Big risks: When you should avoid giving baby breast milk
In what case breastfeeding is contraindicated (photo: Freepik)
The doctors explained in which case it is necessary to give up breastfeeding the baby because milk can harm their health, according to Lamalu clinic.
What conditions are contraindications to breastfeeding
Doctors say that breastfeeding is contraindicated in some diseases. Namely, in galactosemia. This is a rare hereditary disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. In this disease, the body does not digest galactose, causing the accumulation of its derivatives in various organs (liver, lens, kidneys, etc.). Galactose is a sugar that is found in the breast milk of mammals as a component of lactose, as well as in legumes.
Manifestations of the disease usually occur in the first weeks of life with the start of breastfeeding or with the introduction of formula.
Symptoms of the disease are:
-
prolonged jaundice
-
vomiting or diarrhea
-
liver enlargement
-
underweight, growth deficiency
-
edema, ascites
The cause of galactosemia is related to a malfunction of the GALT gene and the activity of the corresponding enzyme. Early diagnosis of galactosemia type I is carried out before 1 month of the child's life, thanks to neonatal screening, which is done in the maternity hospital.
In case of untimely diagnosis and initiation of treatment, there is a high risk of some complications, in particular, cataracts, liver failure, severe course of bacterial infections, sepsis, and developmental delay.
Doctors emphasize that early treatment is vital to prevent complications.
The main method of treatment of galactosemia is diet therapy with the exclusion of galactose from the diet. Breastfeeding is also contraindicated because it contains galactose.
