Iron & Postpartum
Having a baby takes a toll on a woman's body, especially her iron levels. Whether you've given birth vaginally or via c-section, your iron levels may be low, and rebuilding them is crucial for postpartum well-being.
Why is iron important: Low iron, or anemia, can cause fatigue, irritability, lower tolerance for physical activity, and continue to anxiety and depression. Rebuilding your iron is incredibly important to your overall health. And there are three ways you can rebuild your iron:
Foods (the slowest way)
Supplements
Iron infusion via IV (the fastest way)
Why Iron Levels May Be Low After Childbirth:
Blood Loss:
Vaginal Birth: Vaginal births can lead to significant blood loss, contributing to a drop in iron levels.
Cesarean Section: A C-section is a surgical procedure, which may result in increased blood loss compared to a vaginal birth.
Increased Iron Requirements:
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding mothers have increased iron requirements as the body uses iron to produce breast milk.
Postpartum Recovery: The body requires iron for overall recovery, including healing from any tears or incisions.
Dietary Changes: Pregnancy often prompts changes in dietary habits, and postpartum, mothers may not consume enough iron-rich foods.
Rebuilding Iron After Delivery:
Diet:
Iron-Rich Foods: Incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Consume foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and strawberries, as vitamin C enhances iron absorption.
Iron Supplements:
Supplemental Iron: Iron supplements may be recommended by healthcare providers to meet increased iron requirements. Discuss the appropriate dosage with your healthcare professional.
Prenatal Vitamins: Continue taking prenatal vitamins containing iron, especially if you're breastfeeding.
Iron infusion: An iron infusion might be recommended to rebuild your iron quickly, especially if a lot of blood was lost. Iron will be administered through a new IV line and is generally a slower process because the iron is thick. You will be observed for adverse reactions by your hospital staff.
Hydration and Timing:
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, but avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals as they can inhibit iron absorption.
Meal Timing: Spread iron-rich meals and supplements throughout the day for better absorption.
Regular Check-ups:
Postpartum Check-ups: Attend postpartum check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor iron levels and discuss any concerns or symptoms of iron deficiency.
Blood Tests: If symptoms persist, request a blood test to assess iron levels and address any potential issues promptly.
Race & Iron: Black women within the United States have higher instances of anemia relative to their white and Hispanic peers, with almost a third of Black women sampled in a study being classified as anemic, compared to 11% of Hispanic women and almost 4% of white women. (Source)
The content presented on Labour the App (whether text, graphics, images, or other material) is provided “as is” and is offered for informational purposes only. The content provided on the App is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider. For more information, please refer to our Medical Disclaimer and to our Terms of Use.