Introduction
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the newborn, but it also has many benefits for the mother. One main benefit is preventing the mother from diabetes. Breastfeeding is a process that helps in the development of the baby. Breastfeeding should be done for at least six months. Breastfeeding is one of the best ways for the baby to stay healthy for both the mother and the child.
How Does Breastfeeding Help?
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to keep the newborn nourished. It is necessary to breastfeed the baby for at least six months. When the mother has diabetes, it does not mean she should not breastfeed the baby. The real reason is when the mother who has diabetes breastfeeds the baby. It will benefit the future health of the baby and the mother. However, mothers with diabetes may face more complications than normal during breastfeeding, but breastfeeding can be done.
What Are the Advantages of Breastfeeding?
Some common advantages are
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Breastfeeding helps to enhance insulin sensitivity and will have a positive impact on glucose metabolism.
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In the case of type 1 diabetes, breastfeeding tends to lower the insulin needed.
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In the case of type 2 diabetes, breastfeeding helps to lower the severity of diabetes.
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In the case of gestational diabetes, breastfeeding lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.
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Breastfeeding helps to suppress the period cycle and hormonal alterations.
What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Both the Mother and the Newborn?
Breastfed newborns tend to have reduced health issues like respiratory issues, digestive problems, asthma, etc. The newborns also have chances to develop type 1 or 2 diabetes. If a woman has gestational diabetes and increased blood sugar level, which returns to normal after childbirth. But there are chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. However, breastfeeding helps to reduce the risk of diabetes in later life by reducing the blood sugar level. Breastfeeding helps reduce the extra weight the mother has gained during pregnancy, which also helps to handle gestational diabetes or type 1 or 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding also helps to lower the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Those mothers who breastfeed recover quickly post-birth, as a hormone is released during breastfeeding, which helps the uterus contract faster.
What Is Meant by Gestational Diabetes?
In the later period of pregnancy, some women's blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia, tend to rise. This condition can occur even though the mother did not have diabetes before pregnancy. One common complication of gestational diabetes is that it also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. On the other hand, breastfeeding can help this condition as it processes insulin and glucose. Longer a mother breastfeeds it will further reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the future.
Some babies are born with low blood sugar levels, but this condition does not require any formulated milk. Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact with the mother can correct this condition. If the woman has diabetes before pregnancy, they should consult a doctor before conception, as excess gestational diabetes can harm the baby.
What Happens to Diabetes After Birth?
Gestational diabetes is considered a warning signal for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. After a week or two post-birth, the woman should get the diabetic test. The risk of developing diabetes can be reduced by eating a healthy diet, reducing weight, and being active. Medication for diabetes can be taken during breastfeeding but should be consulted with the doctors. Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy will have higher sugar levels, which are reduced gradually after birth.
How to Breastfeed During Gestational Diabetes?
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The mother should try to breastfeed the baby as soon as possible after giving birth.
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There should be a lot of skin-to-skin contact with the newborn.
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The frequency of feeding in the initial stages should be higher.
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The mother should stay calm and relaxed while the milk comes in.
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The mother should stay hydrated by intake of more fluids.
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The blood glucose level should be monitored before and after each feeding.
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Some snacks should be taken before or during breastfeeding.
Why Low Blood Sugar?
The process of producing breast milk takes a lot of energy, and it contains lactose. When the mother nurses the baby, the sugar level in the body falls up to 25 percent, and sometimes the blood sugar can reduce drastically. This is why the mother is asked to take snacks or fruit juice before or during breastfeeding.
How to Manage Sugar Levels During and After Pregnancy?
Certain rules must be followed before getting conceived to maintain normal glucose levels. Some are:
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Regular diabetic care will help to address any issues quickly.
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Consultation with the doctors must be done to manage the changing requirements of insulin, medication, and diet during and after pregnancy.
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A continuous glucose monitor may be provided, which helps to notify if the blood sugar level rises.
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The blood sugar level should be monitored carefully, which can help adjust the insulin, medication, and diet.
What Are the Risks and Complications Associated With Gestational Diabetes and Nursing?
Nursing with gestational diabetes does not cause harm unless the baby has health issues. In most cases, there is no complication in nursing with gestational diabetes, while few face some issues.
What Are the Alternatives for Nursing?
In some cases, the mother with gestational diabetes finds it hard to nurse the baby, in such cases, alternative methods can be chosen; some are:
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Formulated Milk:
Formulated milk is a convenient alternative for breast milk. These formulated milk try to mimic breast milk but will not completely provide all the benefits of breastfeeding.
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Donor Milk:
Donor milk means that if the mother cannot breastfeed the baby, they may get breastmilk from another nursing mother. But before giving it to the baby, it should be made sure that the mother who donated is free from any contagious condition and the milk has been stored properly.
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Other Alternatives:
If the baby has crossed 12 months, whole cow’s milk can be provided.
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes is a common condition during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes does not affect nursing in any way. Instead, the sugar level raised during pregnancy will return to normal post-childbirth. The only complication is that gestational diabetes tends to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.
