I am following up my post from Oct. 7th.  Subject: Reasons not to BF.  I was 
asked to expound regarding "an infant diagnosed wth galactosemia" as a 
reason a mother should not bf.  My research found the following:

“Women whose babies have galactosemia, an uncommon genetic disorder of 
body chemistry, should not breastfeed. (1). Babies with galactosemia cannot 
process the sugar in milk (including breastmilk and dairy-based formulas) and 
may die or develop mental retardation they eat any milk products. Babies with 
galactosemia must be fed a non-dairy formula. Newborn screening tests detect 
most babies with galactosemia soon after birth.
1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human 
Milk: Policy Statement. Pediatrics, volume 115, number 2, February 2005, 
pages 496-506”
Resource: March of Dimes. (August 2005). Breastfeeding. Retrieved October 9, 
2007 from www.marchofdimes.com.

“Galactosemia: Galactosemia is a very rare condition that will cause your 
newborn to become sick. Babies with galactosemia should not be breastfed. All 
babies born in RI are tested for it. If this condition runs in your baby’s family, 
please talk with your doctor.”
Resource: Rhode Island Department of Health. (2007). Breastfeeding 
Frequently Asked Questions. Providence, RI: A Rhode Island Government 
Website. Retrieved October 9, 2007 from http://www.health.ri.gov.

“Lactose is an important source of calories for most babies, whether from 
breast milk or formula. For babies with galactosemia, lactose becomes a 
poison.  Lactose, or milk sugar, is made up of two simple sugars: glucose and 
galactose. Classic galactosemia is a condition where children lack the enzyme 
necessary to process galactose. Byproducts of galactose build up in the blood 
and are toxic to the kidney, liver, and brain. Also, byproducts of galactose can 
destroy ovaries (but not testicles, for unknown reasons).  Galactose is found 
in the diet primarily as lactose (in breast milk, milk-based formula, milk, cheese, 
butter, and many nutritional and pharmaceutical extenders). Galactose is now 
known to be present in many foods that do not contain lactose, especially 
beans and peas.  Widespread newborn screening for galactosemia in the U.S. 
has made undetected galactosemia uncommon. For those who have not been 
screened, a blood test or urine test can screen for the condition. Galactosemia 
is treated by removing lactose from the diet. Lactose is not a necessary part 
of the diet. Soy formulas are often used for babies. When babies begin solid 
foods, other sources of galactose must be avoided.  Removing galactose from 
the diet may prevent further damage to the kidney, liver, and brain. Cataracts 
go away, and growth problems resolve. Ovarian failure and learning problems 
are still common.  Strict observance of the diet does not always go along with 
the best outcome, suggesting either some damage before birth, or other 
factors involved.  Galactosemia is not preventable, but further damage is often 
preventable by removing galactose from the diet.”
Resource: Greene, A. (August 12, 2002). A—Z Guide: Galactosemia. 
drgreene.com. Retrieved October 9, 2007 from : http://www.drgreene.org.

“Despite the demonstrated benefits of breastfeeding, there are some 
situations in which breastfeeding is not in the best interest of the infant. 
These include the infant with galactosemia,53,54 the infant whose mother 
uses illegal drugs,55 the infant whose mother has untreated active 
tuberculosis, and the infant in the United States whose mother has been 
infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.56,57
53. Wilson MH. Feeding the healthy child. In: Oski FA, DeAngelis CD, Feigin RD, 
et al., eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, PA: JB 
Lippincott; 1990:533-545 
54. Rohr FJ, Levy HL, Shih VE. Inborn errors of metabolism. In: Walker WA, 
Watkins JB, eds. Nutrition in Pediatrics. Boston, MA: Little, Brown; 1985:412”
Resource: American Academy of Pediatrics Work Group on Breastfeeding. 
(December 1997). Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. 
Pediatrics, 100(6): 1035-1039.

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