Re: PKU question

[Beth Benoit]

Title: Re: PKU question

Since PKU diets require lowering the amount of protein in a baby's diet, a PKU baby can be partially breastfed (emphasis on "partially") - that is, just enough to give the baby the minimal protein it needs for growth.  The baby is supplemented with a special low phenylalinine formula.  The baby's blood levels are checked weekly and the mother given directives about how many times per day she may breastfeed the baby, dependent on that week's blood levels.  Actually, the same is true for formula-fed babies.  The baby is given an optimum balance of formula vs. low phenylalinine formula.  The key is that weekly blood level test. For a first-hand report of breastfeeding a PKU baby, here's an interesting website from La Leche League (a group devoted to encouraging breastfeeding): http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBSepOct98p153.html Beth Benoit University of Massachusetts Lowell HEAR ME>> http://www.pagoo.com/signature/bbenoit3 ---------- From: shensch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: PKU question Date: Wed, Sep 27, 2000, 7:15 AM Tipsters: I'm not often stumped by student questions (at least not that I admit), but a student in my lifespan development class posed an interesting question...when a baby is born with PKU can the mother breastfeed, or does mother's milk contain phenylalanines? Anyone out there know the answer, off the top of your head? Shirley Hensch ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Shirley Hensch, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Psychology University of Wisconsin - Marshfield/Wood County mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----------------------------------------------------------------------