Classical galactosaemia (C Gal) is a rare genetic (inherited) condition. This is a condition where babies can get very sick from drinking milk. This includes breast milk or formula milk.
C Gal is where the body is not able to break down galactose (a sugar found in milk). This can be life-threatening for babies, or lead to liver damage or sepsis.
C Gal is not an allergy to lactose or milk.
C Gal is 80 times more common in babies born to Traveller parents.
If you're a member of the Traveller community, your baby will be tested for C Gal on the day they are born. Children outside the Travelling community who have siblings with C Gal will also be tested on the day they are born.
How the test is done
A drop of blood is taken from your baby's foot before their first feed. The sample is sent to the lab for testing. The result should be back in 2 to 3 days, but it could be quicker.
Your midwife will recommend that you only give your baby formula that doesn’t have any galactose until the test result is back.
Most formula feeds are based on cows' milk and contain galactose. Soya formula does not have galactose in it. But this is no longer easily available. In most cases, you will be offered Nutramigen or Neocate formula.
If you are planning to breastfeed, talk to your midwife. You can begin to express and store breast milk while you wait for the test result.
If your baby has C Gal
If your baby has C Gal, you must use the recommended formula milk (Nutramigen or Neocate) to manage the condition. They will need a galactose-free diet for life.
Babies with C Gal will be referred to the National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders. There you can learn more about C Gal and the best way to look after your baby.
If your baby does not have C Gal
If your baby does not have the condition, stop using the galactose-free formula.
Your midwife will support and help you with breastfeeding your baby.
If you want to bottle feed, you can switch to regular baby formula as soon as you know your baby's test result.