If the lactating mother has anemia, then there is not enough iron in her milk. Consequently, the toddler misses this important trace element. It happens that iron in the child's body is consumed more quickly. For example, anemia often occurs in premature babies and twins, as well as in babies of those mothers who during the pregnancy themselves suffered from a disease such as anemia. Children older than a year do not have enough iron if their diet consists mainly of dairy products (and there is little iron in them). Another cause of the disease may be a lack of vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid in the body. Such anemia is called iron deficiency and is most common.
Unfortunately, few women are preparing for conception. Therefore, very often anemia is detected already during pregnancy. Specialists say that this figure among the expectant mothers is about 85%. The most intense iron comes through the placenta into the fetus from the 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. It is at this time that its main stock is created. Therefore it is very important that the baby receives the maximum amount of this trace element and is born on time. To avoid premature birth, a woman must constantly be observed at the gynecologist's clinic and follow its recommendations.
You can prevent the development of anemia if you:
- fully to eat;
- to live an active lifestyle;
- less worry and worry:
- to walk outside;
- if necessary, take iron-containing drugs.
What surveys are needed?
After an external examination of the baby, the doctor will prescribe the following examinations.
Blood test . It determines the level of hemoglobin in the blood, as well as the number of red blood cells, which will allow the doctor to conclude that there is an inclination or already pronounced anemia in the child.
A blood smear . It will help to determine the qualitative composition of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) and their ability to transfer oxygen to the tissues of the body. In this way, you can determine the type of anemia. In addition, the doctor will determine the content of the so-called serum iron in the blood and determine the amount of the microelement (ferritin).
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in a child.
Recognize the beginning of anemia is not easy, because at the beginning there are no obvious signs. But parents should be very attentive and alert, if the appearance and behavior of the baby has the following changes.
- the child's skin, lips and heels paled;
- lethargy, capriciousness, tearfulness;
- decreased appetite, the baby refuses to eat, and also gaining weight poorly;
- the baby has a dream;
- the skin became dry and rough;
- hair dull and brittle;
- nail plates fragile and exfoliate.
Sources of iron.
Iron we get, primarily from food. All the necessary substances are taken from the mother's milk. It even changes in composition, adapting to the needs of the sucker. However, by the age of 5-6 months, one breast milk is not enough, and to satisfy the growing needs of the child's body in iron, as well as in other nutrients, the baby needs to introduce complementary foods. When you begin to expand the diet of the youngster, give it ready-made shop porridge, enriched with iron, meat purees. And remember that iron is most easily absorbed from meat. For a baby dishes from beef tongue, rabbit, turkey, chicken, but not from by-products will suit. A valuable microelement is also found in fish, egg yolk, beans, coarse bread and in vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, salad. If you are feeding a baby with a special infant formula, then choose those that are enriched with iron.
Features of feeding.
If the baby is sick with anemia, he should not give a lot of cow's milk. Because, it will retain a special protein, which leads to bleeding of the intestinal mucosa, and hence the subsequent aggravation of anemia.