Breastfeeding
Because of your medical history, your labor and delivery team will be on the lookout for hypoglycemia. While still in your womb, your baby's pancreas had been programmed to produce enough insulin to counteract your sometimes heightened blood glucose supply. Once he becomes "disconnected" from the maternal sugar source at delivery, his high insulin levels may drive his blood glucose down, causing hypoglycemia. A heel stick blood test can confirm the diagnosis, and oral glucose or a glucose IV drip for baby can quickly treat the condition. Having a parent with type 1 diabetes makes your child slightly more likely to develop the disease . Type 2 has a stronger genetic link, but the good news is it is easier to prevent with healthy lifestyle changes. Many women with diabetes question their ability to breastfeed, worrying about either harm to their baby is my milk safe? Does it have enough nutrients uncontrolled blood glucose swings in themselvesWill I go high from having to eat more? Will I go low from "sharing" with baby? You may be relieved to find out that women with diabetes can and do breastfeed successfully, and in fact your milk may even reduce the chances of passing diabetes on to baby.
Breast Benefits
Babies who breastfeed at least three months have a lower incidence of type 1 diabetes, and may be less likely to become obese as adults. And some research has linked early exposure to cow's milk and cow's milk-based formula to the development of type 1 diabetes, another good reason to nurse your child. Clinical studies have also shown that women who have gestational diabetes in pregnancy and go on to breastfeed their child for at least three months experience improved pancreatic beta cell function, which may lessen their chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Breastfeeding may also be protective for the children of at-risk type 2 populations. Several studies have shown that Native American mothers who breastfeed reduce the risk of their children developing the disease.
Safety Measures
Taking insulin does not threaten the health of your breastfeeding infant. However, women who take medication to control their type 2 diabetes need to consult with their doctor, as some drugs pass into breastmilk. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against any risks medication might pose. In some cases, he may be able to prescribe an alternative drug. If you are pregnant and plan on breastfeeding your child, you should discuss these issues with your doctor now, so you are both prepared once baby arrives. Breastfeeding can be hard work , and when you're trying to balance it with the demanding occupation of new motherhood, the associated stress and fatigue can do a number on your control. The hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding and the postpartum period can also cause highs and lows (although in some women, this shift may improve sugar levels). As you may have guessed already, checking your glucose levels often and working with your doctor is the best way to stay on track during this hectic time.