Prevention of Neonatal Hypoglycaemia with Early and Exclusive Breast Feeding

Abstract

Concern about hypoglycaemia in the new born infant is a common issue. Subsequent neurologic development may be affected in children experiencing hypoglycaemia in the neonatal period. This observational study enrolled 150 healthy term neonates who did not require admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and were kept in post natal wards with mother. All neonates of mothers with complicated pregnancy such as diabetes, Hypertension and infections were excluded from the study. Glucose levels were monitored at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hrs of life. Hypoglycaemia was defined as blood glucose levels ? 46mg/dl. 24% of the screened neonates developed hypoglycaemia in 1^st hour of life, which was corrected with immediate breast feeding only. 6% of the neonate and 3% of the neonate developed hypoglycaemia in 2^nd and 6^th hour of life respectively which was corrected with immediate breast feeding only. No formula feed supplementation was needed at any hour of life to correct hypoglycaemia. All mothers were assisted in positioning and attaching babies to the breast and were motivated to breast feed on demand. All neonates were able to maintain blood glucose levels in normal range at 12^th, 24^th and 48^th hour of life with exclusive breast feeding only. We therefore concluded that with early and exclusive breast feeding healthy term neonates can maintain normal glucose levels with decreased risk of hypoglycaemia. Formula feed supplementation should be avoided to correct hypoglycaemia.