iron issues and potential conflict with hubbie

[Guest guest]

I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They will

be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and I

know that if the level is low, they are going to be all over me about

feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will be quite insistent. I know

that there are so many kids who are on iron supplement AND are meat eaters.

I dread this appt. Any kind words would be appreciated, Thanks<karyn

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Karyn,

I hope that you get good news about dd's iron level. My dd had low iron

levels for most of her first 2 years. At the time, we were eating meat,

although she was not. She's now a very healthy 7 year old. I hope that

your ped is sympathetic. Meat is not the answer for low iron. Broccoli and

spinach actually helped Kate quite a bit. We also discovered that her iron

levels dropped precipitously whenever she was coming down with an illness

through her recovery from it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

Noreen

-

" Karyn " <karyn

 

Friday, April 04, 2003 9:12 PM

iron issues and potential conflict with hubbie

 

 

> I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They

will

> be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and I

> know that if the level is low, they are going to be all over me about

> feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will be quite insistent. I

know

> that there are so many kids who are on iron supplement AND are meat

eaters.

> I dread this appt. Any kind words would be appreciated, Thanks<karyn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They will

> be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and I

> know that if the level is low,

 

Karyn,

A few thoughts. The issue might be iron absorption, not the quantity of iron.

The supplement- Germanium is what is suggested for that issue. Also,

sprinkling Barley greens powder on her food is also helpful.

Please feel free to email me if you have questions.

Peace,

Laura

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Well, Karyn,

I don't have any words of advice, but I hope that it all works out okay. I

know that for about a week before my ds' blood test, I went crazy getting

iron into him - cooked in iron pots, fed him green leafies and dried fruits

and so on... Not because I was worried that his iron was low, but for the

reason you posted - I was worried what the docs would say about my diet.

(Luckily, I don't also have a dh to contend with!)

 

But for now I'd suggest trying not to get too worked up about the What Ifs.

Her levels may be fine. And once you're through this, maybe you can find a

veg-friendly pediatrician, or a veg-friendly pediatric dietician.

 

By the way, do you give dd Vitamin C with the iron? That'll help

absorption.

 

Keeping my fingers crossed for you....

~Doh

--------

" If you're going through Hell, keep going. " ~Winston Churchill.

 

 

> " Karyn " <karyn

> iron issues and potential conflict with hubbie

>

> I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They will

> be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and I

> know that if the level is low, they are going to be all over me about

> feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will be quite insistent. I know

> that there are so many kids who are on iron supplement AND are meat eaters.

> I dread this appt. Any kind words would be appreciated, Thanks<karyn

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am new to the group and you folks are already dealing with issues that I

am concerned about. Any ideas about getting a picky two year old to consume

spinach, broccoli and other iron rich foods would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

----Original Message Follows----

Noreen Davisson <davisson

 

 

Re: iron issues and potential conflict with hubbie

Mon, 07 Apr 2003 10:40:34 -0400

 

Karyn,

I hope that you get good news about dd's iron level. My dd had low

iron

levels for most of her first 2 years. At the time, we were eating meat,

although she was not. She's now a very healthy 7 year old. I hope that

your ped is sympathetic. Meat is not the answer for low iron. Broccoli and

spinach actually helped Kate quite a bit. We also discovered that her iron

levels dropped precipitously whenever she was coming down with an illness

through her recovery from it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

Noreen

-

" Karyn " <karyn

 

Friday, April 04, 2003 9:12 PM

iron issues and potential conflict with hubbie

 

 

> I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They

will

> be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and I

> know that if the level is low, they are going to be all over me about

> feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will be quite insistent. I

know

> that there are so many kids who are on iron supplement AND are meat

eaters.

> I dread this appt. Any kind words would be appreciated, Thanks<karyn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had the same thing with my son when he was I think around 9 months. He is

now 12 years. My doctor or somebody recommended that I mix his rice cereal

with juice containing vitamin C. This seemed to do the trick. Vitamin C

apparently helps you assimilate iron. I used the Earth's Best brown rice

cereal.

 

Tracy

 

> I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They

will

> be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and I

> know that if the level is low, they are going to be all over me about

> feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will be quite insistent. I

know

> that there are so many kids who are on iron supplement AND are meat

eaters.

