Pku?

[Hippiemommie]

Are you girls having the PKU screening done on your newborns? Why or why not?

[Dena]

We are, because it is something that, if caught early, can be managed, but if left untreated can be life threatening.

[wildgarden]

Yes, mostly because I used to work with children with PKU and other metabolic disorders and I know the importance of getting them on a special diet ASAP to avoid brain damage. It is one of those when you know too much about something things. There are signs of PKU and the other disorders that you can look for if you choose not to have the test done. I'm sure you could google a whole mess of info.

[mama_daba]

we are for the reasons already stated

[Maeve]

Originally Posted by Dena

We are, because it is something that, if caught early, can be managed, but if left untreated can be life threatening.

:

[candyapplez]

we are too the 2nd one not the first. mw said she's only had one case in 12 years but since you can prevent it, it's worth it.

[durafemina]

yup, I declined most everything, but this is definitely worthwhile IMO

[HeatherB]

nak

Yep, and after talking to my MW about the current screen here in TX we went so far as to have my best friend (now a phlebotomist) come and do the heel stick for us at 3-4 days. My MW doesn't do it herself and I wanted to avoid going to the ped's office until 2wks. It used to be recommended that you could skip the first test, but at least here, it's now worthwhile to have it done both times.

We'll also do a hearing screen for the same reason - can gain important info with little to no risk.

[Brisen]

Yes, we did it, for the same reasons others have said.

The mws here only did it once, at 3 days.

[gypsyfaery]

Yes for all the already stated reasons.

[2bluefish]

Absolutely, I think it is very important. Prompt treatment for these disorders can be the difference between life or death or lifelong disability. It's not a fun experience, but it can be made easier by nursing the baby while they are doing it.

[mittendrin]

It'll be the only thing we'll have done. Maybe the hearing test, haven't decided yet.
Highjacking: WHEN are you guys gonna have it done?

[Maeve]

We aren't sure when we are having it done. The family dr. we might use only performs a retest, not an initial one. What we might do is have a test done at the hospital and redone 1-2 weeks later.

[Hippiemommie]

Thanks for the input. I'm so sick of all this needless testing I can't remember what I should and shouldnt' get done. The midwife is coming out Monday to draw it for us.