Postnatal anaemia

[kidsareok]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone had postnatal anaemia? I was low in iron after my baby was born so was put on iron tablets for 4 weeks. I didn't have a repeat blood test to see if my levels had returned to normal. 5 months later and I'm feeling so breathless, fatigued and dizzy with tingly feet. I went to the Dr for a blood test and my irons levels are v low again. Just wondering if anyone had dealt with anaemia post partum? I would have thought my levels would have returned to normal al by 5 months? TIA x

Hi, yes I had this too. I had a blood transfusion which helped as tablets do take a while to build up supplies. How low are your levels? Your doctor should be able to offer you some options? Hope you’re ok, it’s horrible feeling as you do.

@Familarj thanks for the reply! They didn't say how low my levels are, just a vague phone call last week to tell me to pick up 3 months supply of iron tablets. I'm going to call this week to ask more questions! How did you feel? I just feel like I can't even pick the baby up much or do anything that involves any effort. I just thought it was what everyone felt like post partum but as the months crept on I started to think it wasn't normal! How long did the anaemia last for you? X

Aah I’m sorry you’re feeling like that, it all sounds like very typical anemia symptoms. How long have you been taking the tablets for, was it only 4 weeks? If so it may be that your iron just didn’t rebuild as much as it should. The new stash you have should help rebuild your levels but it may take a while. Have you got help at all at home? Make sure you’re also eating iron rich food if you can. I think it took me a good couple of months before it rebuilt and I felt better. It’s really really hard so feel for you.

No help but in the same boat! Just started on 3 iron tablets plus 1 folic acid tablet a day for three months before blood review again...not really making a lot of difference yet but only a week in!

@Familarj I was only given a 3 or 4 week supply. I can't remember much as I had a tricky birth and was on heparin injections and struggled for the first month or so - it's all a bit of a blur! I do remember my partner saying I should check if my iron had gone back to normal as he thought it was strange that they wouldn't check after the tablets. I think I should have definitely taken the tablets for longer. Hopefully they start to work soon and I perk up a bit! I do have help at home so I should be ok. Post partum healing is definitely something people don't warn you about enough! X

@NoNameIdeas ah I'm sorry to hear that, bless you. How long ago did you have the baby? Hope you're ok - it's so exhausting x

It is so exhausting, alongside trying to look after little one. One of the hardest times! I would keep taking the tablets, you’ll start to notice a difference soon and then hopefully it should start to feel a bit easier. Take care of yourself and don’t worry about asking doctor for repeat prescriptions for tablets if you still don’t feel yourself x

[quote kidsareok]@NoNameIdeas ah I'm sorry to hear that, bless you. How long ago did you have the baby? Hope you're ok - it's so exhausting x[/quote]
She's almost 6 months, I had my bloods done when she was 5 months as I just felt rubbish! Hoping they start kicking in properly soon but GP said it would take a little while as they were so low...hmmm! All good though, sunshine and baby cuddles make it better!

Yes I had super super low iron after my first. I had a hemmorage so mine was down to 6.. the lowest range should be 30 and mr dr said anything under 100 you'll feel awful mine took me 9 months of 2 tablets a day to get back to 30. It's been hovering just above or below that number ever since. So I've been on iron tablets for a while. Now pregnant with #3 x