>I agree with Jan's question about research basis for feeding within 2 hours
>of birth, especially since 40 years ago we didn't even feed glucose water
>for 24 hours!  Has anyone ever continously monitored a "normal" full term
>baby after  birth to know what "normal" glucose levels are?


Yes!

Dr Jane Hawden has published on this, and I have heard her speak a
number of times on this topic.

When I get a chance I will look up the references and post them.

She has gathered evidence to show that hypoglycaemia is something
often worried about *too much* and how giving formula is actually
very rarely justified.

Most healthy term newborns who are bf regulate their sugar levels
themselves, and giving formula disturbs this.

In fact, we have a lot of good stuff on hypoglycaemia for
institutions who want to base practice on good research and sound
evidence.

I think part of the problem is too many people in positions of power
to change things are not all that bothered about whether their
practice is evidence-based - where bf is concerned, evidence goes out
the window. With some people you could present an RCT or a superb
study of 5000 mothers and babies, and it could be wiped out by what
they think happened to their neighbour's aunt's best friend's
cousin-in-law 10 years ago.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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