Will I be able to breastfeed if I live with diabetes?

You should always breastfeed! Diabetes might affect your ability to produce milk making the production slower, however well controlled diabetes should reduce this problem.

I know that breastfeeding has so many benefits, does diabetes make my breastfeeding not favorable?

On the opposite! Regardless of whether the mother had diabetes , breastfed babies are less likely to have health problems like diabetes, respiratory disease, ear infections, digestive problems, asthma and many others.

Is it true that breastfeeding can help me lose weight?

Yes! breastfeeding can help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy and make your body get back in shape faster by contracting your uterus.

What are some of health the benefits of breastfeeding on mothers in general?

Women who breastfeed are at lower risk  of having  breast and ovarian cancers.And some studies estimate that women who had gestational diabetes and breastfed their child had a 50% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Is it harder for women with diabetes to breastfeed?

Diabetes can make the milk come in more slowly. You just have to be more patient. Also, having poorly controlled diabetes makes you more likely to get yeast infections, which can cause pain and itching in the nipples. You can always ask for the help of a diabetes educator or dietitian to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

​Can I take my diabetes medication in the breastfeeding period?

As a general rule, a medication that was safe to use during pregnancy is also safe to use during breastfeeding. However, it is recommended to consult with your doctor, especially since the dosage may need to change.

Will diabetes affect the quality of my milk?

When your blood sugar levels are well controlled, your milk will be as good as the milk of a non-diabetic mother.

Will breastfeeding cause me to have hypoglycemia?

Producing milk takes a lot of energy from you so your sugar level might drop low sometimes. But with regular checking of your blood sugar, planning your meals ahead and being aware of the signs of hypoglycemia you can breastfeed without having any issue. 

​Breastfeeding may not always be an easy job; it requires commitment and some sacrifice from your side. So, building a support system of family and friends can take you a long way here especially when you have diabetes. Your loved ones can help you eat well and remind you to test your blood sugar and take your medication.

​Stay as healthy as you can for you and your baby…