I'm looking for info on current practices around the LactWorld regarding
the first feeding of babies of a diabetic mothers. I recently heard from a
gestational diabetic mom (managed with diet only) who was required to give
her baby a first meal of formula. She was informed that "breastmilk does
not have enough sugar." This was presented to mom as a hospital policy.
Her baby's cord blood had not yet been tested when she was given this
"order". While there may be situations where a baby needs more sugar
immediately due to hypoglycemia, this does not make sense to me as a
hospital policy.
Is the use of formula as a first feeding of a baby of a diabetic mom a
standard practice where you are? If so, what literature is used to back up
this position?
TIA,
Cindy Turner-Maffei, MA, IBCLC