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Diabetic Moms
Can They Be Breastfeeding Moms? By Gwen Morrison
Duval is certain that her frequent nursing in the first few days is what stabilized her daughter's blood glucose level so quickly.
energy intake – about 35 to 45 kcal/kg or 400 more calories a day," says Porter. "Diabetic breastfeeding moms need to follow their caloric increase needs closely. Calorie needs change according to how much the baby is nursing. Moms need to eat healthy diets and make sure they eat frequent meals." Porter wants to stress to moms who are breastfeeding how important it is to monitor their blood sugars closely. "Low blood sugars can be dangerous for both Mom and Baby," she says. "Moms who experience low blood sugars may not letdown as well, and their babies run the risk of losing weight. According to recommendations, moms need to eat 20 percent from protein, 40 to 60 percent form carbohydrates and 30 to 40 percent from fruits."
Dr. Frances Dauterive from the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in Baton Rouge, La. tells breastfeeding moms that they need to be aware of the increasing metabolism and decreasing insulin requirement. "She needs to maintain careful control at all times to avoid low blood sugar throughout the day," Dr. Dauterive says. "Adequate intake of fluids and calories is important."
Diabetic moms who are nursing can ensure a healthy diet and caloric intake by eating generous amounts of whole foods. "Whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds and dairy and meat products from healthy animals," says Cyntia Lair, a certified health and nutrition counselor and the author of Feeding the Whole Family: Whole Foods Recipes for Babies, Young Children and Their Parents
