>I thought that it had come out that some limited breastfeeding of
>the infant with galactosemia is considered possible

An article in New Beginnings (July/Aug 97, 123-4) is written by a mother
whose daughter had "borderline galactosemia":

"...or in genetic terms, she has the D/G compound.  She has the Duarte
variant gene, which produces a lowered level of enzyme, and the galactosemia
gene, which produces a negligible amount.  For comparison, a normal infant
has two normal genes, both of which produce a high level of enzyme.  A
severe galactosemic patient, on the other hand, has two copies of the gene
for galactosemia, and has little or no enzyme."

Her baby wasn't diagnosed until 4 months, because of good health and test
confusion, and she used solid food to reduce breastmilk intake somewhat.
They found a balance point that involved making sure her intake of solids
was at a certain daily level, rather than restricting breastfeeding, and
tested her galactose level periodically.  It stayed low.

Apparently the D/G compound happens once in 2,000 to 3,000 births - not that
uncommon.

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC, LLLL  Ithaca, NY
www.wiessinger.baka.com

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