Improving Breastfeeding Rates by Using Glucose Gel to Treat Newborn Hypoglycemia

Newborn hypoglycemia occurs in 5-15% of newborns during the postnatal period (Weston et al., 2016). Typical treatment for hypoglycemia includes supplementing with formula, which causes a decrease in breastfeeding rates, decreasing patient satisfaction, and interfering with maternal-infant bonding. To combat this issue, a large community hospital in Southern California used Lewin’s Theory of Planned Change to implement an alternative intervention for the treatment of newborn hypoglycemia. Evidence based articles as well as collaboration with surrounding hospitals was used to support the use of oral dextrose gel instead of supplemental formula to treat newborn hypoglycemia. The hospital’s revised treatment protocol on the Labor and Delivery, Mother/Baby, and NICU units called for 24% oral glucose gel for infants with blood glucose levels less than 40 mg/dL. The results of the project are yet to be determined but the goal is to increase breastfeeding rates by 20% from the previous 2016 rate of 65%, thereby increasing patient satisfaction and maternal-child bonding