Could breastfeeding have caused a low red blood cell result?

[quickchat]

I have just been to the docs to get a blood test after an adjustment to my thyroid meds (under active thyroid).
The nurse told me that my last blood test showed a low (I think she said low) red cell count.

She told me they would just take a full blood count and the doctor would be in touch.

Naturally - I came home and googled it and i have lukemia, cancer, kidney disease, heart problems.....oh and maybe anemia but the hypocondriac in me feels that is the least likely !

I would just be surprised to hear I was low in iron as im a healthy eater I think. I have no other signs of anemia (I know im spelling that wrong)!

I suppose im worried about cancer as i've had malignant melenoma in the past so I live in fear now. It was nearly 8 years ago though so im well clear of that.

I was breast feeding or just finished feeding my 1 year old at the time of my last blood test - would breast feeding cause low red cells? (straw clutching)!
posted this in health but it's much less busy there so no replies.

Both pregnancy and breastfeeding cause iron depletion and affect your haemoglobin - it can take six months to rebuild your iron stores after you stop bf-ing. The nurse should have taken that into account - worth getting the full blood test to rule anything else out, though.

Oh thanks Octaviapink.

She just spotted the Doctor had noted it on the screen and recommended I was re tested for that along with my thyroid levels. I suppose she didn't realise id have fed her as long.

The Doctor maybe didn't mention it for that reason then, probably thought nothing of it. Phew, god im a worrier nowadays! Thanks.