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5 tips for breastfeeding with diabetes
Counting down the days until the birth of your baby is a magical time. While you may be focused on the lead-up, it's also important to consider what comes afterward, especially if you live with type 1 diabetes (t1d). Creating a plan for breastfeeding with diabetes after your baby arrives is equally as crucial as the self-care steps you've taken since becoming pregnant.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding with diabetes can have long-term health benefits. Breastfed infants are less likely to become overweight or develop chronic diseases. The benefits for mothers include improved glucose levels and faster loss of weight gained during pregnancy.
Here are five tips for breastfeeding if you live with t1d.
1. Monitor your blood glucose levels during and after delivery
The physical and emotional changes that the body experiences following a baby's birth can result in blood glucose highs and lows. Insulin sensitivity often rises during and after giving birth, resulting in potentially low blood glucose levels for you and your baby.
Even if you plan to breastfeed, some newborns may receive formula during the first eight to 24 hours to raise and stabilize their blood glucose levels. Rest assured this is totally normal!
2. Get off to a good start with breastfeeding
Type 1 diabetes can sometimes delay lactation. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a baby should be kept skin to skin with their mother until at least the first successful breastfeeding. Offering and monitoring breast milk delivery in the first 24 to 72 hours can ensure routine breastfeeding and help identify and address concerns. The AAFP recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for approximately six months. They should continue to be breastfed and given appropriate complementary foods for at least one year.
At the same time, it's important to understand that breastfeeding doesn't come easy to everyone. Some women may experience lactation challenges, emotional challenges from having to constantly be available for breastfeeding, or other issues. If you experience problems when trying to breastfeed your baby, don't hesitate to reach out to qualified medical professionals, who can provide valuable assistance and support.
3. Meet with a lactation consultant
If you'd like advice about breastfeeding with diabetes, consider meeting with a certified lactation consultant. Talking with a lactation consultant can raise your confidence and help you troubleshoot common breastfeeding concerns, which may include:
- A low milk supply
- Sore nipples
- Engorgement
- Plugged milk ducts
- Fungal infections
- A baby's refusal to breastfeed
- Using a breast pump and storing milk
Ask your doctor for a recommendation for a certified lactation consultant. Your health insurance may reimburse this visit, or if you pay out of pocket, the cost can range from $150 to $350. You can find local breastfeeding resources through the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee's coalitions directory by state.
4. Consider using a CGM
Breastfeeding with diabetes can place a higher demand on your body, including the need for more calories. Women with t1d are encouraged to eat frequent snacks and monitor blood sugar levels before and after.
After giving birth, you'll likely be feeling exhausted, overjoyed, and a bit frazzled. Suddenly, there's a new set of responsibilities (and a human life) for you to manage. During this time, using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help take diabetes management off your mind. A CGM can monitor your blood sugar levels and alert you to trends that may lead to a high or low event. This can be crucial when there's so much to be done (and so little sleep to be had).
Postpartum glucose management — including managing your nutrition and getting exercise — is essential to returning to your pre-pregnancy routine. Meeting with a registered dietitian or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist after having a baby can help you re-balance your blood sugar levels and manage t1d.
5. Socialize and meet other moms
The responsibilities of caring for a newborn can be an isolating activity for women who choose to be full-time mothers or take family leave from work. Meeting other mothers who are breastfeeding with diabetes can help you establish an important line of support, especially during times of exhaustion or uncertainty.
It might take some coordination, but don't hesitate to join interest groups and communities that put you in contact with other mothers living with t1d. Before and after pregnancy, programs like MOMLETA support socialization, physical activity, and overall well-being.
While having a baby can lead to a significant lifestyle change, the joys you'll experience from this new addition to the family are priceless. Stay optimistic in the face of breastfeeding challenges, and don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed. You're not alone in this!
Looking for more information on the benefits of CGMs or breastfeeding with diabetes? Visit the Edgepark Health Insights blog to explore the library of articles.
