How Gestational Diabetes can Impact Breastfeeding
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy, causing high blood sugar levels. If it’s found before about 20 weeks it’s more likely to be Type 2 Diabetes. Stress, nutrition, sleep, exercise and sunlight all impact our blood glucose levels. Having GD can make starting breastfeeding a bit more challenging, but with the right information and support it’s still more than possible to nurse your baby without issues. Gestational Diabetes is a metabolic disorder so by breastfeeding your baby you’re reducing your risk of developing other metabolic disorders such as Type 2 and certain cancers. That’s something to consider on the tough days.
Challenges
Delayed Milk Production: Normally, your body starts producing a lot of milk a few days after birth. However, if you have gestational diabetes, this process might be slower due to hormone imbalances. This means formula is likely to be offered.
Higher Chance of C-Section: Even if your gestational diabetes is well-managed, providers often recommend inducing labor, which can increase the likelihood of a cesarean. This is NOT an evidence based approach. Recovering from a surgery can also make milk production take a bit longer. Due to the lack of appropriate gut microbes a cesarean birth itself can also contribute to metabolic disorders and chronic disease as our children grow. (Exclusive breastfeeeding can reverse much of this microbiome issue).
Baby’s Health: Babies born to moms with GDM may have low blood sugar after birth, which can mean separation from your baby making breastfeeding harder in the beginning.
Tips for Success with Gestational Diabetes
Even with these challenges, you can still have a great breastfeeding experience. Here’s how:
Learn Before Baby Arrives: Take an evidence based breastfeeding class and talk to a lactation consultant while you’re pregnant. They can help you prepare and create a plan for after the baby is born.
Consider Collecting Colostrum from about 36 weeks so you can avoid supplementation of formula and manage baby’s blood sugars now that they have been disconnected from their on tap, continuous food source.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Keep your baby skin-to-skin right after birth and as often as possible. This helps your body produce milk, regulates your baby’s glucose levels, stress levels and breathing. And of course strengthens your bond with your baby.
Breastfeed Often: Try to nurse your baby 8-12 times a day - minimum. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will make.
Hand Express: If your baby can’t nurse right away, start expressing milk by hand. This helps gently signal to your body to make milk.
Keep Your Blood Sugar Stable: Work with your providers to manage your blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar can help your body produce milk more effectively. Red light therapy can also help stabilize blood glucose levels during pregnancy, providing an additional tool to manage gestational diabetes and glucose spikes. Get your hands on Lily Nichol’s book - Real Food for Gestational Diabetics for meal plans that are satisfying and evidence based recommendations.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet with lots of whole foods, protein and fats. Avoid processed foods and of course carbs. This supports your overall metabolic health and milk production. (No you don’t need any oats/grains in your diet or to breastfeed - lactation cookies are generally NOT good for your health).
Get Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from lactation consultants, breastfeeding groups, and your healthcare team. Support from others can make a big difference.
Be Patient and Gentle with Yourself: The first few days with a newborn can be tricky - with or without GD. Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this new experience.
Gestational diabetes can make breastfeeding a bit more challenging, but with the right support and strategies, you can overcome these obstacles. By preparing ahead of time, getting help, and staying committed to breastfeeding or pumping regularly, you can enjoy the many benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby.
