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Breast feeding with diabetes

Madelinelowery

Madelinelowery

Well-Known Member
Messages
135
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi everyone!
I'm really wanting to try breast feeding my baby when it's born, I'm almost 20 weeks!!
Iv heard some babies born to diabetic mothers struggle? Anyone had any problems?

Xxx
 
I had no trouble whatsoever - or should I say, my son and daughter had no problems.

I certainly had no idea that some babies of diabetic mothers have problems breast feeding. As far as I knew, it was luck - most babies/mothers have no problems but others do, for one reason or another.

As far as I'm concerned breast is best, so go for it!
 
I'm not sure there are any specific issues relating to ability to feed related to diabetes, though breast feeding may lower your blood sugar so it's worth keeping snacks handy! No reason at all not to give it a good go, especially if you are keen to do so, and it's always worth remembering that if there are issues there can be some excellent support available, it may just be difficult to find it if you are not sure where to ask, maybe try to see of there is a breastfeeding group locally as they are happy to help expectant mums and will know where to find extra help if you need it locally.
 
Hi. I've never heard of babies of diabetic mums having any problems with bfeeding. The main concern with them is the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia and to prevent this they need to feed within the first couple of hours after birth. Some mums struggle to produce enough colostrum at this stage so baby may need a formula top-up to prevent/treat any hypos. If this happens ask them if you can give it to the baby with a syringe instead of bottle as it may help with breastfeeding later.
I've been breast feeding Rosie for a month now, it's certainly not easy but I think that's more my poor milk supply than her.
Good luck with it all, so exciting that you've gotten to 20weeks, have you found out what you're having?
X
 
Hi jess p!
That's so good to hear, we have our 20 week scan on Tuesday so hopefully we can find out what we're having!!! So excited
Xx
 
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