Comments on: Do You Give Your Breast Fed Baby Multivitamin Supplements With Iron?

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:49:19 +0000

Good question. I asked my pediatrician the same thing, since I had read we should start giving vitamin D supplements. Our doc said supplements were completely unecessary at this age and that my breastmilk was providing him with all the nutrients he needed. (Babies are also born with iron stores – sufficient amounts to get them through until they are taking solids.) Later, he will get iron from other sources – such as meats. And vitamin D is made by your body, provided you have minimal exposure to sunlight.
Our son is 4 1/2 months and he is not yet on solids either. We were given the okay at our 4-month checkup but have decided to wait until he is about 6 months old.
The only reason I could think that your little one would need supplements is if he/she has a deficiency. Did you ask the doc why he/she made the recommendation?

By: Devilish Girl

Devilish Girl — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:37:29 +0000

Your baby doesn’t need the iron if your feeding with cereal , My Dr. suggested the kind without Iron for the first 6 months since I was BF as well , but I like you only gave it to him a few times he so did not like the taste. I just recently stopped breastfeeding and have those dang vitamins still sitting in my cabinet. My Dr. says it’s fine not to give him anything although he would prefer me to give him some sort of vitamin …..
I hope this helps

By: katana_a

katana_a — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:11:09 +0000

everyone will have a different answer to this.
Mine is this, if your doctor recommended it then there is a reason. Breastfed IS best for the baby but sometimes for one reason or another the baby may not be recieving enough vitamins. And the book is a general advice book and not aimed directly towards your baby, although most is good advice, id follow your doctors orders before i would a books. I would also ask your doctor about the iron, as you probably wont need the added iron in the vitamins because most baby foods are rich in extra iron. If need be get a second opinion from a pediatrition not affiliated with your babys doctor.

By: ❀Bugsey❀

❀Bugsey❀ — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:19:23 +0000

Babies who are breastfed do not need ANY suppliments!
Breastmilk = perfect nutrition (no matter what mom eats!)
And yes, 6 months is a good time to start solids. You can skip cereal as it has no nutritional value. Go with fruit and veggies.

By: Erika (Nina and Brady's Mom)

Erika (Nina and Brady's Mom) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:18:08 +0000

If your breastfeeding then the only supplement you should be giving you lil one is one with vitamin D because it is not passed through the breast milk. Once you switch to either formula or milk when their older, it already has vitamin D added. Thats what my lactation consultant always told me!
Good Luck and Congrats

By: coffee_p

coffee_p — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:44:43 +0000

you take the extra vitamin…it goes into the breast milk….keep in mind that most doctors do not have a nutritional back ground per say…and those that think they do push the meat and cow stuff…eat more veg and sprouts….warm his cereal in a small cast iron pot the iron will be there….be sure to care for the pot..
shouldn’t really need extra iron at that early age….also so not switch to cow milk when you wean…go to soy as you will prevent a whole mess of childhood health problems avoiding the cow stuff….you too should be drinking soy and not cow since it will transfer….

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:31:37 +0000

If you are still taking your pre-natal vitamins and eating all the proper foods while breastfeeding, there is nothing more you need to give your baby. You are providing all the necessary nutrition that your baby needs.
Your pediatrician should be the one to determine whether your child needs the multivitamin or not. I have a 6.5 month old who started solids at little over 4 months. My doctor has not recommended any vitamins because the food and formula that she consumes provides her with the necessary iron that she needs.
Good luck in your decision.

By: mom2jjor

mom2jjor — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:22:47 +0000

No supplements for breastfed babies!
Be confident in your body, it knows exactly what to do to ensure your baby’s health!