Breastfeeding is generally considered to be the greatest method of feeding a baby by health professionals; therefore if you’re able to do so, you should. Breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life would be ideal in a perfect world. When it comes to those who have diabetes, that may not be the case. There’s no need to worry: Diabetes should not prohibit you from breastfeeding, and both you and your baby will benefit much from it.
There are a few drawbacks to nursing, and diabetic women may experience additional difficulties, so it’s best to be prepared. Get up to speed with diabetic nursing.
You and Your Child’s Well-Being
Babies who are nursed (regardless of whether the Mom has diabetes) are likely to have fewer health issues, such as respiratory and ear infections, digestive disorders, and asthma. This is true regardless of whether Mom has diabetes. In addition, they may have a lower risk of developing diabetes, either type 1 or type 2.
Health benefits may also be available.
If you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, your blood sugar levels are likely to return to normal after you give birth. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes will continue to rise for the rest of your life, even if you lose weight. Breastfeeding can help minimize your risk of developing diabetes in the future by lowering your blood sugar levels immediately.
Pregnant women who have typed 1 or 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes may be able to shed some of the extra weight they gained during pregnancy by breastfeeding. Breast and ovarian cancer risks are reduced in women who breastfeed. As a result, they can heal more rapidly following childbirth because of breastfeeding hormones.
Breastfeeding is excellent for women with diabetes, according to many experts, including those from the American Diabetes Association. However, it’s not uncommon to have difficulties.
Is It Difficult to Be a Nurse?
People of all ages can experience this, but those with diabetes have additional obstacles. As an example, it might delay your milk supply.
Many but not all women with type 2 diabetes are overweight, which can make breastfeeding more difficult, especially in the first few months.
If you need assistance or are unsure if you should supplement with formula, contact your doctor or a lactation consultant.
Are Your Prescription Drugs Safe for Your Infant?
Generally speaking, if a drug was safe for you to take while pregnant, you should be able to continue taking it while breastfeeding as well. Check with your doctor first, though.
In general, insulin and metformin are good options. Insulin should continue to be taken even if you have type 1 diabetes, although you may require less insulin while breastfeeding than you did before you became pregnant.
When you have type 1 diabetes, hormonal changes that occur during childbirth and nursing may alter the quantity of insulin you require and throw your overall testing and treatment regimen off. A lactation consultant, diabetes educator, or nutritionist may be able to help you learn the ropes until you get the hang of it.
Blood sugar levels are too low.
Breast milk contains a lot of lactose, a form of sugar, which requires a lot of energy to produce. When you breastfeed your kid, your blood sugar levels may decrease by up to 25%, and your blood sugar might drop dangerously low if you don’t monitor your blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Checking your glucose levels more frequently and preparing in advance can go a long way. To avoid hypoglycemia, it’s best to take a little snack before breastfeeding and to keep a bottle of fruit juice handy during breastfeeding. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Your Day-to-Day Routines Change.
When it comes to dealing with any sort of diabetes, you’re going to need the help of family and friends.
When you have a baby, finding time to cook healthy meals can be difficult, but if you have diabetes, it’s even more critical.
You may tell your body to expect a specific number of carbs if you give yourself an insulin injection before a meal. There are times when you can postpone eating to comfort your crying infant, but you may wind up postponing your insulin injection and becoming hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia will set in if you don’t eat for a few hours after taking the injection. As a last resort, you can carry your infant while you eat, or have a partner or other aide assist you.
What Else Should I Be Concerned About?
The thrush might be a harbinger of things to come. A yeast infection in the nipples can be painful and itchy if you have diabetes that is poorly managed. Doctors should be called immediately if a rash or blisters appear or if you experience severe pain when feeding.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they’d want to check your monitor and testing materials from time to time.
