Sure start Iron Test anyone???

[calebsmum]

Have received a letter from sure start stating that they have booked my daughter a blood test on Monday to check her iron limits. Sure start have been funny about me still breastfeeding her at 18mths and i'm feeling really paranoid now. Anyone else in a sure start area and did they give out routine iron tests??

I wouldn't worry, of course breastmilk doesn't contain iron but she'll be getting plenty from her food.

That's the problem mumblechum she has a very poor appetite, wants to bf all the time. Am just wondering if sure start are creating a problem here by being against me co-sleeping and doing extended breastfeeding. The sure start health visitor actually told me I was doing it all wrong.

Breastmilk contains iron, and it is very well absorbed by the body. If you think she doesn't eat enough other food, then maybe a vitamin/iron supplement might be an idea ?

Personally, I certainly wouldn't put an 18 month old through a blood test unless there was a very, very good reason - and this wouldn't seem to be one

In breastmilk iron is stored within a molecule of lactoferrin until it reaches the gut wall and can be transferred directly into the baby. Keeping iron locked in prevents the growth of bacteria in the baby's gut.

Do you or they have any reason to suspect low iron levels other than her lack of appetite?

It pisses me off how sure start are supposed to support women at a hard time, but are so judgemental.

My friend was 'reported' to her HV by her local sure start because she didn't go to the drop in group two weeks running.

She was ill, plus it's not a state requirement to attend such things surely?

Sorry could rant on and on.

If you think your DD is fine, ignore it. If you are at all concerned then make a GP appointment yourself.

www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/
So these part trained people at surestart wish to argue with the World Health Organization who recommend up to 2 years of breast-feeding. I would deal with the doctors surgery from now on. But go in one more time with the printout from above and tell them that you do not require help any more and wish to de-register, then give them a printout from the above link and leave.

They probably have you down as "disorganized" or something on the contact point database. I am curious to know how Sure Start got a hold of you and if there is anything else makes you feel uncomfortable with SS. You are withi your rights to only accept routing & test medical services via the GP. Remember this is a service not a compulsion and can only be a compulsion if there is a serious health risk.

i have no idea why they've booked you in but I requested a blood test via hv for dd and it's just a finger prick test, no big deal, not all that much info but it tells you the main iron count thing and if that's low, they might advise a proper blood test which the gp or hospital would do. it's no big deal and plenty of babies have the skin prick test. low iron is quite common in older babies and toddlers.