PKU and Breastfeeding
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that affects 1 in every 16,000 newborns. Babies with PKU are unable to produce an enzyme that allows their body to absorb the amino acid phenylamanine. Should levels of phenylamanie build up in your babies body symptoms from rashes to central nervous system damage may occur.
Babies with PKU require frequent monitoring and PKU and breastfeeding can work as breast milk contains lower levels of phenylamanine than formula. However it may not be safe for your child to be fed an exclusive breast milk diet.
If you as a mother have PKU and wish to breastfeed you will need to pay closer attention to your diet than other mothers. Even if your baby does not inherit your condition then during pregnancy your phenylamanie may harm your unborn child.
