B12 shots and breastfeeding 🤱🏼 - Pernicious Anaemi...

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B12 shots and breastfeeding 🤱🏼

AlexandraPp profile image
8 Replies

Hello everyone, everything regarding vit b12 deficiency is new to me..I just found out that B12 serum is 138 and I have to start vit B12 loading shots from Monday..

I have to recognize that I am a bit anxious, I do have neurological symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, anxiety, headaches, nausea every morning, chest pain sometimes..and IBS symptoms every week.. I don’t know if it can be pernicious anaemia..as I was to see my GP because of my gut problems..

I am not that scared regarding what’s coming next or the reactions of B12 shots, my problem is that i am breastfeeding and I really want to continue to breastfeed my baby..I can’t find information regarding this fact, if it can affect my baby or not, I don’t think so, but I just want to be sure, that I am doing the right thing.

Is there anyone on injections and breastfeeding? Thank you so much for your replies, have a great day!

Love this community 💛

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8 Replies
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

The B12 in your injections shouldn't affect breast feeding but I'm also rather unclear about whether being on injections works in the same way in ensuring that breast milk contains sufficient B12. You may want to consider using some fortified supplements as well as breast milk. Definitely don't stop with the breast milk though.

Suggest you follow up with mid-wife and see if they can advise.

AlexandraPp profile image
AlexandraPp in reply toGambit62

Thank you so much, yes I’ll call midwife to arrange a consultation and discuss about supplements, thank you again🙏🏼🙏🏼😊

EllieMayNot profile image
EllieMayNot

Saw a documentary on B12 that during one part claimed that B12d in the mother can be passed on to a breastfeeding child if the mother does not bring up her own B12 levels (this is apparently not uncommon in vegan mothers and their children). I believe that it was on the PAS website but I am not certain. Will try to find it. Like Gambit62 said, a midwife might be able to provide solid answers.

Sleepybunny profile image
Sleepybunny

Hi,

I suggest looking at following B12 websites for info.

If you think PA (Pernicious Anaemia) is a possibility then worth joining and talking to PAS.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS tel no 01656 769717 answerphone

PAS support groups in UK

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Blog post about how PAS can support PAS members seeking PA diagnosis

martynhooper.com/2017/06/24...

PA tests

Intrinsic Factor Antibody (IFA) test

labtestsonline.org/tests/in...

Parietal Cell Antibody (PCA) test

labtestsonline.org/tests/pa...

PCA is not recommended as a diagnostic test for PA in UK.

Both these tests can be unreliable.

It is still possible to have PA with a negative result in IFA or PCA test.

About 50% of people with PA test negative on IFA test.

About 10% of people with PA test negative on PCA test.

B12 Deficiency Info website

b12deficiency.info/

B12 Awareness (US website)

b12awareness.org/

B12d.org holds support meetings near Durham, UK

b12d.org/event

Stichting B12 Tekort (Dutch website with English articles)

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

Has GP tested you for PA, Coeliac disease and other causes of B12 deficiency?

Did you have gas and air during your labour?

Gas and air mix contains nitrous dioxide and this gas inactivates B12 in the body. It can take a while to build up B12 levels after exposure to nitrous oxide.

Nitrous Oxide

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/n...

I'm assuming your GP has asked questions about your diet.

Best advice I ever got was to always get copies of all my blood test results. I don't accept being told results are normal without seeing my results.

In relation to B12 deficiency, I look particularly at B12, folate, ferritin (or other iron results) and Full Blood Count results.

If you're in UK, I recommend reading all these documents below

UK B12 documents

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

Flowchart from BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

Flowchart outlines process for diagnosing PA and Antibody Negative PA in UK

BMJ B12 article

bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5226

Emphasises need to treat patients who are symptomatic even if their B12 level is within range.

BNF

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

BNF guidance on treating b12 deficiency changed recently.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

NICE CKS

cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-b12...

B12 books I found useful

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society). Book does not show updated BNF info.

"Living with Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Has several case studies.

"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)

Very comprehensive with lots of case studies. There is also a paediatric version of this book "Could It Be B12? Paediatric Edition: What Every Parent Needs to Know".

"I was to see my GP because of my gut problems.."

Have you been referred to a gastro enterologist?

"I do have neurological symptoms"

Does your GP have a list of all your symptoms, especially any neuro symptoms?

Have you been referred to

1) a neurologist?

2) a haematologist (see NICE CKS link)

In UK, patients with b12 deficiency with neuro symptoms are supposed to have more intensive treatment. See BNF, BSH and NICE CKS links for more info.

"have to start vit B12 loading shots from Monday"

How many loading shots is GP going to give you?

What pattern of treatment is GP giving you after loading jabs finished?

Vital to get adequate treatment or there is a risk of further deterioration including an increased risk of permanent neurological damage.

GP can find treatment info for those with and without neuro symptoms in their copy of BNF book Chapter 9 Section 1.2

Some UK areas have local B12 treatment guidelines which in some cases are very out of date. May be worth getting a copy of local area guidelines and comparing them with national guidelines.

If you suspect you are being under treated, read next link (info may be UK specific)

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

1) UK recommended treatment for B12 deficiency without neuro symptoms is ...

6 B12 loading jabs over 2 weeks followed by a jab every 2 or 3 months

2) UK recommended treatment for B12 deficiency WITH neuro symptoms is

A B12 loading jab every other day for as long as symptoms continue to get better then a jab every 2 months.

Worth noting that both patterns of treatment allow for maintenance jabs every 2 months. GP may not know this as there was a recent change in BNF treatment guidance.

Warning....

B12 deficiency is not always well understood by GPs and specialists so it pays to be well prepared for any appointments.

Help for GP

1) PAS website has section for health professionals which your GP may find useful.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

2) PAS website has section with useful leaflets/articles eg "An Update for Medical Professionals: Diagnosis and Treatment"

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Some on forum pass these to their GPs.

I am not medically trained.

I hope you get the answers you need.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

Obviously check with your midwife/doctor.

I think it's good to carry on breast feeding. Wondering how old your baby is? As if on solids too you could include b12 /iron rich foods too. That's the only thing that runs low normally is iron is breast milk near to the time food is introduced. Good the defiency been found.

The main thing is you get well and get the injections needed.

Take care and hoping you feel better after treatment

Emmapemma profile image
Emmapemma

I would talk to your pharmacist, they are the experts on these things. Good luck

Leils profile image
Leils

Definitely carry on breastfeeding.

If baby is gaining weight well and responding to cues then hopefully their levels aren't too low.

Have a look on mumsnet for old posts. There are a few about B12 injections.

Drink lots of water and eat bananas when you have your jabs so you can absorb the B12.

Keep it in mind for future for your child as it can run in families

tradkita profile image
tradkita

I am currently breastfeeding and having injections. My doctor and her pediatrician don’t seem to be worried about it. I am having her b12 levels checked at 1 year to see if they’re sufficient. I’ll have to watch for PA in my children since there is a genetic presentation. I don’t have any of the science for you, but reassurance that someone else is experiencing the same.

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