| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | want to keep your blood glucose levels constant. |
| If you are a diabetic and have a baby, there are | | | | You will need to increase your caloric intake by |
| certain things to keep in mind while you are | | | | about 500 calories a day to meet your |
| breastfeeding. Firstly, studies have proven that | | | | baby’s nutritional needs. You can do this |
| breastfeeding a baby can help to prevent type 1 | | | | simply by drinking a glass of milk each time you |
| diabetes development. Babies who breastfeed until | | | | breastfeed, which will keep you both hydrated |
| at least six months will be at a lower risk for type | | | | and full of vitamins. |
| 1 diabetes. Doctors generally recommend that | | | | In order to maintain a balanced diet, experts |
| mothers breastfeed their children until nine to | | | | suggest that mothers eat 20% of calories from |
| twelve months. | | | | protein, 40-60% from carbohydrates, and |
| Doctors are unsure if the positive effects of | | | | 30-40% from fruits and vegetables. Keeping up |
| nursing come from special nutrients in the | | | | with all of these food groups will ensure that your |
| colostrum (the special milk from mothers) or if it | | | | body has the nutrients to provide for the baby. |
| because babies who are breastfed often grow at | | | | As a breastfeeding mother, low blood sugar is an |
| a more regular pace than those who are fed | | | | increased risk. However, by eating a healthy diet |
| from cow’s milk. Babies weaned on | | | | full of legumes, whole grains, other healthy foods, |
| cow’s milk often experience growth spurts | | | | you will be able to keep low blood sugar at bay. |
| rather than the steady growth associated with | | | | Drinking lots of fluids is also an important part of |
| mother’s milk. If you are a diabetic, | | | | having a healthy blood sugar level. Most |
| consider breastfeeding to help lower your | | | | importantly, monitor your blood glucose levels and |
| child’s chances of diabetes due to genetic | | | | record the results frequently. Having a newborn |
| predisposition. | | | | baby around will mean that you are very busy, |
| Breastfeeding is not only positive for the babies, | | | | but it is also the time when it is most important |
| but also for the mothers. Breastfeeding can help | | | | to take care of yourself so that you will be able |
| maternal weight loss, and it is particularly | | | | to care for your baby. |
| important for diabetic women to maintain a | | | | When the baby is born, often it is a good idea to |
| healthy weight. Some breastfeeding mothers find | | | | immediately allow the baby to breastfeed, which |
| it easier for them to manage their diabetes | | | | will prevent low blood sugar. Some hospitals will |
| because their glucose levels stay more constant | | | | try to take babies away for observation. You can |
| and they have a remission of some symptoms | | | | ask politely, and firmly insist that you baby stays |
| while breastfeeding. | | | | with you for the first feeding and for some initial |
| Just like during pregnancy, breastfeeding requires | | | | bonding time. If you are hospitalized after the |
| much blood sugar level monitoring from the | | | | baby is born, ask to bring your baby with you so |
| mother. You will probably find that your need for | | | | that you will still be able to breastfeed. Diabetic |
| insulin is lower than before your pregnancy. Insulin | | | | mothers are not often hospitalized, but since |
| will not enter your baby’s body because it | | | | breastfeeding is even more important for diabetic |
| is too large to be carried on the breast milk. | | | | mothers, it is important to keep this in mind. |
| However, if you have type 2 diabetes and are | | | | Some diabetic mothers may find that their milk |
| taking diabetes medication, talk with your doctor | | | | comes in late, between two days to two weeks. |
| to make sure that you are on a type of | | | | In the meantime, use a breastpump and speak to |
| medication that will be healthiest for both you and | | | | your doctor to establish the best solution for you |
| for your baby. | | | | and your baby. Even babies who are too weak to |
| Breastfeeding means that you have to be extra | | | | breastfeed can be fed breastmilk that has been |
| careful of your nutrition, so be sure to see your | | | | pumped. |
| doctor or dietitian to create a meal plan that will | | | | Breastfeeding is a bonding experience for |
| work for you. It is important to eat regular | | | | mothers and babies. |
| snacks when you are breastfeeding because you | | | | |