By Cristina F. Toscano, RD
Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both mother and baby. In fact, breastfeeding your children can even help to lower their risk of developing diabetes later in life. Since diabetes often has a genetic link, it can be especially beneficial for mothers with diabetes to breastfeed their children. But is it safe to breastfeed if you have diabetes? The short answer is yes, with a few extra precautions.
Some studies show that there may be a link between insulin resistance and insufficient milk supply. You can make sure your child is getting enough breastmilk by keeping an eye on baby’s weight gain, diapers, and nonverbal cues. Weight gain should be about 155-240 grams or 5.5-8.5 ounces per week until baby is 4 months old. Babies should have about 2 wet urine diapers when they are 2 days old, 3 or more wet diapers/day when they are 3-4 days old, and about 6 or more wet diapers/day when they are 5 days old or older. Finally, your baby should seem more relaxed after each nursing session. For example, baby’s fists may be tight and clenched before you begin, and open and relaxed when finished nursing. If you have any concern about whether your infant is getting enough breastmilk, contact your pediatrician. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can also work with you to see if it is possible to increase your milk supply.
Children born to mothers with diabetes may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia soon after birth. Your hospital staff will take extra care in monitoring your child’s blood sugar levels during your hospital stay. Luckily, breastfeeding sessions can help. There are certain steps you can take when baby is first born to try to start your breastfeeding journey off on the right foot. For example, begin skin to skin contact with your baby as soon as possible after the birth. Allow baby to nurse frequently. On occasion, mothers with diabetes may have their milk come in later than mothers who don’t. Skin to skin contact, frequent feedings, and maintaining control of your blood sugar during those first few days can help.
Another important consideration is that breastfeeding can lower the mother’s blood sugar level. For this reason, it may help to have a snack before or during your breastfeeding session. It is very important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, and to be aware of any symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, usually below 70 mg/dL. Common symptoms include shakiness, being nervous, nausea, hunger, dizziness, blurry vision, headache, etc. If you are experiencing hypoglycemia, follow the 15-15 rule: have 15 g of simple carbohydrates such as ½ cup of juice, wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. If it is not going up enough, repeat this process once more. If it is still not going up, seek immediate medical attention. If your blood sugar is going up, have a snack at this time to avoid your blood sugar crashing once more. If you are having trouble maintaining your blood sugar goals, meet with your physician and a registered dietitian to plan your meals and snacks.
From a lowered risk of developing multiple types of cancer, asthma, ear infections and SIDS to creating a lifelong bond, there are so many breastfeeding benefits for both mothers and their children. That is why the American Diabetes Association (ADA) says, “All women, including those with diabetes, should be supported in attempts to breastfeed.”
Resources:
https://www.laleche.org.uk/diabetes-and-breastfeeding/
https://beyondtype1.org/breastfeeding-type-1-diabetes/
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/type-2-diabetes
https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/is-baby-getting-enough/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23861770
Cristina is a Registered Dietitian, Diabetes and Family Health Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at cft36@cornell.edu