12/03/2025
Your iron levels can play a BIG role in your milk supply! After birth, it’s expected for your hemoglobin to drop about 1–1.5 points, even with an uncomplicated delivery - more if you have experienced hemorrhage. But if your iron stores were already low - you can really feel the effects. Low milk supply, exhaustion, feeling out of breath, cold hands and feet, heart palpitations, dizziness - can all be signs of low iron!
You’re even more at risk if you had 2 babies close together - “close child spacing” would be less than 18 months from birth of one baby and conception of the next.
And what happens if your body is low on udon? It may slow down milk production (or not prioritize it) because it’s busy trying to make new red blood cells.
General wellness targets that help many breastfeeding parents feel better:
Hemoglobin: ideally above 13 g/dL
Ferritin: at least above 50ng/mL for iron stores for women postpartum
To naturally increase your iron levels, try to eat iron-rich foods: red meat, eggs, beans, lentils, leafy greens. Pair iron foods with vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, peppers) to help absorptio and avoid taking iron with coffee, tea, dairy as they block absorption
Many parents ask which iron is easiest on the stomach. Iron bisglycinate is gentle, easier to absorb, and much less likely to cause constipation, nausea, or stomach pain.
Ferrous sulfate works but often causes more tummy issues and isn’t absorbed as smoothly.
If milk supply feels low and you’re tired or recovering from blood loss, asking your provider to check your CBC, Iron, TIBC and ferritin - it can make a huge difference. And make sure to work with an LC who gets it!
Need help? Reach out and we’ll help connect you with an amazing LC that may be able to accept your insurance plan.
You deserve to feel good while feeding your baby. 💛
