The best way to feed and nurture an infant is through breastfeeding. Most health experts say that breastfeeding is a highly essential way to feed a newborn healthily and naturally. In an ideal case, breastfeeding will start from the first or second day of the birth itself and extends till 15 months. However, many of the diabetic mothers have speculations regarding the same.
Diabetic mothers can breastfeed, as well. Having diabetes shouldn’t prevent you from breastfeeding. In fact, there are impressive benefits for both the mother and baby. Know the diversified aims of breastfeeding for diabetic mothers and their babies.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for a Diabetic Mother
Apart from the regular benefits of weight loss gained during pregnancy and relieving stress, Diabetic moms have higher advantages when it comes to breastfeeding. They help you regulate the conditions of insulin and diabetes. Check all the advantages associated with breastfeeding for a diabetic mother.
- Breastfeeding tends to increase insulin sensitivity and thus shows a more remarkable change in the long run. This will help the mother in managing insulin and controlling diabetes in a better manner.
- In Type-1 Diabetic mothers, the amount of insulin required for the body is reduced by breastfeeding. In turn, these reduced needs will make the mother’s body produce less insulin, controlling diabetes condition.
- In Type-2 Diabetic mothers, breastfeeding directly reduces the severity of diabetes. This impact is not just during the phase of breastfeeding; its results are observed throughout life.
- For Gestational diabetes, the risk of developing later diabetes is significantly reduced with breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding also suppresses periods and monthly hormonal changes for diabetic mothers.
- The hormone oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its regular size more quickly. The release of oxytocin will also reduce the postpartum bleeding condition.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for your Baby
It is well known that breastfed babies tend to have fewer health problems and infections for the rest of their life. The tremendous amounts of antibiotics present in mother milk help them prevent digestive trouble, asthma, ear infections, and respiratory troubles. Babies might also be less likely to develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes with breastfeeding immunity.
Tips for Diabetic Mothers During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is excellent and beneficial for women with diabetes, but it may make your blood glucose a little harder to predict. You will observe variations in glucose levels. Here are the tips to help prevent low blood glucose levels:
- Plan to have a snack before or during nursing
- Keep something to handle low blood glucose nearby when you nurse, so you don’t have to stop your child’s feeding midway.
- Drink enough fluids and plan to sip a glass of water or a caffeine-free drink while nursing.
Have a perfect feeding schedule prepared by discussing with your midwife or pediatrician. They will guide you and help you regulate your diabetes and a healthy feeding procedure for your infant.
*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before making any decision.
