If you are a diabetic and have a baby, there are certain things
to keep in mind while you are breastfeeding. Firstly, studies
have proven that breastfeeding a baby can help to prevent type
1 diabetes development. Babies who breastfeed until at least
six months will be at a lower risk for type 1 diabetes. Doctors
generally recommend that mothers breastfeed their children until
nine to twelve months.

Doctors are unsure if the positive effects of nursing come from
special nutrients in the colostrum (the special milk from
mothers) or if it because babies who are breastfed often grow
at a more regular pace than those who are fed from cow’s milk.
Babies weaned on cow’s milk often experience growth spurts
rather than the steady growth associated with mother’s milk. If
you are a diabetic, consider breastfeeding to help lower your
child’s chances of diabetes due to genetic predisposition.

Breastfeeding is not only positive for the babies, but also for
the mothers. Breastfeeding can help maternal weight loss, and it
is particularly important for diabetic women to maintain a
healthy weight. Some breastfeeding mothers find it easier for
them to manage their diabetes because their glucose levels stay
more constant and they have a remission of some symptoms while
breastfeeding.

Just like during pregnancy, breastfeeding requires much blood
sugar level monitoring from the mother. You will probably find
that your need for insulin is lower than before your pregnancy.
Insulin will not enter your baby’s body because it is too large
to be carried on the breast milk. However, if you have type 2
diabetes and are taking diabetes medication, talk with your
doctor to make sure that you are on a type of medication that
will be healthiest for both you and for your baby.

Breastfeeding means that you have to be extra careful of your
nutrition, so be sure to see your doctor or dietitian to create
a meal plan that will work for you. It is important to eat
regular snacks when you are breastfeeding because you want to
keep your blood glucose levels constant. You will need to
increase your caloric intake by about 500 calories a day to
meet your baby’s nutritional needs. You can do this simply by
drinking a glass of milk each time you breastfeed, which will
keep you both hydrated and full of vitamins.

In order to maintain a balanced diet, experts suggest that
mothers eat 20% of calories from protein, 40-60% from
carbohydrates, and 30-40% from fruits and vegetables. Keeping
up with all of these food groups will ensure that your body has
the nutrients to provide for the baby.

As a breastfeeding mother, low blood sugar is an increased
risk. However, by eating a healthy diet full of legumes, whole
grains, other healthy foods, you will be able to keep low blood
sugar at bay. Drinking lots of fluids is also an important part
of having a healthy blood sugar level. Most importantly,
monitor your blood glucose levels and record the results
frequently. Having a newborn baby around will mean that you are
very busy, but it is also the time when it is most important to
take care of yourself so that you will be able to care for your
baby.

When the baby is born, often it is a good idea to immediately
allow the baby to breastfeed, which will prevent low blood
sugar. Some hospitals will try to take babies away for
observation. You can ask politely, and firmly insist that you
baby stays with you for the first feeding and for some initial
bonding time. If you are hospitalized after the baby is born,
ask to bring your baby with you so that you will still be able
to breastfeed. Diabetic mothers are not often hospitalized, but
since breastfeeding is even more important for diabetic mothers,
it is important to keep this in mind.

Some diabetic mothers may find that their milk comes in late,
between two days to two weeks. In the meantime, use a
breastpump and speak to your doctor to establish the best
solution for you and your baby. Even babies who are too weak to
breastfeed can be fed breastmilk that has been pumped.

Breastfeeding is a bonding experience for mothers and babies.
Diabetics can breastfeed and gain even more benefits than the
emotional closeness, such as lowered diabetes risk for the
baby, and improved diabetes control for the mother.


About The Author: Vivian Brennan is an expert on diabetes, and
is currently an editor at
http://www.theguideto-diabetes.com/living_with_diabetes/ She is
also a mother of two. She believes in educating people about
diabetes to help people improve their lives.

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