Last Updated on December 24, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Breastfeeding is advised and encouraged for mothers due to the numerous benefits it provides to both them and their children. This is because nursing mothers are less likely to develop breast and ovarian cancer, obesity, high blood pressure and lipid levels, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes later in life. Several studies in women with gestational diabetes (GD) imply that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Despite this significant advantage, there is evidence that women with GD are less likely to breastfeed. This article highlights the significance of breastfeeding, whether a mother with GD can breastfeed her child, and the specific tips that a mother with GD should remember while breastfeeding.
What is the significance of breastfeeding?
Breastmilk is the physiological standard for infant nutrition, providing numerous health benefits and safety to both babies and mothers. This is due to the fact that breast milk is a unique source of food for infants, containing all the vital nutrients to ensure the infant’s health, growth, and development. This food source cannot be replaced by any other diet because breast milk contains numerous antioxidants that protect babies from pathogens. Breastfeeding is also a good source of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which help prevent or reduce oxidative damage to various body tissues. Breast milk contains many anti-inflammatory agents, which protect the child from inflammatory damage.
Breastfeeding should begin within 1 hour of birth, continue with no other foods or liquids for the first 6 months of life, and be supplemented with other age-appropriate foods until at least 24 months of age. However, global breastfeeding rates continue to fall far short of global targets.
Can a mother with gestational diabetes breastfeed her baby?
Yes, a woman with GD can breastfeed her child. If the mother has gestational diabetes or develops diabetes for the first time while pregnant, her high blood sugar levels will most likely return to normal shortly after giving birth. Mothers with GDM are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, whereas breastfeeding causes their blood sugar to drop quickly, potentially lowering their risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Breastfeeding also protects the mother’s health by lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, obesity, hypertension, stroke, high lipid levels, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Regardless of the numerous advantages of breastfeeding, there is evidence that women with GDM have lower rates of breastfeeding and that the duration of breastfeeding is shorter than that of healthy mothers. This is because of the higher rates of cesarean sections and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. These increase the recovery time for the mother and ultimately prolong the separation of mother and baby. Other factors influencing GDM breastfeeding rates include insulin therapy during pregnancy and obesity; women with insulin-treated diabetes have less intention to breastfeed, and women with high BMI may have different hormonal patterns, which impair the onset of milk production. While mothers with GDM who are being treated with prescribed oral hypoglycemic medicines have no influence on their milk production.
Is there any advice for GDM mothers who want to breastfeed?
Yes, keep in mind that GDM should not prevent mothers from breastfeeding their newborns. Hence, they should maintain constant contact with their doctors in order to overcome any challenges. Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible after birth to maximize mother-baby contact. When the milk arrives, mothers should remain calm and patient. Mothers should eat nutritious foods before and during nursing. Aside from that, they should stay hydrated and monitor their blood sugar levels.
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