Bruising

Bruising and aching joints can be caused by low iron. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need more than 2x's the amount of iron men need. If you're not taking a good quality prenatal, I would start there, they have the nutrients you need. Dr. Tori Hudson has a multi vitamin I think it's called maternal support or something close to it and it's made for breastfeeding moms. I got it at Nugget, the bottle looks a little hippy with a drawing of a woman on it. Perfect Prenatal is another good one. If that doesn't help I would go to the doc for some labs.
K.

Hi J.,
Easy bruising can come from nutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin C and bioflavonoids. When you are nursing, you are giving a lot of nutrients to your baby. You might consider adding a prenatal multivitamin. Fresh fruit is generally a good source of vitamin C, as are tomatoes.

Hope that helps!
E. Bender, NC, CHN
http://www.nutritionforthewholefamily.com

Dear J.,
I know you've received responses, but I wanted to mention that at least as far as the bruising, you could be anemic which basically means that you have an iron deficiency. I do, and I bruise easily. I take iron supplements and eat lots of foods that have iron in them. I also take calcium supplements.
I don't think breast feeding is causing your symptoms, but our bodies need so much extra during that time in order to produce milk and keep ourselves going. It takes a LOT of energy and calories to feed our babies.
Just be sure you're taking good care of yourself!

Dear J., It is very unlikely that your bruising and joint pain are related to breast feeding. Your symptoms could indicate serious disease, and I would advise you to see a physician soon. Very likely it is nothing to worry about, but it's best to make sure with a thorough medical exam including blood tests.

Best wishes ! D.

Look for Vitamin C with Rutin. I go through stages where I bruise really easily, and when I take Rutin it takes care of it.

Good luck!

Hi J.,

I am not a doctor and you should see a proffessional.
I wanted to send you this site, which both symptoms are listed :

http://alternativehealing.org/yeast.infections.htm

Hi J.

I am not a nutritionist or a medical professional, but I have learned that not having sufficient Vit C can cause bruising. In addition to helping with the immune system, Vitamin C is good for capillary strength. You may need more than RDA (RDAs are not for optimal health, only just enough to ward off diseases like rickets and scurvy!). Check with your doctor how much you can take while breastfeeding.

Good luck.

M.

This is worth you talking to a real physician J.. There are many things it could be and no, I personally don't think it is related to breast-feeding. Make an appointment Monday please....

You may just be low on iron. I have found with both of my kids that I need to take 2 supplements for myself while nursing. I take Floradix (a liquid iron supplement found at health food stores) and I take a potassium/magnesium supplement as well. When I get low on these minerals I bruise easily, am tired, get dizzy, don't sleep well and have heart palpitations. As soon as I start on the supplements these symptoms go away. You could start there and if the symptoms don't go away then see a doctor. Good luck.

I agree that you should definitely talk to a doctor. That being said, though, are you taking vitamins? Your body is being drained of resources while you nurse, and you should be taking a high-quality, daily vitamin for both your and your daughter's sake.

Good Luck,
K.

I am not a nurse but can state that yes - breast feeding is very possibly related to these symptoms. Your breasts are basically a grocery store for your daughter,drawing its resources from the your own body and the food energy you are consuming. Your own body needs additional nutrients to satisfy both your baby and you. Think of your body as a factory for the moment ;).

Are you taking any supplements? If you can afford it, it is very beneficial. Vitamin B and calcium in particular.

Hi J.,

I am a Lactation Consultant and can answer your question for you.

Sadly, breastfeeding takes the blame for many things it has nothing to do with. :( Your case is one of those. You would be amazed at what breastfeeding has been blamed for - everything from headaches to ingrown toenails! No I am not kidding...sigh.

The challenges you are having have absolutely nothing to do with breastfeeding but should be evaluated by a competent Dr.who can evaluate your symptoms without blaming breastfeeding. :)

I wish you much luck...

Warmly,
J. Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM
www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

Hi J.,

I am not a primary care doctor or OB, but I am a physician, as well as a mother of 2 children (that I breastfed for a year each). You need to be checked out by a physician and some lab tests. Without knowing your medical history, diet, and other history, it is impossible to speculate. Blood tests may also be needed. However, it is unlikely to think that breastfeeding alone is the cause of your easy bruising. It may be as simple as a vitamin deficiency (for example vitamin K deficiency -- although true dietary vitamin K deficiency is very rare. Vitamin K comes from dark leafy green vegetables, as well as other sources). Also, if you take any kind of aspirin or motrin on a regular basis, this may lead to easy bruising. Anemia does not usually cause bruising (although very frequent bruising can cause anemia). Basically, the thrust is, if these are new and noticeable symptoms, you need to see your primary care doctor, and have some blood tests done. Don't put this off. Your beautiful baby girl needs a 100% healthy mom. Good luck!

I am not a nurse or doctor but when my son was 9 months I also started bruising very easily and it was a thyroid issue. You should have a blood test done.