Symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers should be treated quickly, breast milk is the perfect food for babies during the first two years.
It has many health benefits for both the baby and the mother during the breastfeeding period and in the future.
Breastfeeding is an easy way to feed the baby as you can feed him at any time with an adequate amount of milk. Breastfeeding produces oxytocin which makes the uterus contract and lets it back to its normal size before pregnancy.
Benefits of breastfeeding
It protects babies from many diseases and illnesses
Breastfed babies are less risky to develop diabetes mellitus type 1, asthma, obesity, stomach infection, and ear infection.
Rich with antibodies
Mother shares antibodies with her baby that will protect him from infection and enhance the immune system.
Source of nutrients for most babies
As the baby grows the breast milk will change to meet their requirements.
Reduce the mother's risk of having many diseases
Breastfeeding is good for the mother and it also protects her from breast cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, So if the symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers occur even if it's minor you have to correct it.
Symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers affect their health and their babies. They feel so dizzy and tired. Once they had their precious baby they neglected themselves.
Balanced healthy food is essential for breastfeeding mothers. We will mention the causes of anemia, its types, complications, causes, and diagnosis. We will answer some questions. You may be curious to identify them.
What is anemia?
Anemia is a problem where the blood doesn't have an adequate amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is carried by red blood cells to deliver sufficient oxygen to tissues and organs.
Anemic people don't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, and the hemoglobin is part of red blood cells that give the blood its red color and carry oxygen to the organ.
Some people are predisposed to anemia due to underlying health conditions, nutritional problems, or diseases.
Symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers
- Fatigue
- Loss of physical activities
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Sleeping disorder
- Symptoms of depression
- Tinnitus
Symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers mainly because of loss of blood in their delivery even if they had a c-section or vaginal delivery they lose a huge amount of blood that makes them feel exhausted and dizzy.
These symptoms will be more in breastfeeding than in other people.
How can doctors diagnose anemia?
If you feel one of these symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers, It's the perfect time to check up and go to your doctor and do some laboratory tests such as CBC reticulocyte counts (to check immature RBCs) and iron profile, and Physical examination.
Dr. diagnoses if these symptoms are related to anemia or not. Having symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers make them at high risk of developing severe anemia in the next pregnancy.
Causes of symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers
Blood loss
Women who lose a lot of blood during their heavy period, vaginal or c-section delivery, or chronic cases of blood loss such as gastrointestinal bleeding, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoid, cancer, high consumption of analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen which cause gastritis and peptic ulcer.
Low Iron in the blood
Lack of iron in your diet may lead to iron deficiency anemia. Vegetarians consume a low amount of iron. As you know meat, seafood, and poultry are rich products of iron.
Vitamin C helps to enhance the absorption of iron in these iron-rich foods. So try to drink some lemon or citrus juice with meals. They enhance the absorption of iron.
Irritable bowel syndrome
An intestinal disorder where the intestine is not able to absorb dietary iron like coeliac.
Causes of anemia are not only from iron deficiency only other causes contribute to the destruction of red blood cells.
Bone marrow problems
The main factory of RBCs production so if it got injured you will get anemic.
Sickle cell anemia
Your red blood cells that appear round it will be crescent-shapedaped. This genetic problem leads to a Crescent RBCs getting destroyed easily so oxygen does not deliver to the organ perfectly.
B12 and folate deficiency anemia
Avoid overcooked vegetables and eat them freshly, they have a lot of folate and Vit B12.
It may contribute to chronic cases like:
Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic kidney disease in which the kidney can't produce enough erythropoietin which is essential in hemoglobin and red blood cell production.
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Complication of anemia
Anemia not only makes you feel tired and lack energy but also may do several complications like
● Heart failure or heart problems
● Lung Problems
● Low blood pressure
● Pregnancy complication
● Restless leg syndrome
● Low oxygen saturation which can be measured by an oximeter at home.
● Hypoxia may lead to being shocked
● Learning problem
● Neurological problem
If you develop one of these complicated symptoms you have to go immediately to the emergency.
Treatment of anemia before symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers appear
Treatment will decrease the symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers and others as well. According to the cause of anemia, you can treat it correctly.
For example, in chronic cases, you have to take your medication properly and follow up. For iron deficiency anemia you have to take oral iron supplements and food rich in iron like meat poultry, and dried fruits. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency eat meat with citrus dark green leaves.
Breastfeeding mothers should take care of themselves and follow these rules to diminish the symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers and feel better. And prevent being anemic in a future pregnancy.
Treatment of severe symptoms of Anemia in breastfeeding mothers
- Blood transfusion and need a cross-matched donor to avoid organ damage or death.
- Iv fluid and electrolytes
- Medication for low blood pressure
- Oxygen supplement
- Iron and vitamin b12 supplements
Symptoms of anemia in breastfeeding mothers should be treated properly with the correct medication. As if you take an iron supplement and the patient has anemia deficiency it will not benefit at all.
Every breastfeeding mother should take care of her diet, which will help to improve her symptoms of anemia and make her feel at ease.
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