Not all big babies are at risk for low blood sugar.  However, if they
are large because the mother had a problem with gestational diabetes
(even if she was unaware of it), they could get into trouble.

  Babies of diabetic mothers are supplied with a high amount of glucose
through the placenta.  This is because the mother is hyperglycemic
(diabetic).  The baby makes extra insulin to deal with it.  After birth,
the constant supply of glucose is suddenly cut-off and intermitant
feedings begin.  The baby continues to produce extra insulin for a time
until he/she adjusts.  The baby's blood sugar may drop dangerously low.

Glucose is the main fuel for the brain.  If the blood sugar level falls
too low, the baby becomes jittery, unable to eat, and can begin to
develop seizures and brain damage.

Not all big babies need testing and treatment.  Since the medical
establishment tends to look for problems, rather than expecting things
to go normally, more testing and treatment is done than is necessary.
But when true low blood sugar exists, treatment is life-saving.

Barb Berges BS,RN,IBCLC
Rochester, New York