> I dread this appt. Any kind words would be appreciated, Thanks<karyn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My 19 1/2 month old dd won't eat raw spinach in salads

or cooked spinach if it is a side. However, when I mix

it in our spaghetti sauce or a casserole she eats it

up no problem. In fact, I have even seen her pick it

out to eat it.

 

It can be seen as " sneaky " but putting foods you want

them to eat that they won't in sauces and casseroles

usually gets them to eat it.

 

Also remember that some toddlers seem to go through

phases in their eating. Eating one veggie all the time

or not liking something one week and not being able to

get enough the next week. My dd ate guacamole all the

time last summer but then around September or so

wouldn't touch it. We had it recently, and she

couldn't stop eating it. I just keep offering her the

foods. At some point she will eat it again. Our

philosophy is " at least try a bite. " We also do not

cook separate meals for her and us.

 

 

Good luck.

 

 

 

--- Hembadoon Foluke <ayiti_cherie wrote:

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and you folks are already

> dealing with issues that I

> am concerned about. Any ideas about getting a picky

> two year old to consume

> spinach, broccoli and other iron rich foods would be

> greatly appreciated.

----Original Message Follows----

> Noreen Davisson <davisson

>

>

> Re: iron issues and potential

> conflict with hubbie

> Mon, 07 Apr 2003 10:40:34 -0400

>

> Karyn,

> I hope that you get good news about dd's iron

> level. My dd had low

> iron

> levels for most of her first 2 years. At the time,

> we were eating meat,

> although she was not. She's now a very healthy 7

> year old. I hope that

> your ped is sympathetic. Meat is not the answer for

> low iron. Broccoli and

> spinach actually helped Kate quite a bit. We also

> discovered that her iron

> levels dropped precipitously whenever she was coming

> down with an illness

> through her recovery from it. I'll keep my fingers

> crossed for you.

>

> Noreen

> -

> " Karyn " <karyn

>

> Friday, April 04, 2003 9:12 PM

> iron issues and potential

> conflict with hubbie

>

>

> > I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my

> dd's blood test. They

> will

> > be testing for iron again, She has been on

> supplements for a month and I

> > know that if the level is low, they are going to

> be all over me about

> > feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will

> be quite insistent. I

> know

> > that there are so many kids who are on iron

> supplement AND are meat

> eaters.

> > I dread this appt. Any kind words would be

> appreciated, Thanks<karyn

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > For more information about vegetarianism, please

> visit the VRG website at

> http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially

> useful for families go to

> http://www.vrg.org/family.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hello, Karyn; here are my thoughts about your issue, hope it helps...

Here's the thing, If your dh is concerned about your children not being

healthy enough because of a veg diet, you really need to put him to the

wall about informing himself better. I am not saying be a jerk about it

or that he doesn't have a right to have his input considered, but the

issue now is iron, at some point your non-veg friendly MD is going to

find another reason that your children should be eating meat, and that

is going to add more fuel to the meat band wagon that dh is on. (Daddies

can be quick to jump to fearful conclusions when little one's health

comes into play) You need to avoid being backed into a corner about this

right now, before you compromise your values because it is easier than

standing up to a Dr. and your dh. I know what it is like to be bullied

by your pediatrician; I am going through the same thing about

immunizations with mine, and antibiotics have been another issue. I am

facing a lot of regret about making decisions that were pushed on me by

the well meaning doc, but I am the one losing sleep over those decisions

at night. Dietary issues are something that will be with your child

forever, but maybe only every once in awhile will your child's specific

case ever cross that doctor's mind. Your doctor believes that he/she is

in the best interest of your child, when in fact they are simply

uninformed. Just because they have a degree does not mean they know

everything. Also, this is a subject that dh really needs to be called

out on if the two of you are not in agreement, he needs to research his

opinions and present his case to you if he wants his info to count.

Remember your decision to go veg took a lot of care and effort,

information, thought and was probably a long process. What did it take

for him to decide to eat meat? Just keep asking these questions of your

fellow concerned veg parents get on the net and inform your self as much

as you can and then stand your ground. If you really believe that your

child can be healthy with a veg diet, don't let them make you feel like

your motivations are " bleeding heart activism " at the expense of your

child's health. And find out what the " low " iron level is, and then look

it up and compare it to other children of the same age group. Lots of

people, old and young, veg and meat eaters, are low in iron, and most of

the time it is simple absorption problems, vit. C does help. Also, if

your dd has never had meat, she could suffer some digestive issues if

you introduce meat now that would probably cause her to not absorb any

of the iron in the meat anyway. Sorry if I come off a little militant

and defensive, I have just had it with people that push their ideas on

thinking people who care about their children and their planet for the

sake of " nutrition " . Good luck to you!!

