[Danielle283]

Ok I need info for a friend of mine that has gestational diabetes and was told that her baby would be given formula after birth because of his low blood sugar. She plans on breastfeeding but says that she understands because of course the colostrum may not be enough in her case. She is wondering what formula to bring.

I know this can't be right, is it? I have googled and searched here, but can't find anything. Any good links I can give her please? Thanks!

 

[Clarinet]

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBJulAug97p107.html

The next link specifically says giving formula is NOT good. Look at the How Does This Affect Breastfeeding section.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/hea...uestid=1109324

Here is where I'm getting these links from:
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns...oglycemia.html

 

[maxmama]

If a baby is genuinely hypoglycemic (the cutoffs vary, but generally below 35 mg/dL) and/or symptomatic, then I do believe in supplementation with formula rather than glucose water. The reason for this is that glucose supplementation tends to have a rebound effect on the blood sugar. What we normally do is have the baby nurse with a tube and syringe at the breast. The goal is to normalize sugars so that babies aren't spiraling into a lower and lower glycemic state while trying to maintain homeostasis. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures and brain damage. Our goal is to keep a baby off an IV and with a normal glucose while their insulin release stabilizes.

That said, very few infants of GDM moms IME are severely hypoglycemic. We monitor the babies closely the first 24 hours and rarely need to supplement.

 

[Danielle283]

Thanks for the links, and thank you for explaining it to me better.

 

[Kellyh_01]

She needs to get the baby on the breast immediately after birth and keep it there as long as possible. They can check the baby's blood sugar while it's on the breast, and formula is only needed if the blood sugar is low - at our facility that is less than 40. If baby's above 40 then just keep him nursing. Our protocol is to check blood sugars at 1 hour, 3 hours, and 6 hours after birth. If the blood sugar is fine then formula is not necessary. Not all babies of diabetic moms need supplemented. If the baby does need some formula, though, the hospital will provide it. She doesn't need to buy any or worry about bringing it with her. She should insist that they check the blood surags first, though, and not give formula if baby's okay. And the better she can keep her own blood sugars under control the less likely it is that her baby will have problems at the time of birth.

~Kelly

 

[Danielle283]

Thanks Kelly.

 

[LeosMama]

Does she have any friends who are currently lactating and would be willing to nurse the baby for her if his blood sugars are low?