This article will explore the benefits and potential challenges of breastfeeding if you have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Benefits for Mom

Mothers who breastfeed reap many health benefits, including a decreased risk for certain cancers and health conditions, weight loss, and quicker recovery after delivery.

Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes

Though gestational diabetes often goes away after birth, half of the women diagnosed develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Breastfeeding can decrease your risk because it helps your body process insulin and glucose more efficiently.

The amount of time you breastfeed also impacts your odds of developing type 2 diabetes. One study found breastfeeding for more than two months may decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly half. Breastfeeding for over five months was associated with more than one-half reduction in risk.

Additionally, mothers with type 1 diabetes may require less insulin, and mothers with type 2 diabetes may experience better blood sugar control while breastfeeding.

Helps Shed ‘Baby’ Weight

Breastfeeding can help you lose weight and return to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly. This is partly because breastfeeding can burn as much as 500 calories daily, the equivalent of running at a steady pace for about 45 minutes.

One study found women who exclusively breastfed for three months lost 3.2 more pounds in the first 12 months than those who did not.

Lower Risk of Cancers

Breastfeeding may help decrease a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Breastfeeding women often experience hormonal changes that delay the return of their period. This reduces their lifetime exposure to certain hormones (estrogen) linked to an increased risk of these cancers.

Quicker Recovery From Delivery

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of hormones that help the uterus shrink to its normal size. This can reduce postpartum bleeding and help you recover from childbirth more quickly and easily.

Benefits for Baby

In addition to supplying optimal amounts of nutrients and energy to support a baby’s growth and development, breastfeeding can help protect babies against diabetes and other health problems later in life.

Lower Risk of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes and obesity, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

A review of existing research found babies who were breastfed for at least six to 12 months were less likely to develop type 1 diabetes than those who were breastfed for a shorter duration.

Though research appears promising, we still need additional studies to clarify the role of nonexclusive and exclusive breastfeeding in developing type 1 diabetes.

Fewer Health Problems

Babies who are breastfed often have strong immune systems because breastmilk contains antibodies that have been passed down from the mother.

Research suggests breastfed babies have a lower risk of health concerns throughout life than those who are not breastfed. These include:

Asthma Obesity Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Ear infections Stomach viruses

Managing Medications

When breastfeeding with diabetes, here are a few things to consider when managing your medications.

Safety of Breastmilk

Medications, including Glucophage (metformin) and insulin, are considered safe while breastfeeding. More research is needed on the newer drugs used to treat diabetes.

There is insufficient data on the following medications:

GLP-1 agonists, taken as daily or weekly injections, are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Examples include Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide). SGLT-2 inhibitors increase glucose excretion in the urine and are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding (based on animal studies). Examples include Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Steglatro (ertugliflozin). DPP-4 inhibitors lower sugar by helping the body increase insulin production after meals. They are contraindicated in those with type 1 diabetes and during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Examples: Januvia (sitagliptin) and Tradjenta (linagliptin)

Changes in Insulin Needs

Studies show that the insulin requirements for a mother with type 1 diabetes are approximately 21% lower than pre-pregnancy doses.

Additionally, breastfeeding burns calories and may aid in weight loss, lowering your need for insulin therapy. Your healthcare team can work with you to adjust your insulin and other medications during this time.

Though breastfeeding offers many benefits for both mom and baby, it comes with some challenges.

Low Milk Supply

Good blood sugar control is important for lactation. Studies suggest that having gestational diabetes or preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes may be associated with a low milk supply.

Researchers found nursing mothers with a low milk supply were more likely to have a diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy than latch problems or nipple issues. Also noted, women with insulin resistance and a higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to have low milk production.

Hypoglycemia

Breastfeeding can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) because your body will use sugar from your blood to make breast milk. Mothers should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels while breastfeeding.

You may find it helpful to eat a snack or meal before breastfeeding. Additionally, keeping 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of fruit juice or a tube of glucose gel on hand while breastfeeding can help raise your blood sugar if it becomes too low.

Thrush

Women with diabetes are at greater risk for developing nipple thrush, a yeast infection that occurs on the nipples of breastfeeding women.

Symptoms of nipple thrush commonly include:

Nipple burning or itchingSore nipplesFlaky or cracked nipples

Treatment for nipple thrush often consists of topical antifungal medications and topical antibiotics.

Getting Breastfeeding Help

As you navigate breastfeeding with diabetes, working closely with your healthcare provider and lactation consultant is important. A board-certified lactation consultant can help you prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns.

Joining a breastfeeding support group is also an excellent way to discuss common concerns and connect with others who have breastfed with diabetes.

Summary

Though breastfeeding mothers with diabetes may face challenges, it offers many benefits, both for moms and babies. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of diabetes and other health conditions. Mothers with diabetes who breastfeed often have better blood sugar control and other benefits. If you are struggling with a low milk supply or any other nursing problem, a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider can help.

A Word From Verywell

Every woman’s breastfeeding journey is different. You may experience some problems or none at all. Though it’s recommended to breastfeed for at least six months, any amount of breastmilk you can provide your baby with is beneficial. If you cannot breastfeed, formula is also a good choice and can provide the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive.