick and we get the levels up!

As for foods--I have tried just about everything (spinach in smoothies, meat, the cereal bars you mentioned, baby cereal). Im not sure if they help, but it doesn't hurt! DS doesn't like eggs either.

Also, dairy decreases iron absorption so it's important to space out yogurt/milk from when you give the drops (I didn't know this and was mixing his drops with yogurt at first). Vitamin C increases the absorption so I try to give DS something like mandarin oranges or a clementine when he gets his drops. The drops are pretty nasty tasting, but I just shoot them in the back of DS' mouth and he doesn't mind.

Good luck!!

jobiann

The doctor checked DS's iron levels at his 12 month appointment he was on the low end of normal so she asked me to up his green veggies and lower his milk content. I had a heck of a time getting veggies in him, and wasn't successful. However she didn't check his iron at his 15 month appointment so I was kind of confused and I didn't think to ask about it when we were there. 

SWOG31

I mix the poly vi sol drops with mandarin oranges or orange juice. I also put at least 2 hours between giving the drops and giving milk. I use the 2 hour rule when her meal is iron rich also. As for food, I'm offering more eggs and green smoothies. DD's levels will be rechecked at 18 months.

JNegril

DS has been iron deficient anemia since 6 months. We've been through a lot if blood draws and still supplement. We tried taking him off at one point but his levels drastically dropped. So he's back on drops once a day. I do Nova ferrum, I found it online it's all natural and has no dyes or alcohol in it. It has definitely brought his levels up. I blame his deficiency on my placenta and that he never got the iron stores he needed. He was IUGR and they took him early which can all play a part in low iron. I try and give him the foods mentioned and also baby food pouches higher in iron. He loves black beans and kiney beans. Broccoli is a good one and also dried apricot which he loves too! Also if you can sneak spinach in some scrambled eggs, spaghetti sauce or soups, that's a good way to get the leafy greens in. Hope this helps! And if it makes you feel better DS's iron got as low as 3.5

ohiodoxiemama08

Thanks ladies! I appreciate all your helpful advice and sharing your experience I have some good ideas to go on now!