I'm back. The second call I got today was from a friend concerning a mutual
friend who just delivered baby #3 about 5am this morning. Baby weighed 10 lbs, 5
oz, arrived by csect. Mom wanted a vbac but did not dilate. Mom also had leg in
cast which didn't help matters. Baby has a blood glucose level of 30 so the
hospital ordered formula supplementation by gastric tube. Baby has no interest
in bf now (apparently is full and zonked from formula). Mom is worried about
brain damage so has accepted the formula supplementation willingly (partially
because she is too tired and sore to fight). Dad wants the hospital to give
glucose by IV so mom can nurse the baby. Mom is not too concerned about not
nursing right now since she had successfully gotten her first 2 babies to go to
the breast after difficult beginnings (#1 was preterm; #2 had beta strep
infection).

Those of you who work in hospital settings (either onstaff or as outside
consultant)--what are your policies as far as acceptable blood glucose levels,
and how do you deal with low ones?

From what I remember of the reputation of the hospital she delivered at, they
are supportive, but their policies have not necessarily caught up with the level
of support, if that makes any sense.

Thanks again!

Melissa Vickers, MEd, IBCLC
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