This subject really caught my interest, mostly because it frustrates me to
think of a breastfeeding mother having to resort to formula such as
Nutramigen, but at the same time I can see how this formula could be seen as
a lifesaver for these mothers.  So, I did some searching about Nutramigen
and found out that the proteins are hydrolyzed, which to me means they are
"predigested" or broken down.  The proteins are broken down this way
according to the Mead Johnson Nutramigen monograph...here is the process
they use (pasted from the website)

"The casein in Nutramigen is hydrolyzed using a mixture of enzymes; the
hydrolysis process is patterned closely after the intestinal digestive
process. The prolonged hydrolysis reaction is closely monitored throughout
the process; when the desired amount of hydrolysis has taken place
(resulting in the appropriate ratio of free amino acids and peptides), the
enzyme activity is stopped. These remaining proteins are filtered out of the
solution. Finally, amino acids that may have been reduced during processing
are added back to the finished product - namely tyrosine, cystine and
tryptophan. Although this process of hydrolysis is lengthy and expensive,
Mead Johnson believes it is necessary to assure the high quality and
hypoallergenicity of the protein in the finished product."


So, now my question is, could it be possible to somehow treat mother's milk
in the same way that the proteins are broken down in Nutramigen?  Is it
possible to add some kind of digestive enzyme to her milk before feeding to
start the breakdown process?  If it could be possible to treat mom's milk,
then it might be possible to continue the breastfeeding relationship and
babe would still receive all the wonderful components of breastmilk, that
just can't be duplicated:)


I am no expert at all when it comes to this subject, I have personally never
worked with a dyad with this problem, so forgive me if I'm naive in the
subject.  Just had some thoughts and would like to know what others think?
Thank you:)

Sheena Carnes
Mom, RN, LLL Leader, CBE
Northeast Iowa

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