Low Blood Sugar in Newborns

Blood Sugars in Newborns are only tested for in Hospitals.

Homebirth newborns are not tested.

To raise Blood Sugar, the baby needs food. Foremost Breastmilk, failing that, Formula. But always try every option to give breastmilk.

Babies who are supplemented - even a single bottle - in the early days tend to have shorter durations of both exclusive and any breastfeeding.

After all, we say to mom "You need to supplement with formula because your baby's blood sugar is low", what is the message we are sending? "Your milk has not been feeding your baby adequately, and it will not feed your baby adequately; we cannot trust that it is there in sufficient amounts and/or that your baby can get enough of it." Any wonder that these moms go on to mistrust their ability to nurse their babies? Additionally, even just a little formula affects baby's gut flora for weeks, changing the balance of beneficial flora that exclusive breastfeeding establishes (for more information on all of this, see this article by Marsha Walker, particularly the section "Some Cautionary Words About Supplementing with Formula").


(http://phdoula.blogspot.com/)

Babies get those bottles of formula not necessarily through malice, but because of staffing issues, longstanding habit, and lack of education and lack of trust in breastfeeding. They get formula without the understanding of the risks of "just a little bit".


What can you do to avoid unnecessary supplementation in the hospital? A few things:




1) Prepare yourself for breastfeeding - read, take a class, attend La Leche League meetings - boost both your knowledge and your confidence.



2) Choose a certified baby-friendly birthplace - this won't eliminate the possibility of unnecessary supplements, but it will greatly decrease them!



3) Make sure breastfeeding is going well - let the staff know you are committed to breastfeeding, ask for a lactation consult, and solicit outside help from La Leche League or a lactation professional if you need to. Yes, those people can come visit you in the hospital!



4) Surround yourself with family and friend support. Maybe the sister-in-law who keeps asking whether the baby is "too hungry" is not the person to spend the night with you!



5) Be ready to advocate for yourself if needed, and have all that knowledge, preparation, and support ready. Self-advocacy is not always easy (and unfortunately not always successful), but it is very important!


I did not know any of this when my son was admitted to the special care unit for LBS. (hypoglycemia) He ended up being suplemented with a tube up his nose, as the nurses told me I did not have enough Breastmilk.
IF ONLY someone had told me about 'Fenugreek' or 'Blessed Thistle', or that I didn't have to feed every 3 - 4 hours, I could have kept him on the breast for as long as I or he wanted, and this also would have helped to increase my supply.