Iron deficiency may result from inadequate dietary intake, achlorhydria or excessive ingestion of proton pump inhibitors, parasitic infestations, chronic infections and repeated pregnancies. Iron supplementation of antenatal patients is a basic tenet of antenatal care programmes in numerous developing and underdeveloped nations.

Postpartum anemia is defined as hemoglobin of less than 11.5 gm% during the postpartum period. The prevalence of postpartum anemia varies from 4 - 27%. Chronic iron deficiency due to inadequate intake/ lack of iron supplementation during pregnancy, repeated pregnancies and postpartum hemorrhage are important causes of postpartum anemia

Inclusion Criteria:

Hemoglobin level 7-11.5 gm/dl. No chronic diseases. Breastfeeding. Delivered at gestational age >38 weeks. Within 24-72 hours postpartum. Women who accept to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe anemia < 7 gm/dl.
2. Women received iron therapy during pregnancy.
3. Intolerance to iron preparations
4. Anemia due to other causes
5. Peripartum blood transfusion.