Diabetes mellitus presents various challenges for mothers during breastfeeding. However, this is not a cause for significant concern regarding their own health or that of their child. If you are interested in learning about important aspects of diabetes during breastfeeding, continue reading with Saed News.
Most health experts agree that breast milk is the best nutrition for newborns. Ideally, you should exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first six months. But you may wonder if having diabetes affects your ability to do so. In general, diabetes does not prevent breastfeeding, but women with diabetes may face certain challenges during this period.
The claim that women with diabetes cannot breastfeed is baseless. Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin to convert glucose into energy. Insulin plays an important role in breastfeeding.
A mother with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes can and should breastfeed if possible. If you have gestational diabetes, breastfeeding can help prevent the later development of type 1 diabetes. However, it is crucial to take certain precautions while breastfeeding. You may initially face some difficulties, but with practice and patience, you and your baby can establish a successful breastfeeding routine.
Research shows that babies who are breastfed, regardless of whether their mother has diabetes or not, have a lower risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, digestive issues, and asthma. Additionally, they are less likely to develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the future. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin, whereas in type 2, it cannot use insulin effectively.
Breast milk contains essential nutrients such as fat, calcium, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the baby's growth. Even if you have diabetes, you can still breastfeed your baby, and the benefits include:
If you had gestational diabetes (diabetes that first appeared during pregnancy), your blood sugar levels will likely return to normal shortly after birth. However, you may still be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later. Breastfeeding improves blood sugar control and reduces the risk of developing diabetes in the future.
Colostrum (the first milk) lowers the baby's risk of diabetes.
Breastfeeding reduces the need for insulin by up to 25%.
Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby by reducing the risk of various diseases.
Whether you have gestational diabetes, type 1, or type 2 diabetes, breastfeeding helps with postpartum weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential, as obesity can make blood sugar control difficult and increase the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer compared to those who do not. Additionally, they recover more quickly after childbirth because the hormones released during breastfeeding help the uterus contract.
Oxytocin, a hormone released during breastfeeding, improves both physical and emotional well-being.
Since breast milk contains sugar, each feeding session lowers the mother's blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is important to consume starchy foods regularly.
Breastfeeding is strongly recommended by doctors, even for diabetic mothers. However, it is crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to ensure they remain stable. Here are some important tips to protect your health and that of your baby:
Increase the number of meals you eat daily and check your blood sugar at least 5–10 times a day.
In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, eat three small snacks throughout the day.
If you have diabetes, you should introduce solid foods to your baby after six months. The first six months of breastfeeding are the most critical.
It may take some time after birth for your milk supply to come in.
If your milk has not come in yet, you can temporarily feed your baby with hypoallergenic formula, but only after consulting your doctor.
Regularly monitor your baby's weight at home to ensure everything is on track.
Before breastfeeding, consume protein- and carbohydrate-rich foods.
High blood sugar levels make breast milk sweeter, which can lead to excessive weight gain in your baby. Follow a doctor-recommended diet to keep blood sugar levels balanced.
Your baby may experience jaundice, which is common among babies born to diabetic mothers.
If you take oral diabetes medications, consult your doctor about their safety and impact on breastfeeding.
Avoid using fenugreek in your meals, as it can affect blood sugar levels.
If you have diabetes, the following strategies can help you manage your blood sugar and navigate breastfeeding challenges:
In most cases, you can continue using the medications you took during pregnancy to control your blood sugar. However, always consult your doctor about your diabetes medications during breastfeeding. Metformin and injectable insulin are generally considered safe during this period. If you have type 1 diabetes, you must continue insulin injections, but you may need a lower dose than before pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting insulin requirements.
Milk production requires significant energy, and breast milk is rich in lactose (a type of sugar). As a result, breastfeeding can lower your blood sugar by up to 25%, sometimes leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Proper medication adjustments by your doctor and regular blood sugar monitoring using a glucometer can help maintain stable levels. Ask your doctor to periodically check your glucometer to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Before breastfeeding, eat a snack, and always keep a quick source of sugar, like juice, nearby in case your blood sugar drops. Also, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Do not be discouraged if your milk production is delayed. Studies show that diabetes (including gestational diabetes, type 1, and type 2), insulin resistance, and a high body mass index (BMI) can delay milk production. Additionally, diabetic mothers may worry about their health and their baby's well-being, which can negatively affect oxytocin—a hormone responsible for milk ejection.
If you are unable to breastfeed at all, consult your doctor about formula feeding. While formula does not offer the same benefits as breast milk, it provides essential calories and nutrients for your baby.
Maintaining a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity are crucial for managing diabetes while breastfeeding. To ensure a healthy diet, follow these tips:
Choose healthy carbohydrates. Since carbohydrates affect blood sugar, opt for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy.
Reduce salt intake. Excessive salt consumption can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people with diabetes develop cardiovascular issues.
Avoid processed meats. Foods like sausages and deli meats are linked to heart disease.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. These are rich in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Opt for healthy fats. Nuts, avocados, fish, olive oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil contain beneficial fats that support overall health.
Limit sugar consumption. Sugary snacks and drinks prevent postpartum weight loss and can spike blood sugar levels.
Milk production requires extra calories. Breastfeeding women need more daily calories than non-breastfeeding women. If you have diabetes, consult a doctor or nutritionist about your caloric needs. Your intake should support milk production without causing excessive weight gain or blood sugar spikes.
Regardless of the type of diabetes you have, family and friend support is essential. New mothers often struggle to find time to cook. If you have diabetes, maintaining a nutritious and regular diet is crucial.
Caring for a baby can also make you forgetful. If you take insulin before meals, you must eat promptly. If your baby cries right after your insulin injection, delaying your meal could lead to hypoglycemia. Consider breastfeeding while using a baby carrier or ask loved ones for help so you can finish your meals.
Lack of sleep makes diabetes management harder and increases stress. Try to rest when your baby sleeps. If necessary, ask family members to watch your baby for short periods so you can nap.
Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of fungal infections, which can cause nipple pain and itching. If you experience symptoms like rashes, blisters, or severe pain while breastfeeding, consult an endocrinologist.
