Off to a weaning workshop - anyone in the know around to answer a quick Q?

[Zimm]

I want to find find out if it really necessary to give my EBF DD iron supplements after 6 months (she'll still be BF). It makes no sense to me - how can a BF baby need a supplement that a FF baby does not? Surely feeding her lots of greens is a better idea? I suspect the HV will peddle the standard line so I'd like to be informed. I can't help thinking it's a bit of marketing thing on the part of the formula/vitamin companies or just teh NHS not trusting us to feed babies enough greeens!

I never gave my DD any iron supplements either when she was EBF or after I introduced solids. I was worried about it and asked my HV but she took one look at DD and asked why on earth I was worried because she was so healthy

Kellymom has some great info on iron supplements here, print it and take it with you!

I didn't. We did blw and I just made sure I offered her iron rich foods. From what I remember, at 8 month check HV didn't even mention iron supplements. We are veggie and she did tell me to watch out that DD was getting enough iron in her diet.
I'd really recommend BLW!

How can a BF baby need supplements that a FF one doesn't? Because the supplements are already added to the formula.

Lots of previous threads on whether these are really necessary. In my (unqualified) opinion it is vitamin D that is the biggest driver to supplement an otherwise healthy diet. Lots of news stories a few weeks ago as to how our current lifestyle can lead to a defficiency (google rickets or similar for the research - though ignore the extreme examples!)

But of course it's up to you at the end of the day.

Sue - that is my point really. Just because the supplements are in the formula does not mean they are necessary. No worries on vit D for us - we spend our lives out and about.

WIth my eldest two now 10 and 12 it was LAW by the HV that they had to have supplements, I was a bad mother for not seeing why a nd not giving them everyday.

With this baby they were not offered and when I asked if it was still the norm I was told they were not needed as long as I was offering a full range of foods and had no other worries.

It's definitely a personal decision IMO. If you don't have a picky eater and have an outdoor life then probably a waste of money - and the drops taste pretty foul too!

I don't think it is the standard line that a BF baby should have iron supplements - although they do recommend vits A,C and D.

My LO has Abidec once a day, I can't see it does any harm although I don't suppose she strictly needs it as she has a varied diet. Vit C helps your LO absorb iron, so tell HV you will be giving vit C rich food with iron rich food if you have any problems, she'll probably be so impressed with your knowledge that that will be the end of it.

No need. The iron in breastmilk is very easily absorbed and is perfectly adequate until at least a year IIRC, at which time most babies will make up the rest from their diet. Formula milk needs to have higher levels because there is so much waste that can't be absorbed.

My health visitor told me that as long as my 8 month old dd has a balanced diet then she will be getting enough iron. She is bf still.