Hi.
I m a 1st time mom n only awared abt the “G6PD deficiency” after delivered my twins 5 months ago.
My paed has advised me not to breastfeed the child since i m taken ginger n chinese herb. At last, i hv not breastfeed my child but i felt regretful recently when read abt some articles in the website that actually can breatfeed the child.
Can i get the confirmation from you? i hope this will help when i decide to have my 3rd child in future. Thks.
Tan har lay
Dear Har Lay,
It is not your fault that you didn’t breast feed your babies and i am indeed happy for you that you are thinking about breast feeding your other children. Understanding what G6PD is about will help you in the care of your children.
G6PD is an inherited condition that is common among Asians.Deficiency in this enzyme may cause severe jaundice in the first few weeks of the baby’s life.A person with this condition should avoid certain medications ( including certain antibiotics), food, chemicals and herbs. Being aware of this condition and what to avoid is crucial in avoiding serious consequences. Think of it as a person with major allergies to certain food and drugs. The person should stay away from these food and drugs directly or indirectly.
If a baby has G6PD, the paediatrician will give you a list of the drugs , traditional medications, food and chemicals that your baby should avoid. If you intent to breast feed, you should avoid these medications / food as well . A certain amount of what you eat will cross through the breast milk. It is always wise for a breast feeding mother to also avoid self medication, tradition herbal preparation and traditional drugs unless they are prescribed by a qualified practitioner. A such, you can breast feed a G6PD baby ( babies) if you follow the same guidelines for a person with G6PD to follow.
Jennifer
