Postnatal diet for blood loss
What to eat if you lost a lot of blood during labour or had a haemorrhage
Giving birth involves losing blood, and alongside postpartum bleeding, can put women at risk of becoming deficient in certain nutrients. This is of particular importance if you suffered a large bleed or haemorrhage during birth.
Our registered nutritionist Chloe Manlay, shares the top 3 nutrients you need to replenish following a significant bleed, and where you can find them in food.
Iron
Iron comes in two forms - heme (found in animal products sources: as meat, poultry, fish and seafood) and non-heme found in grains, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds).
Contrary to what information you might find on google, your body needs both forms to properly store iron, so vegetarian and vegan mums are at particular risk of iron deficiency anaemia, especially if they then experience a bleed.
Symptoms of iron deficiency or anaemia include feeling weak and tired, dizziness upon getting up from lying or sitting, feeling out of breath, and difficulty concentrating….all very common symptoms of a new mum!
We advise you to keep in communication with your primary healthcare provider if you are worried about iron deficiency anaemia. For example, if you were borderline anaemic during your pregnancy, then suffered a bleed during birth, and then experience symptoms, it is especially worth having a conversation with your midwife or GP as anaemia will hinder your recovery.
Constipation can be a common side effect of iron supplements, so check out our dedicated blog here for top tips to help constipation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed to help absorb iron, so include a vitamin c rich food when eating heme and non-heme iron sources.
Most fruit and vegetables contain Vitamin C including citrus fruit, bell peppers, tomatoes, kiwis and berries.
Fn fact of the day - Peas are especially high in Vitamin C!
B12
Vitamin B12 is another nutrient that is stored in the blood. B12 builds immunity and promotes the growth of the nervous system, so postnatally it is especially important for breastfeeding mamas.
It is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies women experience pre and postnatally, and the Department of Health recommends vegan mothers to supplement appropriately.
It’s vital that you regularly eat or supplement B12 during pregnancy and if breastfeeding, as it is argued that breastmilk will only contain B12 from dietary intake, that is not from the mothers stored supplies.
Again, regular blood tests and supplements are recommended.
Food sources of B12 include meat (especially liver), dairy and eggs. Other plant-based sources of B12 include fermented foods, bee pollen, nutritional and brewers yeast (however, levels can vary depending on the fermentation process used).
