In a message dated 1/25/00 11:43:06 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< I refused to let the nurse check blood sugar levels on my 9 lb. 2.5 oz.
newborn, who had major shoulder dystocia during delivery. . .
 Hospitals should not be in the business of "allowing" a mother to
 breastfeed.  Mothers have a right to breastfeed.  Hospitals should not be
 supplementing unless there is a clear need for it -- and I can't imagine
 any scenario in which a newborn *needs* formula supplementation in the
 first 24 hours of life if breastfeeding is happening properly.  >>

I agree Kathy. Unfortunately our hospital policy states that we must do a
blood sugar on EVERY baby. When I talked to my grandson's pediatrician about
refusing to do the blood sugar (he had NO risk factors) she said that it was
too risky in today's litigious environment not to follow policy. My grandson
breastfed right after delivery, had a 39 blood sugar & was almost
supplemented with formula! I was livid! Luckily, when they did an immediate
recheck it was 42, otherwise known as a "borderline " blood sugar. So at my
suggestion, baby Travis went back to Mom to breastfeed. His blood sugars were
stable with breastfeeding, NO supplementing. Travis' daddy has milk & soy
allergies, so I was really afraid to have him supplemented.

Laura Hart
Winter Park in central Florida

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