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November 2013 Moms
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Iron Supplement- No more poop!

jennifertewartjennifertewart member
in November 2013 Moms
I know there was a discussion about supplements in the past but I am so discouraged.

Pedi of course prescribed the recommended AAP's "all EBF babies should go on an iron supplement at 4 months."  Well I trust him and think he is a great doctor but now rethinking the supplement.  I gave LO the 1 ml dose on Tuesday morning and he didn't poop until Thursday night and still hasn't since then.  He has only had that 1 ml and seems so stopped up.  He isn't necessarily fussy, but I feel like I messed up his system.  He always had at least 1 good poop a day up until that iron.  I know constipation is a symptom of Iron supplements, but after doing some research I am rethinking giving it to him at all.  I read that too much iron can feed bacteria growth in his body and that he should have enough iron stored up that he doesn't need more.  Plus he was never even tested to see if he was anemic.  I really started this research because the stuff is so nasty, smells, and stains.  I just feel torn, I am considering giving him half the dose but still not sure.  I have this feeling that when I call the doctor all the will say is constipation is normal, keep giving it to him, blah blah blah.  Anyone else have experience with this?

Also, the prescription is also a multivitamin (which I don't like either) if that makes a difference. TIA!
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Re: Iron Supplement- No more poop!

  • tisunge602tisunge602 member
    My pedi recommended the same thing - I think I'm the one who started the discussion a few weeks ago about this. We've been giving LO the Poly-Vi-Sol drops made by Enfamil since his 4m appointment (from your description it sounds like it's the same stuff you're using). He will only take it mixed with an ounce of BM in a bottle.

    I have noticed he poops a little less, but still goes every other day or so. EBF babies can go up to a week without pooping and it's still considered ok (see kellymom).

    Also, the reason they start recommending iron drops at 4m is that they don't have enough stored in their bodies anymore. The first 4 months they do (leftover from being in utero). The AAP website says they only need to take iron from 4 months of age until at least half of their diet is solids. 

    That being said, we figured we'd keep with the recommendation since it's really only a few months that he'll have to take the drops.
      


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  • CarrieB.CarrieB. member
    Baby oatmeal is a great source of iron for babies.
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  • 3Dewdrops3Dewdrops member
    When I asked my pedi when is the latest recommended time to start solids she said 6 months because iron stores are depleted by then. She recommended infant cereal since it's fortified with iron. She's never brought up the need for supplements or vitamins. I was relieved since I remember iron supplements messing with my DDs' bowels. 
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  • jennifertewartjennifertewart member
    Thanks for the advice!  N had two big poops today, so I am happy he is more comfortable.  I am going to call the doctor tomorrow to see what he says.  I will be more confident when N starts solids in 1 1/2 months to get the extra iron!  
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