Decreasing the Number of NICU Admissions Related to Hypoglycemia

Abstract

Neonatal hypoglycemia affects 15%–30% of newborns. Treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia is based on hospital policy and guidelines. Many newborns who have blood glucose levels that fall below the recommended hospital guidelines are admitted to the NICU for further management. This leads to maternal and newborn separation, maternal anxiety, and difficulty in adherence to breastfeeding. There are modifiable factors that can contribute to newborn hypoglycemia. This includes neonatal hypothermia, delayed newborn feeding, and undiagnosed maternal sepsis.