Over the years, news items have appeared in the YATED and
other chareidi publications regarding the high rate of
infant anemia in Israel. I would like to bring to the
public's attention more information on the subject.
A recent Israeli study found that the prevalence of anemia
among Israeli infants is 15.5 percent. On the one hand, this
is reassuring. It means that 84.5 percent of infants are not
anemic. (The study includes both infants receiving iron
supplements and those not.) Another finding of this study is
that maternal anemia is a factor in infant anemia. Knowing
this should encourage all expectant mothers to pay attention
to their iron levels in late pregnancy and take appropriate
steps to keep them high.
However, one in six babies suffering from anemia is still
too many. Can anything else be done to prevent infant
anemia?
The answer is: Yes. Delayed cord clamping is the best way to
ensure adequate iron stores for babies. A new study reported
in the Lancet confirms that "waiting up to 2 minutes after
delivery to cut the umbilical cord led to increased iron
status at 6 months, with no adverse associations for mothers
or infants, and could be valuable in preventing developmental
delays associated with iron deficiencies."
Israeli hospitals routinely practice immediate cord clamping
unless the parents specifically request delayed cord
clamping.
These findings are particularly relevant in light of the new
pressure on mothers to donate cord blood. Cord blood
belongs to the baby. Hashem designed a perfect system
whereby the baby receives this boost of iron-rich blood at
birth. It prevents anemia and may have many other benefits
that have yet to be proven.
With the sincere hope that parents will find this information
of benefit,
Aviva Rappaport
Author of A Jewish Woman's Guide to Childbirth
