b12 whilst breastfeeding

[Roo32]

I’m spinning out a bit about this and would really appreciate any responses. I have a b12 deficiency issue which predates my pregnancy. After a battle some years ago, I am treated with b12 injections every 8 weeks. I am now 15 weeks postpartum and exclusively breastfeeding my baby.

Over the last week or so I have begun experiencing my deficiency symptoms again. I have approached the surgery and they have said they are unable to give injections more frequently, even just temporarily whilst I am breastfeeding. Consequently I plan on injecting myself.

However, I’m trying to research the effect this may be having or have had on my baby and it’s making me so anxious that I think I need to stop and seek the experience of others as this area seems so underresearched.

Is there anyone who has had a treated b12 deficiency through their pregnancy who has then exclusively breastfed? Was everything ok with the baby and their development? We’re they later found to have a deficiency themselves?

equally, does anyone know if the baby is likely to have their own absorption issue, or just be effected by inadequate b12 from my milk? How can I get this tested without subjecting her to a painful provide that is unnecessary? Can levels be checked with a heel prick?

I could get some vitamin drops for her that include b12 but I’m conscious if she has absorption issues these will not be picked up if we supplement.

if I want to get help with this privately what kind of doctor should I look for? Can anyone recommend someone?

I think it would help me enormously first and foremost to hear from others who had ebf their babies whilst having injections and that all was ok for, but I am struggling with anxiety and brain fog alongside the sense of urgency to deal with this and the surgeries lack of interest.

[Wheat]

Hello Roo, just found nhs uk website that says one can have hydroxocolabamin safely when pregnant, and breastfeeding.

In fact that it is healthy for baby to consume b12 and the low amounts that pass to breast milk.

That hydroxy is naturally present in breast milk.

So from this article = go ahead and s.i. to project yourself from symptoms and your baby from b12 deficiency. I have no knowledge of this and am not medically trained but it makes sense to me.

Ive added link. You may wish to research further to verify this.

nhs.uk/medicines/hydroxocob...

[Roo32 in reply to Wheat]

Hi, thank you for your reply. Yes I am not worried about supplementing the jab I already have, but I am worried about either the possibility what she has been receiving up to now (with me having 8 week injections) could have been inadequate, or that she could herself have inherited an absorption issue which would stop her benefitting even from what is in my breast milk. I so wish there were more good research on this, but in its absence I can only seek anecdotal experiences.

[Wheat in reply to Roo32]

Sorry I misunderstood. I do not have the answers you need. P.A./ B12D as you know can run in families.

Research and shared experiences may not give you definitive answers, only testing will do that.

I would start s.i. asap so that you and your baby (until tested) can potentially benefit from raised b12 levels.

I hope others will be able to help you.

[jade_s in reply to Roo32]

I don't have anecdotal experience but can share these two pages on B12 deficiency in children, perhaps you can find some useful info:

b12deficiency.info/children/ -> see also at the end of the piece, regarding breastfeeding - you should make sure you get enough B12 (and folate)

stichtingb12tekort.nl/engli...

[Nackapan]

B12 naturally drops after childbirth. So you are right you could need more b12.

This should then give enough to your baby through breast milk.

If your baby is thriving and following milestones there shoujd be no cause for concern.

Discuss with your Midwife if any concerns .

Or HV or Gp.

[Roo32 in reply to Nackapan]

Thank you. All those professionals are not interested. In the past I’ve wanted to try to stay under GP care, but this has pushed me. I’m not taking any risks with my daughters health so SI it is until I’m done breastfeeding at least.

[Lincsangel1]

As B12 levels decrease after childbirth is is absolutely essential that you have extra B12 injections, especially while breastfeeding. What a shame that your gp is so ignorant in B12 deficiency.

8 week injections are a starvation at the best of times. This is the reason I started self injecting.

Do you need any info regarding ordering ampoules, syringes etc?

There is a book you may find helpful..could it be B12 pediatric ...

X

[Roo32]

I ordered everything yesterday. I self injected briefly once before in the pandemic when then cut my injections off but then retracted that after I sent over some information I got through PAS. Until it arrives I have sublinguals…I’ve never been clear how well they work.

I’m just anxious about any harm that could have been done already. My daughter is developing well, meeting all her milestones on time or ahead of time, but it’s still hard not to worry. She’s 10th percentile, but tracking the growth line perfectly since birth. My cousin and aunt are very little, it could just be genetic. It’s just hard not to worry.

[Nackapan in reply to Roo32]

Glad you well informed. Glad you getting more b12 as it's likely you will suffer before your baby.

Glad to hear your baby doing well .

Small and perfect.

My first child followed the 9th centile then stayed at the 25th .

Reached all milestones.

35 this month!!

I didn't even know about b12 depleting after childbirth back then.

We women wernt even told to take vitamin supplements.

I exclusively BF too.

I Got too thin .

Babies do deplete us.

It wasn't that child that went on to have b12 deficiency but another did.??

Then my mother and me .

So follow your knowledge .

Such a shame no 'support' or indeed much knowledge of this.

Information is ourt there .

A positive of the Internet if you well informed already to filter it .

Enjoy your baby.

[Mixteca in reply to Roo32]

Remember though that your baby will sense your stress and that won't help either of you, relaxation is key even though I know that can be the hardest part.