 

Love,

Natalie Joy &

her boys

 

 

> I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They

will

> be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and

I

> know that if the level is low, they are going to be all over me about

> feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will be quite insistent.

I

know

> that there are so many kids who are on iron supplement AND are meat

eaters.

> I dread this appt. Any kind words would be appreciated, Thanks<karyn

>

>s

[Guest guest]

Thanks for responding. And sorry I took so long to answer. I am drowning in

emails. Anyhow, I guess I just have to be more creative in sneaking in all the

nutrients. ANd I know what you mean when it comes to their phases. My two year

old used to love oatmeal everyday but know I am struggling to get him to finish

it. I get fustrated because its not like he doesn't ask for it. Perhaps I have

to ignore his oatmeal requests right now and find a way to jazz up breakfast!

-

Joann Toth

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 10:45 AM

Re: iron issues and potential conflict with hubbie

 

 

My 19 1/2 month old dd won't eat raw spinach in salads

or cooked spinach if it is a side. However, when I mix

it in our spaghetti sauce or a casserole she eats it

up no problem. In fact, I have even seen her pick it

out to eat it.

 

It can be seen as " sneaky " but putting foods you want

them to eat that they won't in sauces and casseroles

usually gets them to eat it.

 

Also remember that some toddlers seem to go through

phases in their eating. Eating one veggie all the time

or not liking something one week and not being able to

get enough the next week. My dd ate guacamole all the

time last summer but then around September or so

wouldn't touch it. We had it recently, and she

couldn't stop eating it. I just keep offering her the

foods. At some point she will eat it again. Our

philosophy is " at least try a bite. " We also do not

cook separate meals for her and us.

 

 

Good luck.

 

 

 

--- Hembadoon Foluke <ayiti_cherie wrote:

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and you folks are already

> dealing with issues that I

> am concerned about. Any ideas about getting a picky

> two year old to consume

> spinach, broccoli and other iron rich foods would be

> greatly appreciated.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ----Original Message Follows----

> Noreen Davisson <davisson

>

>

> Re: iron issues and potential

> conflict with hubbie

> Mon, 07 Apr 2003 10:40:34 -0400

>

> Karyn,

> I hope that you get good news about dd's iron

> level. My dd had low

> iron

> levels for most of her first 2 years. At the time,

> we were eating meat,

> although she was not. She's now a very healthy 7

> year old. I hope that

> your ped is sympathetic. Meat is not the answer for

> low iron. Broccoli and

> spinach actually helped Kate quite a bit. We also

> discovered that her iron

> levels dropped precipitously whenever she was coming

> down with an illness

> through her recovery from it. I'll keep my fingers

> crossed for you.

>

> Noreen

> -

> " Karyn " <karyn

>

> Friday, April 04, 2003 9:12 PM

> iron issues and potential

> conflict with hubbie

>

>

> > I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my

> dd's blood test. They

> will

> > be testing for iron again, She has been on

> supplements for a month and I

> > know that if the level is low, they are going to

> be all over me about

> > feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will

> be quite insistent. I

> know

> > that there are so many kids who are on iron

> supplement AND are meat

> eaters.

> > I dread this appt. Any kind words would be

> appreciated, Thanks<karyn

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > For more information about vegetarianism, please

> visit the VRG website at

> http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially

> useful for families go to

> http://www.vrg.org/family.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Just to give everyone an update, the pediatrician called and Rayna's iron is

the low side of normal. Thank goodness! She has to remain on the iron for

another month and then retest. I am so glad that I don't have to deal with

the feeding her meat issue: and am so glad I never told my inlaws, I would

have never heard the end of it. Believe me, my dd is eats for healthfully

then any other kid I know. Thanks for everyones support. Karyn

 

 

 

> I am anticipating another visit to my MD for my dd's blood test. They

will

> be testing for iron again, She has been on supplements for a month and

I

> know that if the level is low, they are going to be all over me about

> feeding her meat. Not only that, but my dh will be quite insistent.

I

know

> that there are so many kids who are on iron supplement AND are meat

eaters.

> I dread this appt. Any kind words would be appreciated, Thanks<karyn

>

>s