Iron is present in breastmilk, though the amount secreted in your milk is not affected by your iron intake or blood iron levels. Although breastmilk does not contain large amounts of iron, it is very well absorbed. About 50 percent of the iron in breastmilk is absorbed, compared to seven percent absorption from formula and four percent absorption from infant cereals. Your baby receives approximately .15 to .68 mg of iron per day through breastfeeding. The full-term healthy newborn is born with iron stores, that along with the iron received through his mother's milk, will see him well into the second half of his first year of life without supplementation.
Iron deficiency is uncommon in breastfed babies during the first six months of life.
Though the composition of your breastmilk remains virtually unaffected by your iron levels, it is important to be sure that your levels are within the normal range following your baby's birth. Anemia in the nursing mother has been associated with poor milk supply. What to do if a child isn t developing normally. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child's, please consult your family's health care provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals.