Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Low blood glucose means your baby’s blood sugar is too low. This can happen in the first few hours or days after birth.
Babies who are small, born early, unwell at birth, or whose mothers have diabetes or took certain medicines may be at risk. These babies need to stay warm and feed often to keep their blood sugar normal.
Why is it important?
If blood sugar gets very low and isn’t treated, it can harm your baby’s brain. But if it’s found quickly, it can be treated and your baby will be safe.
- A tiny blood sample is taken from your baby’s heel.
- You can hold your baby skin-to-skin while the test is done.
- The first test is before the second feed (about 2–4 hours after birth).
- Tests are repeated until blood sugar is stable.
- You’ll get the result straight away.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Keep your baby on your chest with a hat and blanket.
- Keep warm: Use blankets or skin contact.
- Feed soon after birth: Ask staff for help if needed.
- Feed often: Watch for signs like moving mouth, sucking fingers, or eye movements. Don’t wait for crying.
- Feed as long as baby wants.
- Don’t leave more than 3 hours between feeds.
- Express milk: If breastfeeding is hard, give expressed milk. Ask staff for help or watch the UNICEF hand expression video.
You know your baby best. If something feels wrong, speak up.
- Feeding well?
Your baby should feed at least every 3 hours at first, then about 8 times in 24 hours. Ask staff if you’re unsure about breastfeeding or formula amounts. If your baby suddenly feeds less, tell staff.
- Warm enough?
Your baby should feel warm (hands and feet can be cooler). If you use a thermometer, it should read 36.5°C to 37.5°C.
- Alert and responding?
When awake, your baby should look at you and react to your voice. If you try to wake them, they should respond.
- Normal muscle tone?
Babies are relaxed when sleeping but should still have some tone in arms and legs. If your baby feels floppy or makes strong jerky movements, tell staff.
- Normal colour?
Lips and tongue should be pink.
- Breathing easily?
Babies breathe irregularly, but if breathing is very fast for a long time, or they seem to struggle (nostrils flaring, deep chest movements, noisy breathing), this is not normal.
- In hospital: tell any staff member.
- At home: call your community midwife for urgent advice.
- Out of hours: call NHS 111 or MAMAs line 0300 013 2004.
- If very worried: go to Paediatric A&E or dial 999.
- Feed your baby and give skin-to-skin contact.
- Another blood test will be done before the next feed.
- If breastfeeding is hard, staff will help you express milk or give formula.
- Sometimes sugar gel is used to raise blood glucose.
- If your baby is too sleepy or still low after feeding, they may need care in the Neonatal Unit.
Most babies improve within 24–48 hours and have no further problems.
Your baby will usually stay in hospital for 24 hours after birth. If their blood sugar is stable and they are feeding well, you can go home.
Before You Leave
- Make sure you know how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.
- Staff will explain what to look for in wet and dirty nappies.
- If you’re breastfeeding, check the UNICEF Baby Friendly assessment tool for more tips.
Feeding at Home
- Your baby should feed at least 8 times in 24 hours (most babies feed more often).
- You don’t need to wake your baby every 2–3 hours as long as they’ve had 8 feeds in 24 hours (unless told otherwise).
- Start responsive feeding – your midwife will explain this.
If you’re bottle feeding:
- Offer the bottle when your baby shows hunger signs.
- Let your baby take breaks and stop when they’ve had enough.
- Don’t force them to finish the bottle.
Once You’re Home
No special care is needed. Keep watching for signs your baby is well, and get help if you’re worried.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/057
Approval date:
1 January 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.