Breastfeeding And Diabetes

Should you be breastfeeding while diabetic? What about breastfeeding and type 2 diabetes?

Yes a diabetic mom can continue to breastfeed her baby. Whether you have type 1, 2 or gestational diabetes you can and should continue to breastfeed. Diabetic moms are advised to breastfeed their babies exclusively for 6 months.

Why is it important to breastfeed if you have diabetes?

- It lowers baby’s risk of developing diabetes

- Colostrum helps to stabilize a baby’s blood sugar levels after birth

- It helps mom lose weight

- It helps the body utilize insulin more efficiently

- It lowers the need for insulin

- Oxytocin released while breastfeeding will help mom feel better physically and emotionally. Stress can aggravate diabetes, so this is a big advantage.

Other normal benefits of breastfeeding

Tips for breastfeeding with diabetes

- Diabetic moms should always eat something that contains a combination of protein and carbs before a breastfeeding session. Breastfeeding moms usually increase their calories by 250 per day, diabetic moms need to increase their calories by 500 (spread out through the day) Many moms do this by drinking a glass of milk every time they breastfeed.

- Diabetic moms sometimes have a slower “milk letdown” this means that their milk might only “come in” on day 5 after delivery. Read more on hand expressing breast milk here …this will help if mom needs to express colostrum in the beginning before her mature milk comes in.

- If baby needs to be supplemented within those first few days while your milk is coming in you should ask that he is given a hypoallergenic formula.

- In those first few days while you are waiting for your milk to "come in" you need to continue to breastfeed at least 10 times per day. The more your breasts are stimulated the more milk they will produce. Do not replace breastfeeding with pumping sessions, rather pump in-between breastfeeding sessions or use a lact aid to supplement baby (read more on how to use a lact aid) .

- Maintain lots of skin to skin contact with your baby, this will trigger the hormones that produce milk.

- Breastfeed baby as soon as possible after delivery

- Always keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels

- Extra calcium is needed (about 1000mg daily)

- Make sure baby is latched on properly , as moms with diabetes have an increased risk of thrush and mastitis which are caused through sore nipples and insufficient milk being taken out.

- Stay relaxed while breastfeeding

Diabetes breastfeeding warnings

- High blood sugar levels can be found in your breast milk, these will sweeten your milk, make baby pick up weight and give him a “sweet tooth” this is why it is so important to keep a good check on your sugar levels

- Newborn baby jaundice is also more common in babies whose mothers have diabetes. Read more on jaundice and breastfeeding

- When weaning, a diabetic mom should do so very gradually, if she doesn’t, she has a risk of it affecting her insulin levels.

- Avoid herbs like fenugreek which have an effect on blood sugar levels

- If you have type 2 diabetes and are on oral medication you should talk with your doctor about the healthiest medication that can be taken for you and baby

- Do not drink alcohol, as it can decrease milk let down and also increase your risk of hypoglycemia if you take insulin.

Diabetic Diet eGuide

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” related to breastfeeding and diabetes

- Jaundice and breastfeeding

- Alternative feeding methods

- Breastfeeding diet guidelines

- Mastitis

- Thrush

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