Breastfeeding and the Diabetic Mommy
October 21, 2007 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under advantages of breastfeeding, breastfeeding, health of the baby, health of the mother, medication
Hi there. Kendra here from Diabetes Notes, a fellow blogger at the science and health channel. Being a nurse, I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the words, “I know I can’t breastfeed after I have the baby, I’m a diabetic.” And I can’t count how many times I have said, “the heck you can’t.” There are proven benefits to both the baby and the diabetic mommy who breastfeed.
What are they you ask? Let me give you a few…
1. Babies that are breastfed have a reduced risk for developing diabetes later on in life.
2. Prolonging the introduction of cow’s milk in genetically at risk babies may also give them a “leg up.”
3. Moms who are insulin dependent will most likely use less insulin while breastfeeding and it is absolutely compatible and safe in conjunction with breast milk. The insulin molecule is very large and does not pass through to the breast milk.
Now, there are some considerations that go along with breastfeeding while diabetic. For one, you are at risk for developing skin infections and mastitis. Newborn jaundice is also more common in breastfed babies, but that is easily treated. And I absolutely advise any diabetic mother to coordinate her breastfeeding efforts with her OB/Gyn, PCP and endocrinologist. Medications, hormone levels and blood sugars need to be closely monitored.
But by all means… go ahead and put that baby to breast. Living with a chronic disease like diabetes should not inhibit you from enjoying all that comes with “mommyhood”!
I am an insulin dependent diabetic, and have been for going on 26 years, I have been breastfeeding my youngest baby, who is now 10 1/2 months. I really feel like breastfeeding is great for diabetics, and I would not have it any other way.
Jennifer, I’m so glad breastfeeding is going well for you! Thanks for your comment!
hi im a type 1 diabetic im 4 1/2 months pregant and i thought i couldnt breast feed i take insulin shouts twice a day can i breast feed
Hi Angel,
I recommend that you go to the LactMed database:
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT
and type in “insulin” and print out the information to discuss with your doctor. Also call your local La Leche League leader for free information on breastfeeding and medications. Good luck!