Using Glucose Gel to Reduce Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Promote Breastfeeding

Abstract

Neonatal hypoglycemia may occur as neonates transition to the extrauterine environment. Infant formula supplementation and intravenous dextrose are the most frequent treatments for newborns with hypoglycemia. These interventions interrupt exclusive breastfeeding and disrupt maternal-neonatal bonding, as a higher level of care is often required. AWHONN identifies breastfeeding as one of the most important health behaviors affecting the morbidity and mortality among women and children. Nurse residents noted evidence that revealed buccal glucose gel has been used to reverse hypoglycemia in combination with breastfeeding in neonates and did not require NICU admission. This evidence prompted an evidence-based practice project in a 47-bed obstetric unit across two network campuses, which asked, “In neonates at risk for hypoglycemia, does the use of glucose gel compared with no glucose gel reduce the percentage of neonates admitted to the NICU for the treatment of hypoglycemia?”