Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Mothers with diabetes may be concerned that breastfeeding could aggravate their symptoms or that their diet or medical condition could complicate nursing.
There is no reason for diabetes to prevent you from breastfeeding. It may be difficult at first, especially if you were separated from your baby initially, perhaps because of caesarean section, but, with time, you and your baby should be able to develop a good breastfeeding pattern.
If you are breastfeeding your baby, that may also lower your insulin requirement by up to 25%. This is because breast milk contains lactose, which you will then lose from your system as the baby feeds, leading to a drop in your own blood glucose levels. You may need to eat more starchy foods while you are breastfeeding to maintain your blood glucose levels and prevent hypos, but this should not lead to weight gain – in fact you are more likely to lose weight while breastfeeding!
