Breastfeeding with diabetes

The global diabetes epidemic is affecting more pregnant women and babies. Breastfeeding can make a real difference, but requires special support.

The rates of diabetes in Europe have increased by 35% in recent years. North Africa and the Middle East are showing increases up to 110%. It's no wonder that this global epidemic is leading to a growing number of pregnant women with diabetes.

In fact, diabetes is one of the most common health conditions occurring during pregnancy, affecting 1 in 6 births. Of this, 85% of the cases are due to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) - and rates continue to grow.

A vicious cycle

Hyperglycemia during pregnancy increases the risks of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Breastfeeding is also affected for several reasons, including higher rates of caesarian sections among diabetic moms. It's a vicious cycle, as the children of moms with GDM (especially girls) have a greater risk of developing metabolic problems, including type 2 diabetes - which, in turn, increases their (and their infant's) risks during pregnancy.

Fortunately, encouraging breastfeeding is a free and effective way of combating maternal (and offspring) diabetes. In spite of the many challenges these mothers face, establishing breastfeeding is achievable for diabetic mothers. Educating them about breastfeeding deserves special attention - and should begin early in the pregnancy.

Webinar with experts

Our webinar, Breastfeeding challenges and opportunities for mothers with diabetes, goes into detail about the different types of diabetes, and the role of breastfeeding among diabetic moms.

Prof. David McIntyre - Director of Obstetric Medicine and Head of Mater Clinical Unit, and Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology, University of Queensland, Australia - discusses diabetes during pregnancy, (patho)physiology and risks for mother and child. He also looks at breastfeeding and its health benefits for diabetic mother and child, as well as specific challenges these moms face.

His colleague, Alison Barry, is a credentialed diabetes educator at Mater Medical Research Institute. She shares background information to help midwives and other healthcare professionals assist diabetic women in successfully breastfeeding their babies – including tips from her 30 years of experience as a clinical midwife.

Reducing risk

The rates of breastfeeding among women with diabetes is similar to or lower than the general population. Obese moms tend to breastfeed less. The higher frequency of caesarian sections among diabetic mothers also contributes to lower breastfeeding levels.

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of diabetes in mothers. Breastfeeding exclusively, and for a longer period of time (e.g. 5-10 months), also has the benefit of reducing a GDM mother's risk developing diabetes by 50%. It also reduces the risk that her child will become overweight - which, in turn, reduces that child's risk of developing diabetes later on in life.

The midwife's tips

In the webinar, Alison Barry explains that diabetic women with a low-risk pregnancy can safely express breastmilk during late pregnancy, without causing harm to their baby. This allows them to collect and provide extra colostrum, which helps stabilize a newborn's low blood glucose levels - a risk that affects babies born to diabetic mothers.

After birth, a diabetic mom's secretory activation (milk coming in) will be delayed. Early suckling and skin-to-skin contact can help. For babies with low blood glucose levels, or in case of low breastmilk supply, Barry also recommends increasing the frequency of breastfeeding. Immediately after birth, the diabetic mother will need less insulin. Breastfeeding also lowers insulin requirements. So it is important that moms check their glucose levels before and after each breastfeeding. They may also need to adjust their meal plans.

New diabetic mothers benefit from the support from lactation consultants, midwives and family, to gain confidence in breastfeeding. It's about their health - but more importantly, it's also a way to prevent diabetes and other chronic illness in her child (and even her grandchildren!).