Annals of hematology
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This review focuses on the prevention and treatment of anemia in women who have just given childbirth (postpartum anemia). The problem of anemia both prepartum and postpartum is far more prevalent in developing countries than in the Western societies. The conditions for mother and child in the postpartum, nursing, and lactation period should be as favorable as possible. ⋯ In a few women with severe anemia and blunted erythropoiesis due to infection and/or inflammation, additional recombinant human erythropoietin may be considered. Blood transfusion should be restricted to women who develop circulatory instability due to postpartum hemorrhage. National health authorities should establish guidelines to combat iron deficiency in pregnancy and postpartum in order to facilitate a prosperous future for both mothers and children in a continuing globalized world.