Ann, there is an excellent study that specifically looks at the issue of
colostrum and stabilization of blood sugar in newborns.

THE RESEARCH QUESTION:  "The rationale for supplementing with glucose water
is the fear that the colostrum is not enough for the newborn and that
consequently the newborn may develop hypoglycemia.  Would the exclusively
breastfed newborns without being given any supplementary food (including
water) develop hypoglycemia?"

METHODS:  30 newborns were assigned to the exclusively breastfed
(experimental) group, Group A.  30 infants served as the controls.  The
protocol in this Chinese hospt. was for all the babies to get prelacteal
feeds of glucose water to prevent hypoglycemia, so the 30 infants in Group B
who got the glucose water received standard care.

RESULTS:  "There was no significant difference in the basic blood glucose
levels as well as the subsequent 3 tests (P>0.05).  Low blood glucose level
was found on three occasions in each group, an incidence of 2.5 percent, but
clinically neither symptoms nor signs of hyproglycemia were
observed...Although the amount of colostrum secreted is not voluminous, it
can still meet the needs of the newborns.  Comparing the corresponding mean
values of blood glucose taken at different periods in the two groups, no
significant difference was evident throughout the 48 hours.  This indicates
that the newborns in Group A, like the newborns fed by other methods, can
keep their blood glucose level stabilized."

Wang Y, Shen Y, Wang J, Yang M, et al:  Preliminary Study on the Blood
Glucose Level in the Exclusively Breastfed Newborn, J Trop Peds 1994;
40:187-88.







Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com

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