Having diabetes shouldn’t discourage you from breastfeeding. You will have the same success as any other woman. Breastfeeding  is recommended because  its beneficial to both mother and child. You have to ensure that your diabetes health care team know ahead of delivery that you’re planning to breastfeed .

Nutritional requirement during breastfeeding

Nutrition is a major key to a healthy successful, breastfeeding experience. Caring for  a new baby may change when and how you feed. It is therefore essential that you check your blood sugar more often  and adjust your diabetes medicine.

You need to eat healthy and make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D and calcium.

You may have more low blood sugars because your body is using energy to make breastmilk.  You can prevent hypoglycemia if you eat a snack before or during breastfeeding or before naps. You can seek the help of a registered dietician to help you with a meal plan that will address your nutritional needs , your target blood sugar range and your weigh goals.

Some healthy snacks includes

• fruit salad
• hard  boiled egg and toast
• bagel and cream cheese
• dried fruit and nut mix
• crackers with cheese

You need to increase your intake of water and sugar free non caffeinated beverages. If you drink milk or juice to meet your nutritional needs, be sure to count them in your meal plan.

It is important not to drink alcohol during breastfeeding because :

• it may interfere with your milk let down reflex
• increases your risk of low blood sugar
• prevents you from drinking more nutritious beverages
• alcohol passes from your breastmilk to your baby

When should i avoid breastfeeding ?

Breastfeeding is not recommended in the following reasons :

• if diabetic complications will inhibit your body’s ability to handle the additional demands of breastfeeding
• if you are using medicine or substances that are not compatible with breastfeeding