Newborn Low Blood Sugar Explained – How to Help Your Baby

Worried about your newborn’s blood sugar? You’re not alone. Many moms are surprised to learn that low blood sugar (also called hypoglycemia) is actually quite common in the first hours and days after birth—but that doesn’t make it any less scary.

The good news? Breastfeeding early and often can help stabilize your baby’s blood sugar naturally. Here’s what to know—and what you can do.

Is Low Blood Sugar in Newborns Serious?

Most of the time, it’s manageable. Many babies have a dip in blood sugar shortly after birth, and their levels often stabilize once they start feeding well. That said, hypoglycemia should always be taken seriously. If left untreated for too long, it can lead to complications, including brain damage.

Importantly, having low blood sugar as a newborn doesn’t mean your baby will develop diabetes later. It’s a temporary issue that usually resolves with good feeding support.

Causes of Low Blood Sugar in Newborns

While in the womb, your baby’s blood sugar is regulated by your body through the placenta. Toward the end of pregnancy, babies store glycogen (a sugar reserve) in their liver to help regulate their blood sugar after birth. But some babies don’t have enough reserves, especially if they’re born early or under stress.

Common causes include:

• Premature birth (before 37 weeks)
• Low birth weight
• Babies born to mothers with poorly managed diabetes
• Stress during or after labor
• Cold stress (when babies get too cold after birth)
• Long or difficult labor
• Breathing problems or infections
• A smaller twin (in twin pregnancies)

Babies at Higher Risk of Hypoglycemia

• Premature babies
• Babies who are small for their age
• Infants of diabetic mothers (especially if diabetes wasn’t well controlled)
• Babies who had a tough or stressful birth
• Babies who are not kept warm after delivery
• Babies whose mothers received glucose IVs during labor

Knowing the risks helps you and your care team keep a closer eye.

How Breastfeeding Helps

Breast milk is a natural stabilizer for blood sugar. Colostrum—the thick, yellow milk your body makes in the first few days—is especially rich in nutrients and sugars that help balance your baby’s glucose levels.

Here’s How to Make It Work

• Start early: Aim to nurse within the first hour of birth, even in the delivery room.
• Feed often: Breastfeed every 2–3 hours (or more if baby shows hunger cues).
• Use skin-to-skin contact: Keeping baby warm on your chest helps regulate temperature and blood sugar.
• Pump and hand express if needed: If your baby is sleepy or not latching well, hand-express colostrum and feed it with a spoon or cup.
• Try breast compressions: This can help get more milk to your baby and keep them actively sucking.

Even small amounts of breast milk make a big difference—especially in those early hours.

What If Supplementing Is Needed?

If your baby needs a supplement to keep their blood sugar stable, it doesn’t mean breastfeeding has failed. You can protect your breastfeeding relationship by:

• Using donor milk or pumped colostrum if available
• Avoiding artificial nipples when possible (to prevent nipple confusion)
• Using tools like a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to feed at the breast

Your care team can guide you through safe supplementation while still supporting nursing.

Final Thoughts: Breastfeeding Supports Blood Sugar Stability

Low blood sugar in newborns is common—and in most cases, very treatable. The most powerful tools you have? Early breastfeeding, keeping baby warm, and trusting your instincts. With the right support, you can help your baby stay safe and strong in those first crucial days.

You’re doing an amazing job. Keep going—you’ve got this.

References

• Diagnosis and Management of Neonatal Hypoglycemia — PMC/NCBI (2023)
• Hypoglycemia in Neonates, Infants, and Children — Endotext/NCBI (2023)
• Neonatal Hypoglycaemia — BMJ Medicine (2024)
• Low Blood Sugar – Newborns — MedlinePlus (2023)
• Screening and Management of Newborns at Risk for Low Blood Glucose — Canadian Paediatric Society (2019)