Plasma glucose levels in exclusively breastfed newborns in the first 48 hours of life in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding of newborns in maintaining a normal blood glucose level in the first 48 hours of life. One hundred and twelve consecutive newborns were initially recruited and 91 completed the study. All neonates of mothers with complicated pregnancy such as diabetes, hypertension and infections were excluded from the study. Maternal and cord glucose estimation were carried out within 30 minutes of delivery. All mothers were assisted in positioning and attaching their babies to the breast. All newborn were weighed and glucose levels were measured at 24 and 48 hours of life before breastfeeding. All mothers were euglycaemic while seven neonates had plasma glucose level less than 1.7 mmol/l at birth. Only one neonate had persistent hypoglycemia from birth to 12 hours of age and required treatment. All other neonates had blood glucose level above 1.7 mmol/l at 24 and 48 hours of life. The weight loss was 0.176 +/- 0.134 kg and 0.211+/-0.157 kg at 24 and 48 hours respectively. We therefore conclude that the exclusively breastfed newborns have adequate glucose supply and are not at risk of having hypoglycemia in the first 48 hours of life.