Khalid,
I have posted this story before but I'll tell it again since it applies to
the topic. My sister has been a diabetic for 28 years and recently delivered
a baby in Toronto. She had a planned C-Sect and baby boy over 9 lbs. (she is
4' 11" ).Anyway, she nursed in recovery (within 2hrs. of birth) and her baby
was with her 24HRS/DAY (her husband slept there and my mother was there in
the day time. All testing for blood sugars were done bed side. She nursed
every 2hrs and baby blood sugar never went below 36.At one point when his
level was 36, they wanted to supplement but she insisted they let her feed
him first and retest him later. He never needed any supplements. My sister
was a very empowered patient and baby was a terrific nurser and nursed
frequently. I think it shows that it is possible to have a normal outcome
even in a high risk situation. However, if mom not as knowledgeable or baby
not as cooperative (likely if it was a diffucult birth) then there could be
the need for intervention.Though this intervention should not undermine
breastfeeding, mom could pump and use an alternative feeding method (cup,
spoon, finger-tube feed)Many problems early on (weight loss, low blood sugar,
jaundice) can be a result of not breastfeeding enough. Until we truly have
Baby-Friendly hospitals, there will be problems because babies won't get
enough breastmilk when they need it.
Robin, Malvern, PA